The most important time of a recovery coaching session
The most pivotal (and overlooked) time of a recovery coaching session is the 10 minutes before it begins.
It’s imperative that we check in with ourselves when we meet with a recoveree.
Am I ready?
Or am I tired, irritated, fresh out of a disagreement or caught in task mode?
If lost in these emotions, how do we make sure we don’t bring them into the session?
Therein lies the rub.
We can’t address what we can’t see.
Recognizing that these unsettling emotions are present is a critical first step in preparing for your recovery coaching session.
So, you have a coaching call in 10 minutes, and you’re physically tense and a bit overwhelmed.
You’re not even sure which emotions are in play that could potentially derail your next coaching session.
It’s important to stop shaking the snow globe of your thoughts to see what’s here.
There are several methods to bring about calm in situations like this.
Stop.
Feel your breath.
Observe and see what thorny emotions are alive.
This can take only a few seconds and bring immense clarity.
There are several methods of getting grounded.
We know from our Recovery Coach Training courses everyone has a different preferred approach.
Some techniques we’ve heard include:
take a walk
talk to a friend
journal
box breathing
gentle stretching
a brief bit of yoga
These are all great ways to calm the mind and, more importantly, see what’s going on for us at any given moment.
Ten minutes isn’t long, so how are we going to settle ourselves in such a short time?
The truth is, just knowing these emotions are present can make a world of difference.
Then, at least, we know what we’re bringing into the room and perhaps take a further pause before responding to a recoveree.
To further quiet these unwanted emotions before the session, you could try naming them.
You read that right.
The name-it-to-tame-it method was devised by Dr. Dan Siegel and has a salutary effect on our negative emotions and reactivity.
Brain neuroimaging shows why and how this actually works.
You will have your own favourite method for checking your internal emotional storms.
Whatever your preference, make time for it before your session.
Both you and your client will be grateful you did.