I always meditate before a coaching session so that I’m completely focused on my client. I take time to reflect after each session, on my coaching and on any emotions that came up for me, especially if the subject matter resonated with me personally. If a session has left me feeling emotional, I would explore this in supervision.

The thing that I found most helpful when facing challenging clients is NOT to take anything personal. Even if it might feel very personal, their actions and reactions are triggered by their internal emotional state. So, I let them cool down, breathe and wait for the right time to intervene. Most people will realise it was an inappropriate way to talk and we can restart the conversation from there. Explore the situation deeper and find the root cause of anger or frustration. With the clients that aren’t aware of their inappropriate behaviour, I reiterate the rules of our collaboration and my boundaries. If we can’t agree to follow them and respect each other, then we must end the collaboration.

Managing your emotions during a session is huge. Remember, you're here to serve the client, not your own interests. It's always a good idea to take a step back and detach (if you feel like the coachee isn't making progress) Good coaches understand the client doesn't have to say the perfect answer all of the time. Simply talking can be of immense value to the coachee. It's ok not to make progress sometimes. If you feel like your session isn't going anywhere I'd always recommend: 1. Hitting the pause button: ask the client to remind you of their goal, what do they want to achieve? *Resetting is a good way to control your emotions 2. Discuss the challenges you're client is facing. *This always helps to refocus a coaching session

The word ‘challenging’ implies the client is the issue - unless they are blatantly rude or aggressive or inappropriate, are they? If a client is any of those, set boundaries or refer on as appropriate. I see the coach’s role as being one of non-judgment & being 💯 present in the moment with the client. If triggering, it could help to gently acknowledge your emotions; temporarily & consciously park any personal response (it’s not personal), ground yourself & maintain presence. Afterwards, reflect on it & work out what strategies might help next time bespoke to that client & if you can’t, discuss it with a mentor. If that’s still no help, that’s ok, you’re human - are you the right coach? Or do they require another modality of help?

Handling challenging clients requires a blend of emotional awareness and strategic response. First, I endeavor to stay present and recognize my emotions without judgment. I employ active listening to validate their concerns, which helps defuse tension and fosters a collaborative environment. Additionally, I strive to maintain a solutions-oriented mindset, focusing on the client’s growth rather than my own emotional reactions. Engaging in mindful breathing has also proved instrumental in keeping my emotions at bay.