Sometimes a coaching session just feels… off.
We’ve all been there.
You say something that doesn’t quite land.
The client becomes a little defensive.
Or quieter than usual.
And you leave the session thinking:
Did I handle that well?
Did I miss something?
Was I too much… or not enough?
These moments don’t get talked about enough.
Because from the outside, coaching can look very smooth – “just” ask this type of questions, allow silence do the heavy-lifting, elicit the answers from within and then bring the session back to the goal or client’s intention.
But in reality, … coaching is relational.
And anything relational comes with moments of tension.
(misinterpretation, assumptions or projections.)
And often, those moments feel shaky and uncomfortable.
But they aren’t a sign that something has gone awfully wrong.
They’re a sign that something real has just been touched in your coach-client relationship. (and perhaps wants to come forth)
But when you’re sitting with it on your own…
it’s very easy to spiral into self-doubt.
To replay the session.
To question your instincts.
To hesitate challenging your client’s perspective next time.
This is where talking this out with people who get it changes things.
Because you no longer have to stomach it alone.
And instead, you get to see clearly:
~ What was happening for the client
~ What was happening for you
~ And what the moment was really asking for
So instead of shrinking…
you grow in your capacity to navigate complexity,
with more grace, confidence and relational depth.
And that’s my wish and hope for all helpers out there - to support ourselves as deeply and lovingly as we support others.
If you’re a trained coach or mentor, who wants deep support with tricky client situations, you will love my group program called Coaches Coven, - it’s designed to help you deepen your capacity as a helper *especially* during the challenging moments with clients.
Because we know,
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
If this feels like something your work might be missing,
you can explore Coaches Coven via this link.
Stay magical,
Kris xx