Cultivates Trust and Safety
Partners with the client to create a safe, supportive environment that allows the client to share freely
Description
Creating trust and safety is fundamental to effective coaching. When clients feel truly safe, they open up, explore vulnerably, and take meaningful risks in their thinking and actions. This competency involves the coach's ability to create an environment of respect, openness, and support. Trust is built through consistency, confidentiality, non-judgment, and genuine care for the client. Safety allows clients to be authentic, express difficult emotions, and explore challenging topics without fear of judgment or breach of confidence.
Level-Specific Markers
Observable Behaviors
- 1
Seeks to understand the client within their context
- 2
Demonstrates respect for the client's identity, perceptions, style, and language
- 3
Acknowledges and respects the client's unique talents, insights, and work
- 4
Shows support, empathy, and concern for the client
- 5
Acknowledges and supports the client's expression of feelings and experiences
- 6
Demonstrates openness and transparency as a way to display vulnerability
Development Tips
Practice active listening that demonstrates you truly hear the client
Acknowledge client emotions and experiences without trying to fix them
Share your own humanity appropriately to build connection
Ask permission before exploring sensitive or challenging topics
Notice when the client seems hesitant and check in about safety
Maintain strict confidentiality and make this explicit to clients
Develop cultural competence to respect diverse backgrounds and experiences
Practice non-judgment through mindfulness and self-awareness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Moving too quickly into challenging topics before trust is established
Judging or reacting to client choices or perspectives
Minimizing client emotions or experiences
Sharing client information without clear permission
Imposing your own values or cultural norms
Avoiding difficult conversations that need to happen
Being so focused on tools or techniques that you miss emotional cues
Related Competencies
Sources
Related Learning Resources
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