Your client doubts mindfulness in coaching. How can you guide them towards embracing it?

I find that the best way to teach mindfulness is to present it as a way of life, rather than something you must find time for. It's important to clarify that mindfulness is not about blissing out, as it is often portrayed. First, I would determine what my client is struggling with the most and then, drawing on my background in mindfulness, I would put together a simple daily practice. In my experience, the most transformational elements of mindfulness are the self-compassion practices, so I would start by introducing practices that focus on self-kindness.

Mindfulness has such a beautiful bandwidth. It is practiced and enjoyed in a wide variety of ways by different people. It has taken me so many years to figure out what works for me. This even applies to breathing techniques. It's so personal to find how many counts you feel comfortable breathing at and if it should be from the nose or mouth and what you may be visualizing. I love watching clients find that sweet spot of what works for them and gaining the wisdom to let go of other people's ideas of what practicing mindfulness looks like. And then the cherry on top is when one deeply knows that they deserve and need to take that time for themselves and making it happen!

Clients may have preconceived notions about mindfulness based on misconceptions or lack of knowledge about its benefits. They may question the practicality and relevance of mindfulness practices in their coaching journey. By addressing these doubts with empathy and understanding, you can create a safe space for open dialogue and exploration. One of the most effective ways to guide clients towards embracing mindfulness in coaching is to educate them on the benefits and science behind mindfulness practices. Share research studies and real-life examples that demonstrate how mindfulness can improve focus, reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and promote overall well-being.

To help your client overcome resistance to mindfulness, explore their specific concerns openly. Highlight how mindfulness can reduce stress by fostering present-moment awareness and improving emotional regulation. Emphasize its role in enhancing decision-making through clearer thinking and improved focus. Use relatable examples and encourage small, consistent practices to demonstrate immediate benefits, gradually building their confidence in mindfulness as a transformative tool for personal and professional growth.

One of the many ways to help clients work past mindfulness resistance is to connect mindfulness to our growth goals that we are working toward together. For example, if they are working on managing anxiety, explain how mindfulness can help them become more aware of their anxiety triggers and respond more effectively. Then it becomes a tool. Then you can slowly work to fill your client's toolbox.

Working with teens and primarily teens that are gender expansive and/or questioning sexuality, it is imperative to create a practiced habit of mindfulness. I am forever explaining to my clients that they are doing the hard work that many adults never bother to do and setting themselves with a safety net for life. The amazing long term benefits of mindfulness include: Stress Reduction Improved Emotional Regulation Enhanced Cognitive Functioning Increased Self-Awareness Enhanced Relationship Satisfaction Reduced Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Pain Management Improved Physical Health Enhanced Resilience Overall Well-being and Quality of Life