Mindfulness practice: move clients forward

As coaches, counsellors and therapists, we have a range of models, techniques and tools to facilitate our clients and enable them to discover themselves. I have been working with clients since 2004, and very soon after I started to bring in relaxation and meditation practices.

As a meditator, I know how beneficial the practice is for me, and I remember one of the first occasions that I offered to do this with a client. This particular client was recovering from an alcohol addiction and mentioned his fear of relapse when the urge and the longing for a drink presented themselves. I asked him to describe the urge in different ways: as a colour, as bodily sensations, what thoughts were accompanying the fear, what pictures came up; the usual range, so I got a really clear vision of his experience.

When I discussed with him the option of a focused mind exercise that could help him through these episodes of urge, he agreed to give it a go.

Armed with the specific information on his specific experience, I guided him through a meditation using his words, his pictures and his sensations to help him to let go of the urge. The outcome was mind-blowing.

Not only did this exercise help him to let go of the immediate urge, but the impact was also much broader

than I anticipated. Having had an experience of letting go, the client became more at ease with his longing for a drink, more accepting, because he had a tool in hand to deal with it. The angst for a relapse was eased.

After the initial spontaneous meditation during our session, I recorded it for him, so he could play it whenever he needed.

Meditation is a great way of promoting mindfulness, being in the moment, and being focused, and I very often start the session with a gentle practice. It helps both the client and me to become fully present, and it helps the client to easily go deeper into their material.

Mariette Jansen Coaching offers 1-2-1 coaching, meditation workshops and specific workshops for professional coaches, counsellors and therapists: ‘Meditation in the therapy room’. For more information and dates, see the calendar.