Your client is reluctant to open up. How can you build trust as their life coach?

Active listening is much more than “undivided attention” and “reflect back what you have heard”. As a master coach, I would like to share that active listening is truly about — curiosity. That curiosity must be none judgmental and the coach must be comfortable with not knowing what the response will be (from both coach and client)! Instead of reflecting “I understand you’re feeling sad.”, a coach creates trust through genuine curiosity and could ask “What’s behind your being sad?”. Another example could be if a client is looking down while speaking: “I noticed you looking down. What’s going on for you in this moment?” Remember to be vulnerable as well. Trust is a two way street. Good luck! 🍀

Listening is SO much more than just listening to words. Noticing body language, eye movement, and non-verbals are all a part of listening actively. Listening is also about not speaking. Are you a coach who says "mm-hmm" or "uh-huh" a lot during a session? Speaking from experience as this was quite a habit of mine; I assumed I needed to be vocal to let the client know I was hearing them! This is NOT true. Non-verbal utterances from the coach are interruptions, and when a coach interrupts the client (without good reason to), trust and safety are lost. I assess many student sessions and this is one thing that seems to happen quite a lot with new coaches. Get used to silence - your own silence - during sessions. The trust will follow.

Every major goal is achieved through breaking it down into mini-goals. 1. The first and foremost priority when dealing with a hesitant or insecure client is to make them feel laxed and at-home. 2. Another major step forward is to become an active and appreciative listener. Be empathetic. Don't take them for granted or simply as a cash-cow. They are human and are in dire need of help.

There are actually 3 different ways to be empathetic: 1- Affective: respond to emotions 2- Somatic: feel what someone is feeling 3- Cognitive: understand someone’s response to a situation That being said, it’s all about understanding the situation and person from the clients perspective. Also, be aware of your own triggers. For example, a client starts to whine in a session. The coach might be triggered and goes from empathic to judging. The client was simply expressing him/herself. If the coach catches the trigger early, then it will be easier to re-center and refocus on the clients and their needs. If not caught, the session may go sideways and the trust may be broken. Remember, clients know when someone is genuine. Good luck! 🍀

Empathy is best served with a sprinkle of vulnerability. Coaching isn't about being an expert, it's about being a guide. And the best guides know the path to success because they've already been down it themselves. Sharing bits of your own story (albeit briefly) can show empathy, build connection, and foster trust.

Building trust with a hesitant client as a life coach involves creating a safe, confidential space for open dialogue. Active listening with empathy, fostering genuine connection, encouraging sharing at their pace, and validating their emotions are key. Consistently offering non-judgmental support reinforces trust over time, empowering clients to explore their goals and challenges with confidence and clarity. Trust forms the foundation for productive coaching relationships, enabling meaningful personal growth.

☠️ Ahoy, fellow pirates! Gather 'round and hear the tale of how clear boundaries be the bedrock of a 🏴☠️ coachin' voyage. Settin' clear boundaries be like markin' the edges of a 🗺️ treasure map in a coachin' relationship. They chart the waters, managing expectations and creatin' a haven where both ye and yer client know the limits of yer partnership. From the very start, discuss these boundaries like a seasoned captain plotin' a course, includin' the scope of yer coachin', the oath of confidentiality, and the professional code ye follow. When yer clients grasp these boundaries, they feel as safe as a sailor in a fortified harbor. This mutual respect be the sturdy ⚓️ anchor keepin' yer ship steady on its quest for treasure. Arrr!

Establishing clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining a professional coaching relationship. These boundaries are essential for managing expectations and creating a respectful space where both you and your client understand the limits of your interaction. Early discussions should cover the scope of coaching, confidentiality agreements, and the professional nature of your engagements. When clients are aware of these boundaries, they feel secure and are more likely to trust in the coaching process, fostering a productive and supportive coaching environment.

Coaching, even through difficult issues, doesn't require full disclosure. Focusing on the emotions, perspective, and impact around an issue can support the client, demonstrate integrity, and create a safe shared space for future discussions. Our job is to help pave the path forward, one step at a time, at the client's pace.

I find that having the long term coaching plan as part of the bigger vision in mind during the individual coaching sessions, allows me to exercise patience, gently coaxing the client closer and closer to opening up. Rushing in too early with deeper layers can cause the client to shut down. So patience and the long term goal help to create safety.

As a life coach and Rapid Resolution Therapy facilitator, it my responsibility to create a mindset shift in my client. It is important to build credibility and trust by making them feel understood so they can see that I am on the same page. I’m here to serve them.

To build trust, you need to show that you are trustworthy. Consistently show that you care. And be real. Being real includes sharing how you are experiencing the client. In this case sensing that they're reluctant to open up. Direct feedback delivered with care, compassion and curiosity can be a huge gift. One that is rare. Knowing that the coach will be honest, even when it might be a bit uncomfortable, can transform the coaching relationship.

1. Patience is Key: Respect their pace, avoid pressure. Create a safe, non-judgmental space. 2. Active Listening: Show genuine interest in their perspective. Reflect back their feelings to validate. 3. Shared Vulnerability: Share personal experiences (if appropriate) to build connection and trust. 4. Clear Boundaries: Establish confidentiality and trust. Explain the coaching process openly. 5. Small Steps: Start with less sensitive topics. Gradually build comfort and trust over time.

The most important thing you can do is be real with your clients. Be honest, show respect, and have empathy. By embodying these few traits, your clients will learn to trust you

Embody unconditional love, compassion, nurturing within yourself. Soften your gaze. Be patient, encouraging, reassuring. Imagine you are with the 2-3 year old inner child of your client. Say Eg. “I know it’s hard for you to talk about. I’m so sorry you feel hurt. I want you to know how brave you are. I’m here to help you. What would help you feel safe right now?” You could also get them to draw, perhaps with coloured pencils. Pictures & colours can reveal emotions. You could ask them where in the body they feel discomfort and/or invite sounds to express how they feel. Ask: “If you could wave your magic wand, what would you want to happen?”