CPC Neuroscience & Positive Psychology in Coaching Flashcards

What is 'appreciative inquiry' in the context of coaching?

Answer: A strength-focused approach that explores what is working well to generate positive change

Appreciative inquiry shifts the focus from problems to strengths and possibilities, helping clients envision and build toward an ideal future.

What does the term 'amygdala hijack' mean in a coaching context?

Answer: An emotional override where the brain's fear center triggers a reactive response, bypassing rational thinking

An amygdala hijack occurs when perceived threat activates the fight-flight-freeze response, impairing access to the prefrontal cortex needed for goal-focused thinking.

How does 'values clarification' connect to neuroscience and motivation in coaching?

Answer: Living in alignment with core values activates reward circuits and reduces stress, driving intrinsic motivation

When behavior aligns with core values, the brain's reward system responds positively, while misalignment creates cognitive dissonance and internal resistance.

What is the 'broaden-and-build' theory (Fredrickson) and how does it apply to coaching?

Answer: Positive emotions broaden thinking and build lasting personal resources such as resilience and creativity

Barbara Fredrickson's theory shows that positive emotions expand a person's thought-action repertoire, helping them build lasting psychological, social, and intellectual resources.

Why might a life coach use visualization techniques with clients?

Answer: Because the brain activates similar neural pathways during vivid mental rehearsal as during actual performance

Mental rehearsal activates motor and sensory neural pathways, priming the brain and body for success and increasing confidence and commitment to goals.

What is 'psychological safety' in a coaching context?

Answer: An environment where clients feel safe to take interpersonal risks, share vulnerabilities, and explore challenges without fear of judgment

Psychological safety, a concept popularized by Amy Edmondson, is the foundation of effective coaching—clients must feel safe to be honest and experiment with new behaviors.