Art of the obvious

16/2/2025

‘It’s about recognizing the spark of greatness even in moments of darkness – and nurturing it to light the way forward.’ (Dr Wayne Dyer)

Coaching has been described as ‘the art of the obvious’ – helping clients recognise what is hidden in plain sight.

Coaches use various techniques to bring these insights to the surface such as asking thought-provoking questions, mirroring language and gestures, or engaging clients in physical experiments. A shift in awareness often provides the focus, energy and momentum needed for meaningful change.

Coaching in action: Lisa’s fear of presentations

Lisa, a new manager, says she feels scared of giving presentations. She feels sick and tries to avoid them. Someone may pose direct questions like:

Why are you scared?
What are you scared might happen?

While these could be useful, deeper exploration may be needed. Different coaching approaches offer varied pathways for insight and growth. Here are some examples, drawing on my own studies, training and practice in diverse psychological fields:

Solutions-focused

Questions: ‘How do you want to feel when presenting?’ ‘What would you be doing if you weren’t scared?'
Goal: Shifts focus from the problem to a desired future state.

Strengths-based

Questions: ‘When are you at your best?’ ‘What talents can you draw on for your next presentation?’
Goal: Helps clients recognise and leverage their strengths.

Cognitive

Questions: ‘What do you say to yourself before presenting?’ ‘How do your assumptions shape your feelings about the audience’s response?’
Goal: Identifies thought patterns and beliefs that may be fuelling anxiety.

Psychodynamic

Questions: ‘When did you first feel this scared?’ ‘Who in your past does this situation remind you of?’
Goal: Explores past experiences that influence present fears.

Neurolinguistic

Questions: ‘Scared… scarred… what scars do you carry that shape this fear?’ ‘Presenting… presence… how do you presence yourself in the room?’
Goal: Encourages clients to explore alternative perspectives through language play.

Gestalt-somatic

Questions: ‘Where do you feel this fear in your body?’ ‘If you could speak to it, what would you say?’
Goal: Uses physical awareness and imagination to shift experience.

Existential

Questions: ‘How does overcoming this fear align with your life purpose?’ ‘What values does this anxiety reveal?’
Goal: Encourages clients to connect with deeper meaning and personal agency.

Spiritual

Questions: ‘How does your faith influence your sense-making in this situation?’ ‘What spiritual resources can support you?’
Goal: Draws on spiritual beliefs for guidance and resilience.

Critical

Questions: ‘How does your cultural background shape your expectations?’ ‘What does your anxiety say about your workplace environment?’
Goal: Examines broader social and systemic influences on personal experiences.

Behavioural

Questions: ‘Would you like to practice relaxation techniques?’ ‘Shall we rehearse some different postures and tones of voice?’
Goal: Focuses on practical skills to boost confidence and performance.

Conclusion

Different coaching approaches provide unique lenses through which clients can explore and address their challenges. The key is finding the method that best aligns with the clients' needs and interests, and unlocks awareness, confidence and action for meaningful growth.

Would you be interested to work with a coach? Get in touch!

34 Comments

Kathryn Corcos

17/2/2025 07:13:23 pm

Hey Nick. This is an outstanding breakdown of coaching strategies! One of the things I love most about coaching is that it’s not about “fixing” people. It’s about guiding them to their own answers. The variety of methods you’ve outlined here shows just how adaptable and creative coaching can be. Personally, I gravitate toward strengths-based and solutions-focused coaching because they empower clients to see their potential rather than getting stuck in their fears.

I also appreciate the reminder that coaching isn’t just about the mind. It’s about the body, emotions, language and even deeper meaning. The Gestalt-somatic and spiritual sections really spoke to me. Thank you for sharing these insights!

Nick Wright

17/2/2025 10:39:24 pm

Hi Kathryn. Thank you for such enthusiastic and affirming feedback! I enjoyed the challenge of trying to identify and distinguish between different coaching approaches. I too typically lean towards solutions-focused and strength-based approaches for similar reasons to your own.

On the Gestalt front, this case study article may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/just-do-it.html

On the spirituality front, this article may be of interest too: https://www.nick-wright.com/spirituality-in-coaching.html

Emily Tran

17/2/2025 07:14:35 pm

Hi Nick. So helpful! I’m just starting out as a coach, and I love how clearly this explains different approaches. I hadn’t even thought about the body’s role in fear before. Excited to try Gestalt techniques in my sessions! Thanks for sharing.

17/2/2025 10:18:34 pm

Hi Emily and welcome to the world of coaching. Yes, a lot of work in the trauma field, for instance, focuses on somatic dimensions (e.g. Bessel van der Kolk's 'The Body Keeps the Score'). On the Gestalt techniques front, this short case example may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/crab-to-dolphin.html

Joe Sexton

17/2/2025 07:18:24 pm

This is a well-structured analysis of coaching methods. As a leader, I see the impact of coaching in business settings every day. However, introspection must be balanced with action. The best coaching interventions are those that translate immediately into improved performance. While psychological exploration has its place, it must ultimately serve the goal of tangible progress.

Lisa should leave each coaching session with practical, actionable steps. Whether that’s rehearsing in front of a small team or using cognitive reframing techniques in real time, the key is application. Otherwise, coaching risks becoming an intellectual exercise rather than a catalyst for real change.

17/2/2025 10:21:37 pm

Thanks Joe. Yes, coaching is typically goal-orientated and action-orientated. I like Claire Pedrick's description, 'to enable a client to think through what they need to think through, in order to do what they need to do.'

John Palmer

17/2/2025 07:32:19 pm

Lot of fancy words for something simple. If Lisa’s scared of presenting, she should just do it more. That’s how you get better.

17/2/2025 10:23:49 pm

Hi John and thanks for the stimulating challenge. Yes, sometimes the simplest and best solution is to 'just do it'. On that theme, this short piece may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/just-do-it

Jamie Wells

17/2/2025 07:34:12 pm

Hi Nick. I really enjoyed this article. It’s amazing to see how many different ways we can approach challenges like fear and self-doubt. The solutions-focused approach especially stood out to me. I love the idea of shifting from 'Why am I scared?' to 'How do I want to feel?' That simple reframing feels so empowering.

17/2/2025 10:25:30 pm

Thanks for the encouraging feedback, Jamie. I like the solutions-focused approach too. On that theme, this short related piece may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/seeking-solutions

Jane Blakey

17/2/2025 07:37:42 pm

Nick, this is a fantastic. As a coach myself, I find that having a broad toolkit is essential. What works for one client might not work for another. I particularly love the way you’ve outlined the psychodynamic and existential methods. So often, fear is rooted in something much deeper than the immediate situation, and guiding clients toward those insights can be incredibly powerful.

One thing I’d add is the importance of blending approaches. For example, I often start with a strengths-based perspective to build confidence, then introduce cognitive or somatic techniques to help shift a client’s experience in the moment. Coaching is both an art and a science, and this article captures that beautifully!

17/2/2025 10:31:57 pm

Hi Jane and thank you for such affirming feedback - I appreciate it.

I agree that fear is often rooted in something deeper. In my experience, moving beyond the immediate task to consider deeper influences and dynamics can help make a shift from coaching as transactional to coaching as transformational. On that theme, this short piece may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/diving-deep-in-the-coaching-pool

I like your description of coaching as an 'art and a science' and your way of drawing on different approaches to help a client move forward.

Priya Patel

17/2/2025 07:58:37 pm

Hi Nick, I love how this article highlights the connection between mind, body and emotions. I experienced this firsthand when I was struggling with performance anxiety as a musician. Every time I stepped on stage, my hands would shake, my breath would shorten and my mind would race with worst-case scenarios.

A coach introduced me to a somatic approach similar to what you describe in the Gestalt-somatic section. She asked me, “Where do you feel this fear in your body?” I realized it sat like a heavy knot in my chest. Then she guided me to breathe into that space, imagine the tension loosening and even speak to the fear. Acknowledging it instead of fighting it. Over time, this simple practice helped me regain control over my physical reactions which in turn calmed my mind.

Now, whenever I feel nervous, I check in with my body first. I take a deep breath, ground myself, and remind myself that nerves are just energy. They don’t have to control me. This blog beautifully captures the power of awareness and different coaching styles and I hope more people get to experience these kinds of breakthroughs!

18/2/2025 11:01:49 am

Hi Priya. Thank you for such encouraging feedback and for sharing a great personal example of the power and value of somatic coaching!

Brendan O'Neil

17/2/2025 08:00:20 pm

So Lisa’s afraid of public speaking? Join the club. You know how most people get over that? By doing it. Repeatedly.

I respect that coaching helps some people but at the end of the day, no amount of deep questioning is a substitute for actually getting up there and speaking. Lisa could spend weeks unpacking her childhood, analyzing her body language and philosophizing about her values, but none of that will matter if she doesn’t take action.

My advice? Toastmasters.

17/2/2025 10:34:07 pm

Hi Brendan and thanks for posing the stimulating challenge. Yes, at worst, coaching without tangible outcomes could slide into introspective navel-gazing. Toastmasters would certainly be one way of gaining practical experience..!

Sister Isabel

17/2/2025 08:05:19 pm

Hello Nick. Lisa’s fear of presenting is not merely a challenge but a calling. Fear is a teacher, nudging us toward greater trust in something beyond ourselves. If she can see this fear not as an enemy but as a guide she may find a new depth of confidence.

Coaching is powerful but so too is faith. The questions posed in the spiritual section are deep. How often do we forget that our struggles are invitations to surrender? Lisa does not face this fear alone. If she leans into her spiritual strength, she may find that her voice was never truly hers alone but part of something, someone, greater.

18/2/2025 11:05:28 am

Hi Sister Isabel. Thank you for sharing a deep spiritual insight on this theme. You reminded me of Susan Jeffers; 'Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway' - with trust in the presence and empowerment of God as real.

Margaret Newton PhD

17/2/2025 08:08:51 pm

Nick, this blog provides a comprehensive survey of coaching methodologies, each rooted in distinct psychological frameworks. The breadth of approaches from cognitive to existential to critical demonstrates the versatility of coaching as a discipline. However, while this diversity is valuable, it also raises questions about efficacy: which techniques are most effective for which types of clients? The field would benefit from longitudinal studies comparing outcomes across different demographics and personality types. Additionally, while theoretical exploration is crucial, practitioners must ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by excessive introspection at the expense of tangible progress.

17/2/2025 10:55:15 pm

Hi Margaret. I'm aware of some research that has been done to evaluate the efficacy of different psychological coaching approaches. On that theme, this article may be of interest: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352518680_The_effectiveness_of_workplace_coaching_a_meta-analysis_of_contemporary_psychologically_informed_coaching_approaches

Selene Rowan

17/2/2025 08:25:59 pm

Yes Nick. Fear is a shadow cast by the mind’s own projections. Lisa stands before an audience, trembling not at their gaze, but at the stories she tells herself about what that gaze means. Coaching, as outlined here, is a lantern, each approach illuminating a different angle of the fear. Some light the past, some the body, some the soul. But ultimately, the question remains: will Lisa step into the light?

The existential approach speaks to me. Fear often signals an unlived truth. If Lisa listens carefully, she may find her fear is not an obstacle, but an arrow pointing toward who she is meant to become.

18/2/2025 11:08:13 am

Thank you, Selene. I like your light metaphor. It reflects Dr Wayne Dwyer's language at the start of the blog. Yes, an existential or spiritual frame can cast a profoundly fresh and different light on the meaning and significance of experience.

Dom Pateh

17/2/2025 08:29:08 pm

Whoa. I had no idea coaching had this many approaches. I thought it was just about giving people good advice but this makes it sound like a whole science. Honestly, I don’t even know where I’d start. Do coaches just pick one method and stick with it? Or mix and match depending on the client? Also, the neurolinguistic section really threw me - playing with words like 'scared' and 'scarred'? That’s wild. Does that actually work? I’d love to see some real-life examples of these techniques in action.

17/2/2025 10:51:25 pm

Hi Dom. That's a good question. I studied and trained and practised in a range of psychological coaching approaches because that is my main area of interest in this field. Many coaches, however, focus more on one particular approach and, on the whole, broadly stick with it.

I've used the language-play method on occasion and seen it make a remarkable difference, especially for clients who feel stuck in the tramlines of more conventional approaches and want to experiment with something more playful and creative.

A leadership team caught up in tension and conflict. They used the word 'divisions' when describing the organisation's structure to I invited them to play with that word to see what may emerge. 'Division...divided...divide and rule...' As an outcome, they owned their own parts in the power-play and committed to work more collaboratively.

Another was an individual leader who was new in role, saw all kinds of problems in their organisation, but didn't want to say anything in case it 'rocked the boat'. This short write up of what happened, in the context of an action learning (peer coaching) set I was facilitating, may be of interest: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/metaphor

Dave Robson

18/2/2025 11:15:03 am

Hi Nick. Looks like you do a lot of teaching and training. Have you had bad experiences of presenting or does it come easily to you? I get very stressed when I have to present and I've had some very critical feedback - ouch. Is there hope? If so, what do you do to get through it? Do you have a coach?

18/2/2025 12:47:37 pm

Hi Dave and thank you for such an honest personal response. Yes, I've had some pretty rough experiences too! The first time I spoke up in a public event, I was shot down by the speaker at the front. The next time I did a speech, everyone left at the end without saying a word. The next time, I was shaking so much with nerves that I could hardly step onto the stage. The next time, the only feedback I got was 'not to wave my pen whilst speaking'. The next time, in a church, a close friend commented, 'Well...put it this way, Nick...you don't have the gift of preaching.' The list goes on...!

Yes, I've had the privilege of working with very gifted coaches over the years. One noticed that I 'covered my heart' with my hand when speaking and invited me to experiment with more open gestures. Another encouraged me to imagine that everyone in the audience absolutely LOVES me and can't wait to hear what I have to say. Another encouraged me to actively invite questions in a spirit of curiosity, rather than fearing what might happen if somebody asked a question I couldn't answer. These and other examples helped to calm my nerves...and I look forward to presentations now.

Sarah Langley

18/2/2025 12:34:17 pm

Wow, this article really spoke to me because I *am* Lisa. I’ve spent years dreading presentations at work. Just the thought of standing in front of my colleagues, with all eyes on me, makes my heart race and my hands sweat. I prepare obsessively but when the moment comes, I freeze up, speak too fast and feel like I’m barely getting through it. Reading this, the strengths-based approach really stood out to me. I’ve always focused on what I lack: confidence, presence, ease, rather than what I already have. I’m good at organizing my thoughts, I explain things clearly in one-on-one conversations and I care about the topics I present. If I can tap into those strengths instead of fixating on my fears, maybe I can change my experience. I also love the Gestalt-somatic method. I’ve never thought about where I physically feel my fear, but now I realize: my stomach knots up, my shoulders tense and my breath gets shallow. If I can learn to recognize and shift those physical responses, maybe I can calm my mind too. This blog has given me a lot to think about. I’ve always believed I’m just “bad” at presenting, but maybe I just haven’t found the right way to work through my fear. Thank you for this. It’s the first time I’ve felt hopeful about changing my relationship with public speaking.

19/2/2025 12:53:11 pm

Hi Sarah and thank you for such an honest and personal response. I'm pleased you found the strengths-based and Gestalt insights useful. On the somatic front, here's a short piece with 2 case examples you may find interesting too: https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/light-crispy-spicy. I hope you continue to step into hope as you do more public speaking..!

Gwen Stirling Wilkie

23/2/2025 10:46:02 pm

What guides you as to which approach to take, Nick?

23/2/2025 10:52:46 pm

Hi Gwen. That's a good question. It's partly based on the approach a client believes at the outset they would find most useful to address the challenges and opportunities they face. It's also partly, from many years of experience, a fairly intuitive process where the approach is more fluid in the moment, depending on what emerges for the client, what emerges for me and what emerges between us.

Iwona R.

26/2/2025 10:28:47 am

Fear of giving presentation is our brain protective mechanism. Protective of what?

Answering this question is the first step towards journey into the subconscious mind where the root cause of that mental program resides.

26/2/2025 10:29:19 am

Hi Iwona. 'Protective of what?' is a great question.

Denise Chester

26/2/2025 10:30:13 am

Regulating the nervous system is key. Intellectually we know we won't come to harm when we speak in public, but our brains tell us something different and the body responds as if we were under real threat.

Creating an internal feeling of safety has to come first.

Thanks for sharing Nick.

26/2/2025 10:32:01 am

Thanks Denise - you're welcome. Yes, how to notice the feeling of threat, make sense of it and address it can be a powerful way to handle what we experience as anxiety-provoking situations.