Quinn didn’t feel understood or supported in their session with the Wellness Coach.
As a result, Quinn didn’t feel motivated to follow through on the goals they set together.
Open ended Questions
Open ended questions give your client an opportunity to share in a meaningful way and play an important role in keeping the client engaged. They also help to build their wellness vision and increase their self efficacy and awareness.
The Wellness Coach said, “Sure! Changing habits can be hard. Are you up for that challenge?”
Next time, she should try saying something like, “What would you like to talk about today?”
Asking open ended questions like this can help build a collaborative and trusting relationship and promote sharing.
Reflective Listening
Reflective listening shows the client that you’re interested in what they’re saying and truly invested in their journey. This helps build trust throughout the conversation.
The Wellness Coach said “If not meditating, I’d say you should try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.”
Next time, she could’ve said, “So you took some initiative like limiting screen time and drinking less coffee and you still want to find the right approach to get more sleep.”
This would have been an immediate sign that she is truly present with and there for her client.
Affirmations
Affirmations help clients become aware of their personal strengths and values. They also help to create an environment in which the client feels accepted, and safe to share information about themselves without fear of being judged.
The Wellness Coach said, “You’ll be so happy when you’re more rested. Trust me.”
Next time, she could’ve said, “You see how pushing yourself to go to sleep a little earlier on the weekends could help.”
Affirmations help the client to trust that they’re being met by someone who truly cares about what they are going through.
Focus on Intrinsic Motivations
When you focus on the client’s intrinsic motivations, they will likely have a higher capacity for change.
The Wellness Coach said, “I’m going to be very impressed once you get into a regular sleeping schedule.”
Next time, she could’ve said, “So you’re thinking about the ways a more consistent sleep schedule would benefit you.”
While external motivations can help to guide the conversation, focusing on internal motivations yield the best long term outcomes in performance, creativity, wellness, and well being.