Coaching Script: Framing & Reframing
(A step-by-step guide to help clients shift their perspective and reframe challenges into opportunities.)
1. Opening the Session – Identifying the Client’s Challenge
Coach:
"Welcome! Today, we’re going to explore how we can shift perspectives on challenges you may be facing. This technique, called reframing, helps us see things in a more empowering way. Are you open to trying this?"
(Wait for confirmation.)
"Great! Let’s start by identifying a situation, belief, or challenge that’s been on your mind. What’s something you’ve been struggling with lately?"
(Allow the client to describe their issue.)
📌 Example Response from Client:
"I failed an important job interview, and now I feel like I’ll never get hired."
2. Step 1: Understanding the Current Frame
Coach:
"I hear you. Let’s take a closer look at this. What does this situation mean to you right now?"
(Encourage the client to express their thoughts and emotions.)
🔹 Follow-Up Questions:
- “What story are you telling yourself about this situation?”
- “What assumptions are you making?”
- “How is this belief affecting your confidence and actions?”
📌 Client Response:
"It means I’m not good enough and companies don’t want to hire me."
🔹 Coach Response:
"That’s a tough feeling. But what if we looked at this differently? Let’s explore some new perspectives."
3. Step 2: Applying Different Types of Reframing
🔹 Option 1: Context Reframing (Changing the situation where something is useful.)
Coach:
"Is there any way this experience might be useful to you?"
📌 Client Response:
"Maybe… I did learn what types of questions they ask."
Coach:
"That’s a great insight! What if this wasn’t a failure, but just practice for the right opportunity?"
📌 New Frame:
"This interview was a stepping stone. I’m better prepared for my next one."
🔹 Option 2: Meaning Reframing (Changing the meaning of the event.)
Coach:
"Let’s say two people fail an interview. One thinks, ‘I’ll never get hired,’ while the other thinks, ‘Now I know what to improve for next time.’ Which mindset will lead to better results?"
📌 Client Response:
"The second one, obviously."
Coach:
"So, what if this experience isn’t proof that you’re not good enough, but rather an opportunity to grow?"
📌 New Frame:
"This wasn’t a failure—it was feedback that will help me succeed."
🔹 Option 3: Perspective Reframing (Seeing the situation from another person’s viewpoint.)
Coach:
"Imagine you’re the hiring manager. What do you think they saw in you?"
📌 Client Response:
"Well, they did say I had good experience, but I lacked confidence in my answers."
Coach:
"That’s really valuable information! What if their feedback was actually meant to help you improve?"
📌 New Frame:
"The interviewer’s feedback wasn’t rejection—it was a signal for what I need to work on."
4. Step 3: Integrating the New Frame
Coach:
"Now that we’ve looked at this from different perspectives, how does this situation feel to you now?"
(Encourage the client to reflect on their shift in thinking.)
🔹 Follow-Up Questions:
- “What’s the biggest insight you’ve gained from this?”
- “How can you use this new perspective moving forward?”
- “What action will you take next with this new mindset?”
📌 Client Response:
"I realize that this interview wasn’t a failure—it was a lesson. I’m going to practice my answers and go into my next interview more prepared."
5. Closing the Session – Strengthening the Reframe
Coach:
"I love the shift you’ve made today! You’ve transformed this from a failure into a growth opportunity. To reinforce this, how can you remind yourself of this new perspective when doubts creep in?"
(Help the client create a mental anchor, journal prompt, or affirmation.)
"I’m excited to hear how your next interview goes! Would you like to check in on this in our next session?"
(Wrap up with encouragement and accountability.)
Final Notes on Using This Script
✔ Use Context Reframing when a client sees a trait as a weakness.
✔ Use Meaning Reframing when a client attaches a negative meaning to an event.
✔ Use Perspective Reframing when a client feels stuck in a one-sided view.
✔ Adapt the script to different personal and professional coaching situations.