Working with Energy Shifts in Coaching

In this episode, I’m talking about energy shifts in coaching and what it actually means to work with them in a grounded, non-mystical way. For many coaches, this can feel unclear or even a bit uncomfortable. You might notice something change in the session, but then question yourself: did something really shift, is it relevant, or am I overinterpreting? Let’s bring more precision to this. Energy shifts are not about guessing or intuition in a vague sense. They are part of process information — observable changes in how the client is engaging in the moment. This can show up in pacing, tone, pauses, level of engagement, or emotional activation. I talk about: What energy shifts actually are and how to recognize them through observable, in-the-moment cues; Why process information matters just as much as content for coaching outcomes; How working with shifts supports deeper awareness and emotional processing; The link between noticing shifts and strengthening the coaching relationship; What happens when shifts are missed or ignored in a session. I share a few practical principles and also walk through real examples of how subtle changes in a client’s energy can open up deeper, more meaningful work, if you stay with them. If you want to move beyond content-focused coaching and develop more precision in how you work with what is happening in the session itself, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to approach it. In the next episode, we’ll look at a different challenge: working with uncooperative or disengaged clients. Stay tuned.   Enjoy other free materials: Free Coaching Course for People Leaders: upthinkcoaching.podia.com/basic-coaching-skills-for-new-leaders Mock ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC, MCC) from UpThink Coaching: upthinkcoaching.podia.com/mock-icf-credentialing-exam-pcc-mcc PCC Marker Demo: upthinkcoaching.podia.com/pcc-marker-demo-session Next ICF-Accredited Coach Training Programs (for coaches who want to work at depth): ACC Path: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/become-a-coach/ PCC Path: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/the-path-to-excellence-for-certified-coaches/