Coaching and Social Work: Challenges and Concerns‪.‬

Coaching" has rapidly grown in the past five years (Grodzki, 2002), and clinical social work practitioners are increasingly considering coaching as an alternative or additional mode of practice (Valliantos, 2001). It is seen as an opportunity to diversify practice without the hindrance of managed care (Grodzki, 2002; Kodish, 2002). Although the exact number of social workers providing coaching services is unknown, it is clear that it is of interest. Evidence of the growth of coaching in social work can be seen by the increases in presentations on coaching at social work conferences, in articles and classified advertisements in NASW News, and in NASW state chapter publications. Coaching workshops are now approved for social work continuing education credits in more than 30 states. Despite its rapid growth, there has been little discussion regarding the relationship of coaching to the field of social work. This commentary is intended to begin the dialogue.