Navigating Client Resistance & Breaking Through Blocks

Resistance.  It’s the invisible wall that stands between where your clients are and where they want to be. As coaches, we often see it in subtle ways—procrastination, fear of failure (or success), or the quiet reluctance to leave a comfort zone.  But here’s the powerful insight: understanding and working with resistance can be transformative, both for your clients and for you. When clients hesitate, it’s not a lack of will; it’s often a sign of deep-seated fears, unexamined assumptions, or unhealed past experiences. The breakthrough happens when we, as coaches, provide a safe space to explore these fears and reframe them. Ask questions that spark new thinking.  Encourage clients to visualize positive outcomes instead of focusing on the “what ifs” of failure.  Small victories can lead to big changes, so help clients break down goals into micro-steps that build momentum and confidence. True progress requires empathy, patience, and perspective.  It’s not about rushing the process; it’s about creating an environment where clients feel empowered to move through their fears at their own pace. So the next time you feel resistance in a session, lean into it. It’s an invitation to explore, reframe, and transform. Because when clients feel understood, they’re far more willing to take that next step forward. Remember: Real breakthroughs often start with the smallest shifts. Embrace resistance as part of the journey.  The results might just surprise you.

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We discussed this topic LIVE inside our IMPACT Coaching Collective community. Come to our next event for FREE by activating your 14 days of free access here. 

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Below is a recap of our discussion:

Our latest Coach Coffee Hour was all about diving into the sticky terrain of client resistance. Together, we examined resistance from every angle—why it shows up, how it lingers, and most importantly, how to help clients move past it. Here’s what we uncovered:

Resistance isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, it’s fear of change, other times a reluctance to leave comfort zones. Victoria shared that she spots resistance when clients cling to outdated beliefs about themselves, often inherited from family or society. Bringing these to light can make them visible and, eventually, surmountable.

Small wins build big momentum. Akiroq noted that clients who haven’t felt a “win” in a while need micro-goals to remember what success feels like. Even small accomplishments can be transformative, rekindling a sense of possibility and boosting confidence.

Ask “what if?” to reframe fear into opportunity. When resistance is rooted in the fear of success, Arnela shared a powerful reframe: “What if everything worked out well?” This subtle shift from fear to hope can lead clients to visualize positive outcomes instead of focusing on potential failure.

The unknown can trigger self-doubt. Bharath explained that the fear of stepping into a new identity often keeps clients stuck. For those clients, he recommends visualizing the positive qualities of this “new self,” transforming anxiety into excitement for what’s ahead.

True progress needs a solid support system. Lavinia brought forward an insightful twist on the Wheel of Life exercise, asking clients to rate fears rather than goals. This helps clients confront and tackle their fears one by one, creating a visual roadmap toward personal breakthroughs.

Creating safe spaces encourages honest dialogue. Ian reminded us of the importance of empathy and presence. As coaches, showing up authentically for our clients allows them to do the same—creating a foundation where true breakthroughs can happen.

Coach Tip: It’s not about rushing change; it’s about facilitating growth. Sometimes, resistance signals readiness for a deeper shift. By helping clients slow down, explore their fears, and visualize success, we guide them gently toward their next level of growth. What resistance are you ready to help your clients navigate next? ✨