Coaching Psychologists work across a diverse range of issues and contexts. It is possible to use simple process frameworks whereby there is a transaction between coach and client to address a specific situation. However, what appear to be straightforward situational contexts can sometimes reveal a more extensive set of issues. These issues might take the form of enduring patterns of behaviour, form part of the way the client relates to self and the world or, in an organisational context, reflect complex system level factors. Working effectively at these different levels requires developing a deep understanding of different stakeholders’ needs, gathering multiple types of data and then working through the process of understanding to formulate ways forward. By engaging in this way, a strong relationship grounded in a sense of trust and belonging is formed, such that coaching becomes a relational rather than a transactional encounter. We outline a way to navigate such encounters through consideration of our own Positionality in terms of how we relate to our self and our practice, how to define the Purpose of the work we do together, ways to conceptualise the Perspectives of our self and the client to develop our understanding and agreement on the Process we will use to work together. Using case material from across the diverse landscape of coaching psychology, this keynote demonstrates how formulation is a person-centred approach which provides a space of belonging that allows our clients to benefit optimally from the coaching relationship.