Group Coaching: What It Is, Why It Works, and How It Helps

Group coaching is a powerful way to grow — together.

This page explores what group coaching is, why it works, and when it’s especially effective. If you're curious about whether group coaching might be a good fit, or simply want to understand how it differs from team coaching or therapy, you're in the right place.

Group coaching brings people together not to compete or compare, but to reflect, set goals, and grow alongside each other — with support, structure, and shared insight.

Want to explore working with us? Learn more about our Wise Goals Group Coaching Programmes.

What Is Group Coaching?

Group coaching is a structured, confidential space where individuals come together to explore personal goals, reflect on experiences, and grow through shared learning. It blends the depth of one-to-one coaching with the energy and wisdom of the group.

It’s not therapy. It’s not training. It’s a collaborative, insight-led space where each person is on their own path — but supported by others walking alongside them.

The focus is always on the individual’s development, but within a shared, resonant atmosphere that fosters accountability, connection, and clarity.

According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF):

It is a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires collective learning and supports growth for each participant — distinct from training or facilitation.

Why Group Coaching Works

Group coaching works because we don’t grow in isolation.

• Collective insight – We hear others name things we hadn’t realised we felt too.
• Accountability – We’re more likely to follow through when others witness our intentions.
• Reflection through others’ experiences – Others’ challenges mirror our own and expand our view.
• Belonging and motivation – Being part of a purposeful group energises change.
• Gentle challenge – We grow through supportive feedback and seeing different perspectives.

It’s powerful because it combines personal reflection with the human need for connection — without the pressure to perform.

When Group Coaching Is Most Effective

Group coaching is especially helpful when:

• You’re in a transition — starting something new, or letting something go
• You’re working on goals — but don’t want to do it alone
• You want more self-awareness and reflection, but not formal therapy
• You’re building confidence, purpose, or identity
• You’ve done 1:1 coaching and want to stay connected to growth in a lighter way

It’s also ideal if you’re curious, thoughtful, and open to listening — and being listened to.

What Makes a Great Group Coaching Space?

Not all group spaces are the same. At Wise Goals, we prioritise:

• Psychological safety – You’re not judged or fixed. You’re heard.
• Deep listening – Space is made for what matters — no one dominates.
• Emotional intelligence – We hold complexity, gently.
• Spacious structure – Grounded, but flexible. Light structure, deep reflection.
• Shared ownership – Groups aren’t led at people — they’re co-created.

Our approach is grounded in trauma-awareness, values-based coaching, and the belief that everyone brings wisdom to the circle.

How Group Coaching Differs From...

Group coaching may seem similar to other group-based practices, but it’s important to understand the differences:

• Team Coaching: Focuses on a group working together toward shared organisational goals and improving team performance. Group coaching, by contrast, supports individual growth within a group setting — people may have different aims but share the coaching space.
• Facilitation: Is about guiding group discussions or processes to help a team reach decisions or develop ideas. It’s less structured around individual transformation and more about collective outcomes.
• Training: Provides specific knowledge or skills, often delivered by an expert. Group coaching invites participants to generate insight through reflection and peer learning, not just receiving information.
• Therapy: Focuses on healing and clinical support for mental health challenges. Group coaching supports growth and development, often alongside wellbeing, but does not replace therapy.

Types of Group Coaching Models

While group coaching always involves a shared theme and personal development, the structure of the group can vary slightly depending on the setting. At Wise Goals, we focus on one clear model — but it’s helpful to understand the landscape.

1. Closed, Time-Limited Cohorts ✅
This is our preferred model. A consistent group of participants meets regularly over a defined period (e.g. 6–8 weeks). This allows trust, rhythm, and real progress to develop.

2. Thematic Groups ✅
Each group is organised around a shared lens, life stage, or goal — such as ADHD support, wellbeing, or confidence building. This shared focus allows participants to relate to one another deeply while working on their own aims.

3. Open or Rolling Groups ❌
In some models, participants can join or leave at any time. While this may suit some casual or ongoing support groups, it doesn’t usually meet the criteria of group coaching. The depth, safety, and continuity essential to coaching are difficult to establish in open formats.

At Wise Goals, we believe group coaching works best when the group is coherent, contained, and purpose-led. That’s why we only offer closed, themed, time-limited cohorts — with clear ground rules, gentle structure, and meaningful flow.

Common Themes in Group Coaching

In group coaching, themes act as the shared thread that brings people together. The strongest themes are those that balance personal relevance with shared experience — giving everyone enough in common to relate, while still allowing for individual growth.

Some examples of meaningful group themes include:

• Navigating life transitions (e.g. moving, career change, parenthood)
• Creatives with ADHD – focusing on structure, compassion, and energy management
• Rebuilding wellbeing after childhood trauma – using a strengths-based lens
• Leadership with integrity – for those leading with values

Other groups may explore positive psychology topics like:

• Growth mindset after for adults with childhood adversities
• Positive emotions for men with past trauma 
• Psychological wellbeing for young adults at risk of mental health difficulties

All of our coaching groups are designed around clarity, cohesion, and care. You can explore what’s currently available or register interest in a future group at our Group Coaching Programmes page.

Large Group Dialogues: A Related Practice

While group coaching focuses on individual growth within a group, large group dialogues offer a space for collective reflection and shared meaning-making. Using approaches such as The World Café, these sessions create emergent conversations without predetermined agendas, helping groups explore complex issues together.

Large group dialogues are a complementary practice to group coaching — offering depth, connection, and insight on a wider scale.

Learn more about Large Group Dialogues.

The Power of Groups

At Wise Goals, we believe in the transformative power of groups. When people come together in psychologically safe, intentional spaces, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Explore our Power of Groups page for a deeper dive into the philosophy, research, and magic behind group-based growth.

Is Group Coaching Right for Me?

You might be wondering if group coaching is a good fit for you — especially if you’ve never experienced it before.

Group coaching might be right for you if:

• You’re in a moment of change, reflection, or re-orientation
• You’re looking for growth and clarity, but not sure where to start
• You want support, but don’t want to be “fixed”
• You learn well by listening, reflecting, and sharing
• You value both depth and lightness, structure and spaciousness

It’s especially helpful if you’re someone who:

• Has done 1:1 work and wants to stay connected to growth
• Has never done coaching but is curious to try it in a less direct and gentler way
• Feels drawn to shared insight, emotional safety, and honest conversations

If you’re not sure yet, that’s completely okay. Group coaching isn’t for everyone — but it might be for you.

👉 Explore upcoming programs or register your interest here.

Who We’re Affiliated With

We’re proud to be part of professional networks that value evidence-based practice, inclusion, and social impact.