How can you build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss?

1 Listen actively and compassionately

One of the most important skills you can use to build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss is active listening. Active listening means paying attention to what your client is saying, reflecting back their feelings and thoughts, and asking open-ended questions to encourage them to express themselves. Active listening also means being compassionate and non-judgmental, and avoiding giving advice or solutions unless your client asks for them. By listening actively and compassionately, you can show your client that you care, that you understand, and that you respect their unique experience of grief or loss.

2 Validate their emotions and experiences

Another way to build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss is to validate their emotions and experiences. Validation means acknowledging and accepting your client's feelings and perspectives, without minimizing, dismissing, or criticizing them. Validation can help your client feel heard, seen, and valued, and reduce their sense of isolation and shame. You can validate your client by using statements such as "I can see how hard this is for you", "You have every right to feel this way", or "This is a normal and natural response to what you have been through".

3 Share your own vulnerability and authenticity

A third strategy to build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss is to share your own vulnerability and authenticity. This does not mean that you have to disclose your personal details or stories, but rather that you can show your human side and relate to your client on an emotional level. Sharing your own vulnerability and authenticity can help you create a rapport and a connection with your client, and demonstrate that you are not a distant or superior authority figure, but a fellow human being who can empathize and support them. You can share your own vulnerability and authenticity by using phrases such as "I can relate to what you are feeling", "I have also struggled with this in the past", or "I appreciate your honesty and courage".

4 Respect their pace and process

A fourth tactic to build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss is to respect their pace and process. Grief and loss are not linear or predictable, and everyone copes and heals in their own way and time. As a personal coach, you need to respect your client's pace and process, and avoid pushing them to move on or change before they are ready. You also need to respect their choices and preferences, and avoid imposing your own expectations or agenda on them. You can respect their pace and process by using statements such as "You are the expert of your own life", "You know what is best for you", or "I am here to support you, not to direct you".

5 Establish clear and consistent boundaries and ethics

A fifth and final technique to build trust with clients dealing with grief or loss is to establish clear and consistent boundaries and ethics. Boundaries and ethics are the rules and principles that govern your professional relationship with your client, and they are essential for ensuring safety, respect, and trust. Boundaries and ethics include setting and communicating the scope, duration, and frequency of your coaching sessions, maintaining confidentiality and privacy, avoiding dual or conflicting roles, and adhering to the code of conduct and standards of your coaching profession. By establishing clear and consistent boundaries and ethics, you can show your client that you are reliable, responsible, and respectful, and that you value their dignity and autonomy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?