183 Coaching and Visualisation

How can visualisation unlock deeper insights for your coaching clients? In this episode, we explore the powerful role that visualisation plays in coaching. Whether it’s a grounding exercise at the start of a session, a guided journey to explore emotions, or a visioning tool for goal achievement, visualisation is a technique that can transform client experiences. We share how visualisation works, why it engages the subconscious mind, and how coaches can introduce it confidently. Many clients find visualisation helps them access different perspectives and unlock creative thinking. However, as coaches, it’s important to introduce it in a way that aligns with the client’s needs and learning style. We also discuss practical considerations, such as whether to turn off cameras during virtual sessions, how to adjust visualisation for different clients, and why your confidence in delivering it matters just as much as the script itself. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and inspiration to incorporate visualisation into your coaching practice in a way that feels natural, ethical, and impactful.   Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Visualisation in Coaching Set the Context for the Visualisation o   Explain to the client how visualisation works and its purpose in coaching. o   Ensure they feel comfortable with the technique and give them the option to opt out. Choose the Right Type of Visualisation o   Short grounding exercises (e.g., breathing and body awareness) help clients settle into a session. o   Longer guided visualisations can be used to explore emotions, values, or future goals. o   Spontaneous visualisation can be woven into conversations (e.g., "Close your eyes and picture yourself stepping into this scenario. What do you notice?"). Create a Safe and Comfortable Space o   Ask the client to find a comfortable position (seated or lying down). o   If virtual, discuss turning off cameras to help the client relax. o   Ensure they are in a warm, distraction-free environment. Guide the Visualisation with Confidence o   Use a calm and steady tone, adjusting pace and intonation for effect. o   Focus on sensory details—sight, sound, touch, smell—to deepen the experience. o   Allow pauses for reflection, giving the client time to absorb the journey. Invite Reflection and Integration o   Gently bring the client back to the present and allow space for reflection. o   Ask questions like "What insights did you gain?" or "How did that experience feel?" o   Encourage them to take notes or journal if helpful. Adapt Visualisation to the Client's Learning Style o   Visual thinkers may love detailed imagery, while non-visual learners may prefer body-based awareness exercises. o   Offer alternative ways to engage (e.g., audio-based imagery or metaphor-based questions). Debrief and Apply the Learning o   Help the client translate insights into actionable steps. o   Ask, "How can you use this experience to move towards your goal?" o   Acknowledge if the visualisation wasn’t impactful—learning from that experience is still valuable.   Key Lessons Learned Visualisation is a flexible tool – It can be a short grounding exercise or a deep guided journey. Confidence in delivery matters – The way you introduce it influences how the client engages. Not all clients are visual learners – Be adaptable and offer different sensory-based approaches. Creating the right setting is crucial – Comfort, warmth, and a sense of safety enhance effectiveness. Visualisation can reveal subconscious insights – It helps clients access deeper wisdom beyond logical thinking. It’s an invitation, not a requirement – Clients should always feel free to stop at any point. Practice helps coaches refine their skills – The more you use visualisation, the more natural it becomes.   Key Takeaways Introduce visualisation with confidence—your belief in the process helps the client engage. Use sensory details—sight, sound, touch, and emotions—to deepen the experience. Create a safe and comfortable environment—clients should feel relaxed and free from distractions. Always debrief afterwards—help clients extract meaning and practical steps from their experience. Experiment and refine your approach—each client will respond differently, so stay flexible.   Timestamps 00:13 – 00:46: Introduction—why visualisation is a powerful coaching tool 00:47 – 02:07: What is visualisation, and how does it work in coaching? 02:34 – 03:55: The subconscious mind and its role in coaching visualisations 04:21 – 05:44: Different types of visualisation and when to use them 06:13 – 07:39: Practical considerations—client comfort, camera on/off, and setting the scene 08:09 – 09:34: The coach’s role—why confidence in delivery matters 10:03 – 11:46: How visualisation can help clients access deeper wisdom 12:16 – 13:59: Using visualisation in leadership and career coaching 14:39 – 15:59: How to create your own guided visualisations 16:27 – 17:55: Ethical considerations—ensuring clients feel safe and in control 18:50 – 19:49: Final reflections—how to start integrating visualisation into your practice   Keywords; How to use visualisation in coaching, Guided visualisation techniques for coaches, Coaching and the subconscious mind, Visualisation exercises for goal setting, How to create guided imagery in coaching, Coaching confidence in visualisation, Sensory coaching techniques, Using visualisation in business coaching, Ethical considerations in guided visualisation, How to help clients access deeper insights   Links: Coaching Business Lounge (Pricing Strategy Resources): www.igcompany.co.uk/businesslounge Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training: www.igcompany.co.uk/emotionscoaching COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma   Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Neurodivergent inclusive coaching programme: http://www.igcompany.co.uk/nd Resources: Take our FREE Quiz 'Which Coaching Course is Right for Me?' https://www.mycoachingcourse.com/ Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a Check out our Instagram https://www.Instagram.com/the_coaching_crowd Work with Jo Wheatley as your Emotions Coach https://www.jowheatley.com Connect with Jo Wheatley on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo_wheatley_coaching/  Connect with Jo Wheatley on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joannewheatley Work with Zoe Hawkins as your Courageous Leadership Coach https://www.zoe-hawkins.com  Connect with Zoe Hawkins on Facebook https://facebook.com/zoehawkinscoach/ Connect with Zoe Hawkins on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/zoehawkinscoach Connect with Zoe Hawkins on Instagram www.instagram.com/zoehawkinscoach