How to Help Clients Face the Unknown
Work in the present moment to transform doubt into direction.
Meet the Practitioners:
Dr. David Drake:
A renowned coach, consultant, and threshold guide, David is also the founder and CEO of The Moment Institute.
Cate Painter:
A narrative coach at a moment of transition.
Context of the Session:
No goals were set, no agenda scripted, and no predetermined outcomes were pursued.
At the start of the session, Cate senses something is changing for her, but she’s not sure what it is or where it’ll end up. As you’ll see in the video, Cate is struggling to figure out what she needs and how to move forward through this transition. Watch as David and Cate drop deeper into the present moment to explore what’s naturally emerging for Cate.
As you watch the video, consider these questions:
- How does David prompt Cate to focus on the present moment?
- Rather than trying to chart a path forward, David guides Cate into the unknown. How does he do that?
- What do you notice about the two exercises David offers Cate?
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Reflective Takeaways from the Demo:
How does David prompt Cate to focus on the present moment?
David uses open-ended questions that invite Cate to examine her current feelings and perceptions. He asks, "What do you notice about this transition today?" and "What are you becoming aware of as you contemplate that?" These questions encourage Cate to anchor herself in the present moment and articulate what she's experiencing right then and there.
Rather than trying to chart a path forward, David guides Cate into the unknown. How does he do that?Â
David avoids giving prescriptive advice or setting a defined path for Cate. Instead, he facilitates her self-exploration by asking questions like, "And is it giving you any clues?" or "What does that bring up for you when you imagine walking away from all this?" By doing so, he helps her delve deeper into her own thoughts and feelings, allowing her to navigate the unknown on her own terms.
What do you notice about the two exercises David offers Cate?
David's exercises are experiential and rooted in physicality. For example, he suggests that Cate pull her shoulders back before entering a meeting to see if it changes her state of mind. Another exercise involves a symbolic walk across the room, representing a threshold between her current state and a potential new phase in her life. These exercises are designed to provide immediate sensory feedback, helping Cate gain insights into her own emotional and mental state.
What About Client Outcomes?
David and fellow Moment Institute practitioners find that their client outcomes are:
- Achievable – When you’re fully present with your client, you can better notice where they are right now and what they need next in order to grow.
- Meaningful – When you help clients get to the crux of their issues, they can make progress through coaching in ways that matter to them.
- Sustainable – When you support your clients on their journey rather than try to take them on yours, the progress your clients make is more likely to stick.
Where could you go with your practice if you could work this way?
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