Holding Paradox: Embracing Both/And Thinking to Deepen Coaching Presence

This interactive session invites coaches to explore paradox—the experience of two desirable, yet seemingly opposing truths—and how holding both can deepen presence and awareness in coaching.

Participants will explore different paradoxes commonly encountered in coaching, holding the tension between being Silent and Probative, knowing when to remain spacious and reflective, and when to engage with purposeful questioning.

The session also includes an experiential exercise where coaches identify their own personal paradox and practice holding that tension lightly, noticing how it arises cognitively and somatically, and discovering ways to remain spacious, curious, and engaged without collapsing into either side.

Through this work:

Coaches develop practical strategies to bring both/and thinking into their sessions, enhancing presence, relational skill, and the ability to support client insight and self-agency.