The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

• How to use Metaphors in Coaching

  How can metaphor help your clients see themselves differently? Have you ever found yourself lost for words when trying to articulate how you feel? Or maybe you've worked with a coaching client who struggles to express their experience? In those moments, metaphors can open up powerful new pathways. In this episode, we explore the art and practice of using metaphor in coaching. It’s a topic we’ve touched on before, but today we wanted to really dive in. Metaphors are more than clever imagery, they’re a bridge to the unconscious, a creative tool for insight, and often, a much gentler route into emotional exploration. Jo has always loved metaphors. I’ll admit, I used to roll my eyes when she brought them up, early in my coaching journey, I didn’t see their value. But over time, I’ve grown to love them, not just as a coaching technique, but as a deeply human way of understanding and being understood. We talk about the science and soul of metaphor: how it can help clients shift stuck energy, bypass logic, and reflect on difficult or unknown emotions in a more depersonalised way. Whether a client says they feel like they’re “carrying a heavy backpack” or “climbing a mountain”, those metaphors reveal something essential. This episode is filled with real coaching examples and reflections. We discuss clean language, the visual nature of metaphor, and how sometimes our own intuitive imagery as coaches can become powerful tools for client insight. We also touch on: How to deepen and explore a client’s metaphor The importance of timing and sensitivity What to do when a client brings a metaphor back into future sessions And how metaphors can become anchors, guiding a client’s growth long after the session ends Metaphors are not about being clever, they’re about connecting. And as we reflect on our experiences and share some memorable client stories, we hope this conversation inspires you to listen more closely to the metaphors your clients offer, and perhaps even the ones that arise within you.   Timestamps: 00:28 – Why metaphors matter in coaching 01:23 – Zoe’s journey from scepticism to love for metaphor 02:22 – Moving beyond logic: using metaphor to unlock stuckness 03:18 – Working with client-generated metaphors 04:42 – How metaphors shift energy and enable playfulness 06:10 – Depersonalisation and the power of symbolic language 07:35 – Metaphor as language for growth between sessions 08:57 – The client who visualised their journey through art 09:26 – Visualisation and emotional metaphor in coaching 10:47 – Tips for noticing and using metaphor in session 12:38 – Creating movement and reconnecting with session goals 14:32 – Coach-generated metaphors and intuitive imagery 16:31 – When metaphors work best: even with 'non-visual' clients 17:26 – Anchoring emotion and experience with metaphor 18:54 – Why metaphor accelerates understanding and insight 20:49 – Using metaphor when clients want to remain private   Key Lessons Learned: Metaphors allow clients to express deep emotions without needing to verbalise them directly They can help bypass logical resistance and tap into the unconscious mind Clean language is a powerful tool for exploring client-originated metaphors Visual and symbolic metaphors can become long-term anchors for growth Coaches can offer their own intuitive metaphors to enrich the dialogue—but only when the client is ready   Keywords: metaphor in coaching, clean language coaching, using metaphors with clients, symbolic coaching techniques, coaching tools for emotions, how to use metaphor in therapy, coaching metaphors examples, unconscious mind in coaching, visual coaching techniques, coaching confidence with metaphor,   Links & Resources: Emotions Coaching: https://www.igcompany.co.uk/emotions-coaching

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• 5 Types of Reframing in Coaching Conversations

  Are you stuck seeing a situation in only one way? That question is at the heart of this week’s conversation, where we explore the powerful coaching skill of reframing, the gentle art of helping someone shift their perspective and unlock new possibilities. In this episode, we dive into the essence of reframing, what it is, why it matters, and how it can bring transformation in coaching conversations, leadership, and everyday life. We reflect on how reframing isn’t about ignoring facts or bypassing emotion, but about opening up the lens to see a challenge from a more empowering viewpoint. Zoe was reminded of the times when a simple reframe from Jo had disrupted her own thinking, like during a long car journey when she was convinced Jo couldn’t buy a house, and by the end, felt completely differently. Reframing can be that subtle nudge that opens up resourcefulness, choice, and ownership. We explore five types of reframing: Context Reframes; shifting the circumstances in which something is viewed Content Reframes; changing the meaning assigned to an experience Positive Intent Reframes; identifying the good intention behind behaviour Systemic Reframes; zooming out to consider relationships and environments Temporal Reframes; introducing time as a tool to gain distance and clarity What I loved most about this episode was reflecting on how everyday reframes, whether in coaching, parenting, or leadership, are already part of our lives. And when we bring awareness, sensitivity, and timing to them, they can become incredibly effective tools for transformation. Whether you’re a coach, manager, or simply someone curious about human behaviour, this episode will deepen your understanding of how reframing can cultivate emotional agility, confidence, and self-leadership.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to reframing and its purpose in coaching 01:25 – Getting stuck in thinking and how reframing unlocks options 04:12 – Real-life example of reframing during a conversation 06:32 – The emotional shift and reclaiming ownership through reframing 07:27 – What makes reframing different from asking questions 09:26 – Five types of reframes introduced 10:47 – When not to reframe: importance of timing and sensitivity 12:12 – Reframing self-judgement and guilt (e.g. being “too controlling”) 16:04 – The positive intent behind perfectionism 19:16 – Systemic reframes and reframing conflict within a team 22:08 – Time/temporal reframes and the value of future or past perspective 24:17 – Everyday leadership uses of reframing 25:15 – Deep presence and listening for meaning as a foundation for reframing   Key Lessons Learned: Reframing is about shifting meaning, not denying reality Timing is everything: don’t rush a reframe when emotions are raw Coaches should stay unattached to whether a reframe “lands” or not There are multiple types of reframes; context, content, positive intent, systemic, and time-based Leaders can use reframing to support change, conflict, and morale in teams Reframing helps people reconnect with strengths, possibilities, and self-compassion Everyday reframes already exist in our language, we can choose to use them more consciously “What if” questions are powerful reframe starters Listening for assumptions and belief patterns helps shape relevant reframes Coaching skills like reframing support flexibility, meaning-making, and resilience   Keywords: Reframing in coaching, Emotional coaching, Confidence building, Coaching skills for leaders, Systemic reframing, Coaching mindset, Cognitive flexibility, Positive intent, Coaching techniques, Meaning-making in coaching,   Links & Resources https://mycoachingcourse.com – Quiz: Which coaching course is right for me? ·        Coaching Summit 2025: https://igcompany.co.uk/summit25

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• Importance of DEIB in Coaching

  How do we create truly inclusive coaching spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging? In this episode we reflect on the role of coaches in fostering environments rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As we prepared for our upcoming Coaching Summit, it felt important to open this conversation up to share our own insights and challenges around this essential topic. When we think about DEIB in coaching, we are reminded that this is not about achieving perfection or ticking boxes. Instead, it’s about holding curiosity and awareness for the lived experiences and identities our clients bring into the coaching space. We discuss how our own identities, privileges, and unconscious biases influence not only who we are as coaches but also how we create the coaching environment. Throughout the episode, we I reflect on why this work matters so deeply to us personally. Our own motivation comes from recognising the privilege we have experienced throughout our lives. We are driven by a desire to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and able to be their whole selves. We break down what diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging mean within a coaching context: Diversity: Acknowledging the broad range of identities and lived experiences. Equity: Recognising not everyone starts from the same place and ensuring fair access. Inclusion: Intentionally creating spaces where people feel respected and heard. Belonging: Moving beyond inclusion to that felt sense of connection and acceptance. These are not abstract concepts for us, they sit at the heart of how we approach coaching, particularly in group or team settings where systemic influences are more pronounced. We also explore the discomfort coaches may feel: the fear of ‘getting it wrong’ or unintentionally causing harm. But avoiding these conversations entirely is not the answer. We encourage leaning into bravery, curiosity, and reflective practice. We discuss: How to navigate conversations about identity, privilege, and systems with sensitivity and openness. The role of supervision in supporting us to notice when our biases show up. The importance of language and accessibility in creating inclusive spaces. The ethical tensions that can arise when coaching within organisations still rooted in inequality. Ultimately, this episode is about growth over perfection. DEIB is a lifelong commitment, one where our openness to learning will shape the impact we have as coaches. We hope this conversation invites you to reflect on your own practice and inspires you to take small, meaningful steps towards deeper inclusion. If this resonates with you, you are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming Coaching Summit on 29th July, where we will be exploring DEIB in coaching even further. You can register here: igcompany.co.uk/summit25   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to DEIB in coaching 01:00 Why this topic matters to us 03:20 Defining diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging 05:00 How our identities shape the coaching space 06:40 Systemic influences in coaching conversations 09:00 Asking powerful, inclusive questions 12:00 Navigating judgement and bias as a coach 14:30 The role of supervision in DEIB practice 16:00 Permission, language, and accessibility 18:00 Moving from performative allyship to authentic action 20:30 Ethical tensions in organisational coaching 22:00 Why coaching is not always neutral 23:00 Invitation to continue the conversation at the Summit   Key Lessons Learned: DEIB is not about perfection but about intentional, ongoing learning. Our identities and biases influence the coaching space, whether we are conscious of it or not. Inclusive coaching requires bravery, curiosity, and reflective practice. Asking thoughtful, open questions can invite deeper reflection on identity and systemic influences. Supervision is a vital tool for exploring blind spots and deepening our DEIB practice.   Keywords: Diversity in coaching, Equity in coaching, Inclusion coaching conversations, Belonging in coaching, Inclusive coaching spaces, Coaching and unconscious bias, Coaching and privilege, Brave spaces in coaching, Systemic influences in coaching, Coaching summit on DEIB,   Links & Resources Coaching Summit 2025: https://igcompany.co.uk/summit25

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• Co-regulation in Coaching

  How aware are you of the silent signals you bring into your coaching conversations? In this episode, we explore the subtle yet transformational role that co-regulation plays in coaching. Reflecting on our own experiences as coaches, we discuss how this often-overlooked aspect of human connection helps to create a foundation of psychological and emotional safety within the coaching relationship. Through this conversation, we reflect on how co-regulation is less about the words we say and more about the energy we bring into the space. It's about how we use our body language, breathing, and tone of voice to invite our clients into a settled, grounded state. It is about offering a felt sense of safety, presence, and acceptance, where a client can relax into being themselves without performance or pretence. We delve into the ways we can notice our own state as coaches, how regulated or dysregulated we are as we show up for our clients. It's not about striving for perfection but about understanding that our nervous systems communicate silently and that presence matters. We reflect on how crucial it is to meet clients where they are and to use our own energy consciously. Whether through slowing down our breathing, adjusting our tone, or holding silence, these are invitations for the client to settle too. The conversation touches on the polyvagal theory and how the nervous system craves connection. We speak about the science and humanity behind why co-regulation creates deeper, more transformative coaching conversations. It's not just about the questions we ask but about the energy we hold. Coaching becomes an oasis, a rare place where clients can breathe and simply be. We share practical ways to cultivate this co-regulation through grounding exercises, breathwork, reflective questions, and conscious awareness of our voice and body language. These seemingly small actions have the power to radically change the quality of connection and depth in coaching. If you have ever wondered why your clients say, "I feel so calm after talking to you," this episode offers insight into why that happens and how you can deepen this skill intentionally.   Timestamps: 00:00 – What is co-regulation? 01:00 – The importance of nervous system awareness in coaching 03:30 – Psychological safety as a felt experience 05:15 – Meeting clients where they are energetically 07:40 – How coaches can anchor the coaching space 10:50 – Clean energy versus calm energy 14:40 – Tools for co-regulation: voice, breathing, body awareness 16:30 – Reflective practice and knowing your own regulation 18:00 – The impact of body language and silence 22:00 – Simple practices to support co-regulation in sessions 24:30 – Being trauma-informed in coaching conversations   Key Lessons Learned: Co-regulation is about being present with another’s energy, not fixing it Psychological safety is created through how we hold space, not only through words Breath, tone of voice, and body language are tools for inviting calm connection Our own regulation as coaches directly influences the client’s experience Silence and stillness are powerful in inviting a client into a reflective space   Keywords: Co-regulation in coaching, Psychological safety in coaching, Nervous system awareness, Coaching presence, Breathwork in coaching, Trauma-informed coaching, Energy in coaching conversations, Polyvagal theory coaching, Building rapport in coaching, Reflective coaching practice   Links & Resources: ·        Summit: https://igcompany.co.uk/summit25 Our Website: https://igcompany.co.uk/

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• Contradictions in Coaching

  Have you ever felt confused by seemingly conflicting messages in your coaching journey? Whether you’re training to become a coach, have been in practice for years, or are simply curious about coaching, you’ve probably come across contradictions that make you pause and wonder: Is this right? Or is it wrong? Or… could it be both? In this episode we dive into some of the most common contradictions that coaches face, especially during training and development. We reflect on the nuances we encounter as coach trainers and practitioners, unpicking the complexities of coaching goals, non-directiveness, sharing of self, professional boundaries, and the role of structure versus fluidity. This episode was such a joy to record because it gave us space to validate the “messy middle” where so many coaches find themselves. That tension between learning the rules and evolving beyond them. It reminded me of how deeply coaching is rooted in conscious choice, relationship, and reflection. From the irony of learning rigid frameworks only to outgrow them, to the beauty of coaching mastery as an art of flow and discernment, this episode is all about embracing paradox. If you're someone who finds themselves craving clarity while swimming in contradiction, you’ll likely feel seen here. We also talk about the journey of personal growth alongside professional development, how who we are as people directly influences who we become as coaches. There are no hard and fast rules, and that’s both liberating and confronting. We hope this conversation helps you feel a little more grounded in the uncertainty, and even a little more curious. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why contradictions in coaching matter 01:00 – The goals paradox: clarity at the start… or at the end? 05:15 – Is coaching really non-directive? 08:35 – When and how to share your own experience as a coach 13:25 – What clients actually need and how this impacts your role 16:00 – Coaching bodies and different competency frameworks 17:40 – The craving for models: structure, freedom, and finding your style 22:00 – What coaching mastery really looks like 23:45 – Clients bring contradictions too 24:40 – Final reflections and invitation to explore coaching further   Key Lessons Learned: Goals aren’t always clear at the start and sometimes clarity is the goal. Non-directiveness is a principle, not a rule; conscious choice is the key. Self-disclosure can build connection when used with intention and care. Frameworks and models are useful, until they become restrictive. Mastery lies in flexibility, knowing when to hold structure and when to release it. Clients themselves live in contradiction, and your role is to help them make sense of that tension. Coaching isn’t just future-focused, it often invites reflection on the past. There are many paths to being a great coach and none of them are identical.   Keywords: coaching contradictions, non-directive coaching, coaching goals, coaching frameworks, coaching training UK, becoming a coach, coaching vs mentoring, emotional coaching, self-disclosure in coaching, coaching mastery,   Links & Resources: mycoachingcourse.com – Take the quiz and explore our coaching training programmes https://igcompany.co.uk/

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About The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins