Your client is hesitant to open up during coaching sessions. How can you help them break down their barriers?

If someone trusts you, they'll open up: plain and simple. It might take some time, but just consistently show your client that you are really there to support them. Don't fake it either. You need to actually care, and you should.

In order to assist a reluctant client in opening up and removing barriers during coaching sessions, you can: Provide a Safe Space: By building trust and maintaining secrecy, you can make sure the client feels secure and at ease. Establish rapport: Build a trusting relationship with the client to make them feel more comfortable and open to sharing. Pose Inquiry-Based Questions: Pose open-ended inquiries that demand more information than a simple yes/no response to foster deeper dialogues. Make Emotions Normative: Reassure the client that you are available to support them and that feeling apprehensive is normal. Employ Empathy: To make the customer feel heard and validated, demonstrate empathy and sympathy for their circumstances.

The first step in helping your client open up is to create a safe and comfortable environment. Ensure that the coaching space is welcoming, private, and free from distractions. Let your client know that this is a judgment free zone where they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Take the time to build a strong rapport with your client and show them that you are genuinely interested in their well being. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and demonstrate empathy. When your client feels that they can trust you, they will be more likely to open up. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple icebreaker to help your client feel more comfortable opening up.

In a recent coaching session, I could sense this resistance from my client. One-word answers, tense body language, inability to main eye contact are some of the tell-tale signs. After my initial attempt at making them comfortable, sharing how coaching works best when there's mutual trust and permission to dive deep - I asked my client this: "What is the running thought in your mind which is not letting you open up?" Lo and behold, she took 10 seconds, smiled and started sharing her experience and what that "thought" says. Encourage your client, hesitancy often comes from deeper places. Be patient and they will let you in :)

If your client is hesitant to open up during coaching sessions, here’s what else to consider. When I see resistance, I always reassure them that this is a non-judgmental and safe space. I tell them that the more they share and are transparent, the better I can help them overcome their challenges. This statement alone often gives them the confidence to set aside their resistance. People fear being judged, and as a coach, when you remove that fear, they will open up more easily. Creating a trusting environment is key to helping clients feel comfortable and supported.

Recognize that hesitance to open up indicates a need for safety and trust. In early coaching relationships, initial resistance is common as trust is built. If hesitance arises after some time, it may signal sensitive issues surfacing. Address these with sensitivity and support to foster openness. Hesitance could also indicate the need to reassess the coaching relationship. Check in with the client to understand their concerns and ensure alignment. Build Safety: Create a safe space by actively listening and validating their experiences. Encourage open dialogue to explore underlying reasons for hesitance so you can create a positive experience for all involved.