Coaching Multiple Brains: Coaching Multiple Brains

By Grant Soosalu and Suzanne Henwood

Essays, Ideas and Explorations on Multiple Brain Integration Techniques (mBIT) Coaching

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781008996625

Book preview

Worldwide Coaching Magazine

Presents

Coaching Multiple Brains

Grant Soosalu and Dr. Suzanne Henwood

Coaching Multiple Brains

Essays, Ideas and Explorations on

Multiple Brain Integration Techniques (mBIT) Coaching

By Grant Soosalu and Dr. Suzanne Henwood

Copyright © 2020 Ton de Graaf. All rights reserved.

Published by Ton de Graaf / Quest Coaching International

ISBN 978-1-008-99662-5

Introduction

Since its first publication in 2012 Grant Soosalu’s and Marvin Oka’s book ‘mBraining - Using your multiple brains to do cool stuff’ has reached thousands of people across the globe.

Their research and the practical implications of the multiple brain integration techniques have already enhanced the lives of many and mBIT training became one of the most successful tools for coaches.

Grant Soosalu graciously agreed to write a series of articles about mBIT coaching in the Worldwide Coaching Magazine. These articles were collected and published in ‘Coaching Wisdom’ in 2015.

Since then Grant, together with Dr. Suzanne Henwood, has continued to write articles about mBraining for our magazine which are collected in this ebook.

Sadly, Grant passed away in June 2019 but his important work will continue to touch the lives of many across the globe in the years to come.

Many coaches and trainers have embraced mBraining and continue to spread the important findings of Grant and Marvin’s research.

Dr. Suzanne Henwood is one of them. As an mBIT Master Coach and Master Trainer she has certified hundreds of mBIT coaches across the globe and continues to spread Grant’s legacy.

I am delighted to present to you this ebook and hope it will continue to touch and enhance the lives of its readers and thus creating a better world.

Live and learn,

Ton de Graaf, ChBC™ Executive Coach

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Worldwide Coaching Magazine

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ontological Coaching

Getting to the Heart and Guts of Results

Coaching Human 2.0 – The rise of AI

Multi-Mindfulness

Let’s Talk mQ

Transforming and Evolving

Proven Coaching Methodologies? What is Proof?

Neuroscience and Coaching the Three Brains of Leadership

Courageous Conversations

Organisational Development Coaching

The Science in the Neuroscience of Coaching

mBraining: New Science Breakthroughs

Coaching Health Care Professionals with mBraining:

Mindware Tools for Coaching

Multiple Brain Integration Techniques in Action

Ontological Coaching

Exploring changes to your way of being with mBraining

There are numerous forms of coaching available in our modern world, and many reasons why clients and organisations seek coaching support.

Not all clients want to look deeply, beyond performance-based issues and day to day function. For those who do however, mBraining offers a simple, yet profound model to work at the deepest sense of core identity, enabling someone, should they wish to explore with an mBIT coach, their very way of being in the world – their ontology.

Moving from Human Beings to Human Becomings

We are not human beings, we are human becomings.

Dr. Humberto Maturan

Ontological coaching is not new. A quick google search will reveal numerous articles and references talking of going back to the centre, coaching a way of being and coaching to the human soul.

If we look at the meaning of the word Ontology – ‘to be’ – it opens up philosophical questions around existence versus perception of reality.

Indeed, we could argue the only reality there is at any point is that which we create through our thinking. As such no absolute reality exists. So how do we coach to such an abstract idea?

In mBraining we coach people to get out of their heads. The only identity which exists at head level is an ego identity, our perception of who we are, based on beliefs of who we should be. When coming from our head-based perception, we see ourselves as separate and we work to ensure our best interests are served.

While this is a healthy part of our early development, it is essential to return to centre to prevent us from being caught up in judgement of others, a perception that our view of the world is the only one that matters and a lack of tolerance (let alone compassion) for others, that would lead to true deep connection. It is from ego-based identity that conflict arises, a perceived need to protect self and fight for survival.

In mythology and fairy tales we often read of characters journeying to find themselves – and this is what ontological coaching is about. To journey inwards to their true selves: a journey to find meaning and purpose in a complex, fast changing world, which so many people seem to be searching for.

So, how do we coach ontologically?

We require an awareness of all sources of intelligence (head, heart and gut). To access these intelligences (brains) we need to find a way to quieten our inner selves, to hear the small quiet voices from within and indeed to become aware of what we don’t yet know.

We become skilled at enabling the client to STOP, to stop thinking especially – to take stock and to prevent the ongoing patterns of motions which have become unconscious habit.

Careful contracting to ensure the client is informed and wiling to proceed in that style of coaching is essential prior to beginning any session.

An ontological coach will not provide any answers, but will guide and support the client to

bring forth their own deep inner wisdom. It is essential that the client is aware of this style of coaching being recommended.

Not all clients truly desire real and lasting ontological change. Assuming the client is keen to proceed, a simple breathing technique (known as the mBIT Balanced Breathing process) can be used to establish balance of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

A regular, deep breathing rhythm of preferably around a count of 6 in and count of 6 out, for 2 minutes is usually sufficient to balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems in the ANS. Without this, it is not possible to fully access the 3 brains (head, heart and gut neural intelligences), or allow their highest expressions to emerge.

Having acquired systemic balance, it is essential to connect with all three brains. Communicating with each brain in turn, enquiring around their prime functions (see Table 1), and not pursuing any set process, or script, the ontological, mBIT coach, will artfully guide the client to a deeper sense of self and purpose.

Prime Functions of the 3 Brains

Table 1 – Prime Functions of the Multiple Brains

43

Knowing that the brains communicate in different ways, enables the coach to recognise which brain is expressing itself; for example, the gut may communicate in metaphor or kinaesthetic sensation, the heart by pictures or feelings, whereas the head may speak in fluent sentences.

At the communication phase in ontological coaching it is essential that the gut is enabled to fully express itself, as it is the seat of our core identity. This may require skills to foster safety and security, without which, it is unlikely the gut will be willing to share of itself that deeply.

If the coach has not established a deep sense of trust, or if they are not operating from a personal way of being that is real and authentic, again, it is unlikely the client will be willing to share at this level. What is essential is a safe holding of space, which enables a deep wisdom to emerge, and that is probably new to the persons’ awareness.

As that awareness emerges, sensitive and mature coaching is required to artfully tease out the deeper meaning of ontology, which can begin to open up new avenues of being in the world, to enable the client to explore unknown ways of being, new ways of being