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The Power of Vulnerability in Coaching: Embracing a New Approach
By Angela Cox, last updated February 12, 2024

In a light-hearted moment during CPR training with my husband a few weeks ago, he jokingly remarked, “You’re the only casualty to put yourself in the recovery position.” Little did I know that this playful comment would spark profound introspection, not only about my own tendencies but also about the evolving nature of coaching.

I’ve always been someone who likes to be in control, someone who finds it challenging to embrace vulnerability. It’s not surprising, given my personal history, which I shared in my first book, “Enough.” My life experiences have equipped me with a built-in threat detector, and a constant need to maintain control. However, my husband’s lighthearted comment served as a catalyst, pushing me to let go of control and trust that I was safe in his capable hands.

The second attempt at putting me in the recovery position was significantly smoother, underscoring the profound impact of letting go of control and embracing vulnerability.

In my work as a coach, I encounter numerous individuals who, much like me, are inclined to “put themselves in the recovery position.” They struggle to relinquish control and often present a facade, hiding behind a Pretender Mask. To create real value, I believe in transparency. I can’t sit in the non-directive space, as we’d merely dance around the issues. So, I choose to reveal my own vulnerabilities.

I acknowledge that I, too, grapple with trust, and vulnerability, and sometimes struggle to remove my Pretender Mask. When I share this with my clients, they often look at me with disbelief, questioning, “You’re a coach; surely you have it all together?” My response is a simple, “Nope, I’m human, and I’ve learned to manage it—albeit not always successfully.” This admission creates a common ground, and a shared connection, and opens the door to building trust and intimacy.

The beauty of this approach is that it allows the client to start relinquishing control and step onto a level playing field. This new style of coaching embraces vulnerability, trust, and the authenticity of both the coach and the client.

Traditional coaching, where the coach remains emotionally detached and uninvolved, had its place in a world where emotions and vulnerability were rarely discussed. However, today’s coaching is evolving. We must show people that they don’t need to put themselves in the recovery position, figuratively or literally. This is precisely what we strive to achieve at Paseda360 – to help our clients “Escape the Ordinary.”

In conclusion, the journey from the recovery position to embracing vulnerability and trust is a transformative one, both for individuals and the coaching industry. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of coaching, where authenticity and emotional openness pave the way for meaningful and impactful change.

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Strategies for Overcoming People Pleasing Behaviours
By Angela Cox, last updated July 15, 2024
Discover effective strategies for overcoming people-pleasing behaviours using the Paseda360 Pretender Model. Learn how to set healthy boundaries.
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Fear of Speaking Up: A Silent Epidemic
By Angela Cox, last updated July 3, 2024
Have you ever kept your idea quiet in a meeting? You’ve wanted to say it out loud but you are ruminating; wondering if it’s a good idea. Worrying what people will think of it?Thinking ‘What if it makes me sound stupid?’ And while you are ruminating… …a colleague puts forward a similar idea, which is met with approval, and you
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Helping Clients Overcome Resistance – A 2024 Guide
By Angela Cox, last updated July 3, 2024
Discover how to overcome resistance in coaching with Paseda360. Explore innovative methods like Limitless Light Therapy for transformative client outcomes.
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Understanding the Amygdala: Breaking the Cycle of Overprotection
By Angela Cox, last updated June 24, 2024
Deep within the brain lies the amygdala, a small yet powerful structure essential for our emotional and survival responses. Let’s call the amygdala Amy for short. Think of Amy as your built-in alarm system, constantly on alert to keep you safe. With a team of security guards (known as AMPA receptors) working around the clock, Amy’s primary job is to
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Why Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is Critical for a Coach
By Angela Cox, last updated June 9, 2024
Discover why CPD is crucial for coaches and how Paseda360 Coach Club offers essential courses to enhance your skills and grow your practice. Join today!
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