Coaching approaches are now being used far more commonly to help people overcome anxiety. New ways of thinking new tools and new techniques. This is a brief overview of how a coaching approach works.
Shifting the Focus:
- Instead of concentrating on reducing distress or merely surviving, the coaching approach aims to help the individual thrive by building success and focusing on solutions. This involves acknowledging negative emotions while emphasizing the increase of positive affect to improve the client’s life.
- The approach is future- and solution-focused, contrasting traditional therapies that are often past- and problem-focused. Instead of dwelling on the problem, conversations centre around what the client wants to achieve instead of the problem.
- Rather than viewing the client as damaged or a patient, they are seen as someone with strengths and resources who is influenced by anxiety but not defined by it. This promotes empowerment and encourages the client to take ownership of their journey.
- Identifying and utilizing existing coping mechanisms is crucial, as opposed to teaching new coping mechanisms. This approach recognises the client’s inherent ability to manage anxiety and focuses on strengthening those existing skills.
- Small changes are often sufficient to make a significant difference. The focus is on achievable steps that build momentum and confidence.
Key Strategies and Techniques:
- Solution-focused questions:
- These questions help the client shift their perspective from what they don’t want (the problem) to what they do want (the solution). For example, “What things in your life do you wish to maintain, despite anxiety?” or “How will you celebrate your victory over anxiety?”.
- Creating a positive alliance:
- Building rapport and trust is essential for any coaching relationship. The coach acknowledges the client’s perspective and validates their experiences.
- Recognizing the client relationship and understanding the referrer’s perspective is also important in certain situations. This ensures everyone involved is working towards a common goal.
- Normalising and reframing:
- Helping the client understand that anxiety is a normal human emotion and that their experiences are valid is key to reducing shame and self-criticism.
- Reframing anxiety as a potential strength or resource can empower the client to use it to their advantage.
- Building hope:
- Instilling hope and optimism is crucial, as clients often feel hopeless and pessimistic when seeking help. The coach helps the client see the possibility of change and focuses on their strengths and successes.
- Action-oriented approach:
- The coaching approach emphasises accountability and action. The coach helps the client develop a plan to reach their preferred future and encourages them to take steps towards their goals.
- This might include setting realistic goals, identifying potential barriers, and developing strategies to overcome those barriers.
- Celebration of successes:
- Acknowledging and celebrating even small victories is vital for maintaining motivation and building confidence.
Additional Techniques:
- While not explicitly mentioned as part of the coaching approach, the sources suggest that techniques like mindfulness, relaxation training, guided visualization, and cognitive restructuring can be helpful in managing anxiety.
- It’s important to note that these techniques might be incorporated into a coaching program depending on the coach’s expertise and the client’s needs.