Techniques and how to use them
Applying Gestalt principles to coaching, especially in life coaching, can help clients develop self-awareness, take responsibility for their actions, and make meaningful changes. Here’s how you can integrate Gestalt techniques into your coaching sessions:
1. The Here and Now Focus
Application in Coaching:
- Encourage clients to stay present rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future.
- Ask "What are you feeling right now?" instead of focusing on long-winded stories from the past.
Example:
A client struggles with procrastination. Instead of analysing why, you ask:
💬 “What do you notice in your body when you think about taking action right now?”
This shifts their attention to the present moment and emotional response.
2. The Empty Chair Technique
Application in Coaching:
- Used for self-dialogue, decision-making, or addressing unresolved issues.
- Helps clients confront fears, inner critics, or people they have unresolved conflict with.
Example:
A client is torn between leaving or staying in a stressful job.
🎭 You ask them to imagine one version of themselves in one chair (quitting) and the other version in another chair (staying) and have a conversation.
This helps them explore emotions and come to a decision.
3. Staying with the Feeling
Application in Coaching:
- Encourages clients to fully experience emotions instead of avoiding them.
- Helps uncover deeper motivations or blocks.
Example:
A client expresses frustration about lack of motivation.
Instead of problem-solving immediately, you ask:
🧠 “Can you sit with that frustration for a moment? What comes up for you?”
This can lead to deeper insights, such as fear of failure or perfectionism.
4. Body Awareness
Application in Coaching:
- Helps clients notice how emotions manifest physically.
- Connects mind and body for deeper self-awareness.
Example:
A client dealing with social anxiety describes a tight chest before social interactions.
You guide them to notice and describe the sensation:
⚡ “Where do you feel that tension? What happens when you focus on it?”
This helps them become aware of bodily reactions and manage stress.
5. Exaggeration Technique
Application in Coaching:
- Helps bring unconscious behaviours to awareness.
- Encourages clients to notice patterns in speech, gestures, or habits.
Example:
A client shrugs every time they say, "I guess I could try."
You ask them to exaggerate the shrug and say it louder.
👀 This reveals hesitation and self-doubt, leading to a discussion about confidence.
6. Reversals
Application in Coaching:
- Helps clients explore suppressed emotions or untapped strengths.
- Encourages thinking from a different perspective.
Example:
A client says they always have to be the “strong provider” and can’t be vulnerable.
You ask them:
🔄 “What if you embraced the opposite? What would it be like to show vulnerability?”
This opens up a new perspective on emotional well-being.
7. Dream Work & Metaphors
Application in Coaching:
- Instead of interpreting dreams, you ask clients to step into symbols or metaphors.
- Helps reveal subconscious feelings.
Example:
A client describes feeling "like they’re drowning" in work.
Instead of analysing, you ask:
🌊 “If you were actually in water, what would you do?”
They might say: “I’d look for something to hold onto.”
This leads to a realization about seeking support or setting boundaries.
How This Helps in Men's Health Coaching
✔ Encourages client to express emotions in a structured, experiential way.
✔ Builds self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
✔ Shifts focus from overthinking to experiencing and acting.
✔ Helps client take ownership of their emotions, decisions, and behaviours.
Video: NLP Techniques & Training VS Coaching
Ruth Kudzi, Founder of Optimus Coach Academy, explains the key differences between NLP techniques and coaching approaches, helping coaches understand when and how to integrate NLP tools effectively.