Knowing what to say in a coaching session is one thing. Knowing when to say it, how to pace it, and what to listen for underneath the words… that's where real coaching happens.

In this episode, we’re walking you through a coaching session breakdown, pulling back the curtain on the decisions made in real time during last week’s The Client Seat episode. You'll hear what Kelsa was tracking, which threads she chose to follow, when she stayed quiet, and why certain moments mattered more than others.

This isn't a recap of what was said during the episode. It's about what was happening underneath, the layer most people miss when they're learning to coach.

You'll learn how to spot emotional patterns before diving into strategy, why reflecting back what you hear matters more than you think, and how to build buy-in through pacing and presence, not just through advice. Kelsa breaks down key moments from the session and shows you how small coaching decisions create big shifts in client confidence and follow-through.

If you've ever wondered what experienced coaches are actually doing during a session beyond asking questions and giving recommendations, this episode shows you.

Links & Resources:

• Ultimate Growth Guide
• Join the Facebook group
• Episode 132: How to Create Buy-In: The Framework for Lasting Financial Change 

Key Takeaways:

• Start every session by naming the focus. It reduces overwhelm and creates emotional safety before you dive into solutions.
• When a client says they "did it right" but it still didn't work, slow down. That frustration signals a need for validation, not immediate strategy.
• Gathering information isn't just for you. It builds buy-in. Clients gain clarity by talking through what's happening, which makes them more ready for change.
• Naming a pattern doesn't fix it, but it creates breathing room. Giving language to an overwhelming experience helps clients feel understood and opens the door to possibility.
• Reflect back what you're hearing at least once per session. When clients know you get it, their nervous system relaxes and they become more open to trying something new.
• Try micro buy-ins before recommending a full plan. Offer one simple shift first, gather feedback, then tailor the next step based on what you learn.
• Security isn't created by the emergency fund. It's created by the belief that you can respond. Progress isn't just measured in dollars. It's measured in how secure someone feels.