Pic 0: The screen changes to one with an image of Quinn. Text next to them reads “Goal: The Wellness Coach completed an intake and assessment, and now is going to focus talking to Quinn about creating a wellness plan and set some short term goals.” Below, more text reads “Techniques: Ask open ended questions, use reflective listening, recognize and affirm their strengths, and focus on their intrinsic motivation.
Pic 1: The screen changes to a scene where Quinn sits at a table, facing the viewer.
Quinn: Hey I’m Quinn, they them pronouns. (on edge) I am really, really, uh, yeah. Happy to be here.
Wellness Coach: You ready to improve your life?
Quinn: (unenthusiastic) Oh, yeah. (sigh)
It’s mostly an energy thing for me. I only sleep a few hours a night, I feel drained all the time. In a fog. Down on myself. Some days are okay, but at the end of the day, they just feel like, days.
Coach: The Wellness Coach asked a closed question that her client felt was judgmental. Asking positive open ended questions helps build a collaborative and trusting relationship. They also help you demonstrate a genuine interest and promote sharing.
Quinn’s thought: I hoped you’d give me the space to talk for a minute before diving in. But, sure.
Wellness Coach: Do you ever take moments to appreciate the good things in life? That could help with your self esteem.
Quinn: (somewhat confused) I, uh, I’d rather talk about my sleep schedule. If that’s okay.
Coach: The Wellness Coach asked a closed ended question. While these kinds of questions can be helpful, it’s important that those moments are less common. Open ended questions invite your client to think about, and expand, on their response, helping you gather information that the client feels is pertinent to them.
Quinn’s thought: I don’t really feel like you gave me a chance to share.
Wellness Coach: Changing your sleep schedule can be difficult. Are you up for that challenge?
Quinn: (defensive) That’s why I’m here, yeah.
Coach: The Wellness Coach asked a closed question that your client felt was judgmental. Asking positive open ended questions help build a collaborative and trusting relationship. They also help you demonstrate a genuine interest and promote sharing.
Quinn’s thought: I don’t think you’re really giving me a chance to share. Or that you care what I have to say.
Wellness Coach: Personally, I love a challenge.
Quinn: (insincere) Yeah, sure, I, I get that.
Coach: This reflection focused on the Wellness Coach instead of the client. While personal sharing can be powerful, it needs to be focused on the client and their experiences. Reflections that show empathy and focus on the client’s needs help to build trust and show you are invested in their journey.
Also, I, I do wish I were able to be more, I guess, grateful. For what I have.
Quinn’s thought: Can you stop talking about yourself for a minute, and pay more attention to what I’m saying?
Wellness Coach: Okay, I remember you mentioning you had a hard time feeling good about things. Do you ever reflect on the parts of your life you do enjoy?
Quinn: Um. (skeptical, not understanding) Not really? But if that’s something that could help.
Coach: The Wellness Coach asked a closed ended question. While these kinds of questions can be helpful, it’s important that those moments are less common. Open ended questions invite your client to think about, and expand, on their response, helping you gather information that the client feels is pertinent to them.
Anyway. That’s where I’m at lately, that’s, that’s what I’d like to change. For now at least.
Wellness Coach: To build on what you were saying about your sleep schedule, maybe we could talk about a more specific plan.
Quinn: Alright, sounds good.
Wellness Coach: I think it might help you to try meditating before you try to sleep.
Quinn: (reticent) Eh, I’m not sure. Meditating isn’t really my thing. My problem is more about how late I stay up on the weekends.
Coach: This reflection was more focused on the Wellness Coach than the client. While making personal connections can be a powerful tool, make sure that the focus is still on the client and their needs. This shows them you are truly invested in their journey.
Quinn’s thought: Honestly, I’m not totally sure you understand what I just said.
Wellness Coach: If not meditating, I’d say you should try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.
Quinn: Okay. I’ll take your word for it. (fake cheerleader) Consistent sleep, here I come!
Coach: The Wellness Coach’s reflection focused on herself instead of the client. While personal sharing can be powerful, it needs to be focused on the client and their experiences. Reflections that show empathy and focus on the client’s needs help to build trust and show you are invested in their journey.
Wellness Coach: You’ll be so happy when you’re more rested. Trust me.
Quinn: (unimpressed) Uh huh. I can feel the rush of joy already.
Coach: Affirmations that are vague or focused on yourself can dismiss or minimize the client’s feelings. Instead, the client’s efforts should always be acknowledged and validated. Genuine affirmations are behavior based observations that showcase the client’s strength and show a client’s growth.
Quinn’s thought: I thought we were talking about me here.
Wellness Coach: I’m going to be very impressed once you get into a regular sleeping schedule.
Quinn: (unimpressed) Great, I’m glad.
Coach: The Wellness Coach focused on external motivations and connected it to herself. Sharing can be helpful, but you want to focus on the client and work towards uncovering their internal motivations. Clients who work towards intrinsic goals will likely have a higher capacity for change.
Quinn’s thought: I’m worried if I rely on other people too much in order to keep myself active, I’m not going to follow through.
Wellness Coach: I feel like it also might help for you to try writing down something you feel grateful for every day, as a reach goal.
Quinn: Yeah? Sure.
Coach: This reflection was more focused on the Wellness Coach than the client. While making personal connections can be a powerful tool, make sure that the focus is still on the client and their needs. This shows them you are truly invested in their journey.
I feel like that’s a decent starting place for a plan. Thanks.
Wellness Coach: Thanks so much for coming in today. I look forward to talking with you more next time!
Coach: Before the client leaves it’s a good idea to summarize the visit.
Today we talked about getting more sleep and thinking about what made you grateful and a goal to have consistent sleep and wake times throughout the week. And as a reach goal, writing what makes you grateful.
Quinn: Sounds right. I’ll keep you posted on how everything goes.
Pic 2: The screen changes to one where Quinn stands alone in front of a blue background.
(to viewer)
I wasn’t so sure I felt ready to make a change as I left the coaching session. If I’m being honest, I didn’t feel very understood, or, or supported.
I knew the plan.
Try to stick to a sleep schedule, and maybe try writing down what I feel grateful about.
But by the time I came back, I didn’t stick to that goal.
I was too caught up in my routine to make any real changes.
It might be a little difficult to keep wellness in my routine, but I’m willing to keep trying.