To help a client facing their fears, create a supportive and trusting environment where they feel safe to explore their emotions. Begin by gently acknowledging their fears without judgment, and encourage them to share their thoughts at their own pace. Use techniques like gradual exposure, where you help break down their fears into manageable steps, allowing them to confront challenges incrementally. Incorporate mindfulness practices to help them stay grounded and reduce anxiety during the process. By fostering a sense of empowerment and celebrating small victories, you can guide them toward overcoming their obstacles and embracing growth.

Trust and psychological safety are critical in a coaching relationship; there must be trust established between coach and client. A key part of this is being able to hold space for the different emotions that may come up in a coaching session (without trying to solve them.) But even with trust, a client may feel resistant to exploring their fears because of the feelings that arise in them when they do. Genuine curiosity, dropping agendas, and open-ended questions that allow them to lead can help a client approach topics they're resisting in a way that's appropriate for where they're at.

- Build Trust: To create a safe workplace, build a solid rapport. ?? - Identify Specific Fears: Describe their fears & employ visualization strategies. ?? -Cognitive Restructuring: Encourage a more optimistic outlook by confronting negative thoughts. ?? - Gradual Exposure: Practice facing concerns in a safe environment by using strategies like role-playing. ?? - Mindfulness Techniques: To control anxiety, teach relaxation techniques and create a coping toolbox. ??♀? -Regular Check-Ins: Hold them responsible by following up on a regular basis. ?? -Consider Past Achievements: Encourage self-assurance by reminding them of prior successes. ?? - Promote a Growth Mindset: To build resilience, present obstacles as teaching moments. ??

I find that helping a client get to the root of their fear is how to get around that fear. I work with the 7 Primal Questions which accelerates getting to the "why." Once we understand what their core fear is, we can work backwards on what would allow them to execute what they are trying to accomplish. For example, if their PQ is "Am I Safe" what do they need to do to make themselves feel safe. This also allows them to trust me since they know my goal is to help them find a solution that is unique to them. Most often, once we set the stage and work through the steps things fall into place.

When a client avoids facing their fears, I start by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I might say, “It’s completely okay to feel unsure everyone has fears, and acknowledging them is the first step.” This reduces pressure and makes them feel understood, not pushed. I then guide them gently, helping them break down fears into smaller, manageable parts. By celebrating each small victory, even if it's just acknowledging a fear, they begin to feel more capable. With consistent encouragement and focusing on progress, not perfection, they start overcoming their obstacles one step at a time.