Becoming familiar with the predictable patterns that humans have for relating to their lives and listening for these patterns in our clients doesn’t mean we are diagnosing. It means we have a powerful lens through which to see our clients and what is unconscious to them about how they are experiencing their lives in patterned ways.

This post is an action planning guide for coaches – whether you joined the webinar or not – for making decisions on – or if – to use tech in coaching. The majority of IOC participants in the webinar described their stance on tech in coaching as curious, ready to learn more and take initial steps such as exploring new tools. Some are already actively using tech. However, in many cases their use involves the familiar videoconferencing options for virtual coaching sessions.  

Photo-elicitation enhances the principles of co-active coaching: discovery, mindfulness, and empowerment (Kimsey-House, Kimsey-House, Sandahl, & Whitworth, 2018). Through the camera’s lens, clients become investigators of their own lives and examine hidden parts of themselves. Moreover, photo gazing awakens the five senses leading to deeper levels of awareness. 

If you have children, you know exactly what it's like to be caught in the swirl of being a parent, an engaged partner in your relationship, and working full time.  The energy required to navigate the drama or high activity of a situation creates a myopic lens of just handling what's directly in front of you. It's so easy to fall into the trap of just doing tasks the same way you always have because both your perspective and energy are limited.