We don't always need to know personal information. It is like coaching someone in a field you are not expert in. We only need to know as much as is helpful to the client in this moment. So we take it slow and let them be the arbiter of what we need. I like to ask something like, "what do I need to know in order to be able to support you effectively?" For example I have several times coached school principals. My expertise DEFINITELY is not leading a school. But I am not there to train them in school leadership, I am there to bring out the best leader in them. So I will say, 'what do I need to know about you/your life/you job to be able to help you reach your goals/achieve what you want from coaching".

I believe in meeting my clients where they are and I realize building trust is a process. I allow the client to lead the way by asking open ended questions during the coaching session and explore how much that they want to share by asking open ended questions during the questionnaire and discovery call and build upon our relationship from there.

As a master coach, I’ve learned that psychological safety in a session is essential and yes, absolutely required. When a client feels safe enough to share personal information with their coach, that’s when the real break throughs happen. Here are a few ways we can we build this sense of safety for the client: 1- Be your true authentic self. We are human and can tell if someone isn’t genuine. 2- Encourage open communication by reminding the client that everything is confidential and upheld by the contract signed. 3- Remind the client that there is no judgement. In fact, quite the opposite. We see our clients as whole, resourceful and with unconditional positive regard. 4- Actively listen to what your client is and isn’t saying. Good luck!

When a client is hesitant to share, building trust through patience and active listening is essential. Start by creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where the client feels valued and heard. Use open-ended questions to gently invite them to share, and let them know that their pace is respected. Share small, relevant details about your experiences to show vulnerability, signaling that it's okay to open up. Affirm their feelings, validating any fears they might have. Reiterate confidentiality, and emphasize that the space is theirs to explore thoughts without pressure or expectation. This approach fosters trust and encourages openness over time.

Building trust with a hesitant client begins with creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. I start by affirming that our conversation is confidential and that their comfort is my priority. I listen actively, giving them time to express themselves without pressure, using open-ended questions to gently guide the conversation. Sharing a bit about my professional journey or relevant experiences can also help them feel more at ease. Additionally, I clarify how the information they share will directly benefit their goals, aligning our discussion with their needs and reassuring them that they control the pace and depth of disclosure.