How do you handle a coaching session when a client is resistant to mindfulness techniques?

Client giving mindfulness the side-eye?! Focus on Benefits: Explain how mindfulness reduces stress and improves focus, benefits they likely crave! Start Small & Simple: Offer bite-sized exercises – a few mindful breaths before a meeting. Baby steps win the race! Explore Alternatives: Suggest journaling, spending time in nature, or activities they already enjoy – mindfulness with a twist! Respect Their Resistance: Don't force it. Explore why they're hesitant and find common ground. Be a supportive guide, not a drill sergeant! Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. Now go forth and craft coaching sessions that meet your clients where they are, even if they're currently chilling on the resistance mountain!

Resistance is GOLD with many teachers inside of it. The simplest way to start is deep acceptance: That's OK. Of course, you're resistant. When we're faced with something new, we don't know how to do it yet. That's uncomfortable, and discomfort can feel unsafe and downright annoying. etc. Then we can invite curiosity, with permission. Where do you feel this resistance in your body? Where/when else does this show up? How has this been protecting you? This opens a door for the client to accept their own resistance, softening it. But the instant it detects a HINT of anyone wanting it gone, it will mount an even stronger defense ;) Stay spacious. And know their relationship to resilience.

Coaching is more being a guide than telling a client what to do. It is essential that you wear client s shoe and emphatise with him/her. It s also essential to listen more than speaking as listening can be the key to reducing the resistance. And finally being totally honest with client about the benefits rather than try selling them

I get curious and ask deeper questions to get under the resistance. Usually it is either a belief or past experience that was not effective for them. Once we get to the root cause of the resistance, I invite them to the open up to the possibility of doing the practice together in a safe place without any expectations on the result.

When faced with a client who is resistant to mindfulness techniques during a coaching session, I first acknowledge their feelings and resistance, creating a safe space for open dialogue. I then explain the benefits of mindfulness in a non-pressuring way, highlighting how it can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. I present these benefits in a way that aligns with their personal goals and interests.

I love storytelling with my clients. It’s a powerful way to connect, share experiences, and uncover deeper insights. Through storytelling, we weave together narratives that illuminate paths to growth, understanding, positive and perspective change. It’s both a tool for empowerment and a bridge to fostering meaningful connections without relying on mindfulness.

Emotional Freedom Techniques is a powerful way to accept and then reframe resistance to change. It uses the client's own experience and words so is very focused on meeting their specific needs. Because it first focuses on acceptance and validation it allows the client to open to change in their own time and way.

Let's talk about Lovingkindness. It is a great complementary practice to Mindfulness. Many people who started mindfulness are introduced to lovingkindness in due time. Mindfulness can be a bit "dry" and uninspiring at times, while lovingkindness can feel more gentle and encompassing. That's what I would introduce to my clients—lovingkindness!

A coach can ask powerful questions that allow the client to consider different perspectives, have additional insight and challenge misunderstandings and limiting beliefs. This is to be done in a gentle and non-judgmental way that still encourages the client to extend themselves past their comfort zone. By gaining the insight themselves, rather than being told will have a deeper level of resonance and lasting impact for the client.

For many of my clients moving from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic state more of the time is beneficial. Mindfulness can be useful but so is movement and getting back into their bodies - there are lots of ways to do this but I love getting them dancing and finding music that helps them 'shake it out'.

Resistance to techniques including mindset is often linked to a held limiting belief or subconscious bias on the technique. With regards mindfulness I always share my own journey from resistance to proponent and my own limiting beliefs. I also share that once I overcame the beliefs I have since benefited from mindfulness personally and professionally. In my conversation I try and build rapport and psychological safety by using the phrase I feel you, I once felt that way and what I found is....

I have met many who are resistant to adopting mindfulness in their daily routine. The challenge is that they are so "mindfull" that imagining something like moment to moment living feels futile. There is more solace in the past and excitement in the future. But the present moment is full of sufferings. Encouraging them to be open to the practice is helpful. Keeping the exercise short and increasing the repetitions is a good place to start.

One effective strategy for handling resistance to mindfulness techniques is to reframe the practice in a way that resonates with the client. For example, instead of presenting mindfulness as a daunting or intimidating practice, coaches can highlight the practical benefits such as improved focus, decreased stress, and enhanced overall well-being. By framing mindfulness as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery, clients may be more open to giving it a try.

You have the 'what if' to guide them… What if the feeling of breathing a little slower and deeper, were to give you a moment of calm in a busy day… What if seeing the mist rising off the field during your early morning walk was to allow you to connect with your energy, allowing you to feel invigorated for the day ahead… What if is such a lovely tool!

Encouraging curiosity can be a powerful approach. Start by exploring their resistance with genuine interest and without judgment. Ask open-ended questions to understand their concerns and what aspects of mindfulness they find challenging or unappealing. Frame mindfulness as an opportunity for exploration rather than a mandate, emphasizing its potential benefits in terms that align with their goals and values. Offer alternative perspectives or practices that might resonate better with them, fostering a collaborative process where they feel empowered to choose what feels most comfortable and beneficial for their growth. This approach not only respects their autonomy but also encourages them to engage more openly in the coaching process.

I love the approach of curiosity as it removes judgement and therefore some internal barriers for the client. It can also incorporate a playful and fun element which is much easier to transition into more of a flow state - the exact opposite of resistance.

Ahhh, that's funny... I didn't see this section till I'd answered above! Yes to curiosity! It's essential in coaching. Explore where in their life / activities they can make small, sustainable changes that build and gain momentum.

When a client resists anything, it also means that they are accepting something (else) against which they are holding this rejection. This something else can be anything from their experience, their environment, value or a deep belief which might be backing this choice of rejecting anything (like in this case mindfulness practice) As a coach, I will practice Tat Tvam Asi, which suggests to first respect the client in totality of their being. With a genuine intention I would create a safe space for the client to reflect the underlying notions which might take time as a lot of times I have experienced that to articulate a reason for doing or not doing something is not so easy I will create more freedom for the client to be themselves 🦋

The coach extends an invitation to the client by holding the door to mindfulness, deeper awareness and more heartful consciousness open. The coach creates a space that invites the client to slow down and become easeful. When a spacious silence arises naturally, the client releases the resistance and settles down into their truer, more authentic selves. The coach aims to embody this space through their own transformation, making it available for the client to step into. However, it is always the client's choice whether to enter this space. The coach meets the client where they are.

Encourage mindfulness in resistant LGBTIQ+ clients by highlighting benefits specific to their stressors and sharing success stories. Start with short, manageable practices and gradually increase them. Make mindfulness relevant by using techniques that resonate with their interests and providing LGBTIQ+ focused resources. Connect mindfulness to their strengths and emphasize empowerment. Ensure an inclusive, judgment-free space and validate their feelings. Encourage joining LGBTIQ+ mindfulness groups and show practical applications. Track and celebrate progress to build confidence in the practice.

You could try a lighter mindfulness technique first, and try to explain it in a way they can easily digest. Later, you can have them reflect deeply on the mindfulness technique they are resistant too. This should help you uncover any hidden biases, fears, etc. There are multiple ways to approach this situation! Either way, please approach with empathy in mind.