𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓 & 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 – 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈

In a coaching relationship, 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅; it must be nurtured. As coaches, we need to create a non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to share their feelings, and vulnerabilities freely. This safety is established through confidentiality and a deep respect for the client’s journey.

According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), trust and safety are foundational to an effective coaching engagement. When a client senses that they are in a safe and open space, they are more likely to be honest about their challenges and willing to take transformative steps.

I often remind myself that each client brings unique perspectives shaped by their identity, characters, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs—many of which may differ from mine. For instance, a client from a highly structured corporate background may have a different worldview than an entrepreneur who thrives in uncertainty.

Respecting and honoring these differences is fundamental to building trust. When clients feel their perspectives are valued, they are often more likely to open up and engage in the coaching process wholeheartedly.

Clients feel supported when we 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, acknowledge their self-awareness, strengths, courage, and commitment. Celebrating their “small wins”—such as taking the first step toward a difficult conversation or setting a boundary—reinforces their confidence and trust in the coaching process.

It is our responsibility as coaches to hold our clients in unconditional positive regard, ensuring they feel accepted and valued as they are—without any expectation to perform or prove themselves.

Above all, it’s crucial to understand that 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒆, and can be lost at any moment if not carefully nurtured. It must be earned, and continually reinforced through respect, genuine care, and consistency. A breach of trust can jeopardize the coaching relationship and may cause the client to disengage completely.

Coaches who prioritize trust and safety 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆, allowing clients to explore their potential with confidence and clarity.

Written by Helda Tan (Surjadi), ICF-PCC
Wellbeing Coach & EQ Facilitator
Catalyst Coach Partner – Indonesia 🇮🇩