Diving Deeper: Understanding the Client’s Perspective
Presented by Hélène Thériault
True client-centered care requires more than setting goals—it demands an understanding of what truly matters to the client. Diving Deeper: Understanding the Client’s Perspective is course 4 of 8 in the Dive Into a Coach Approach® 1.0 | Core Fundamentals course series. This course equips healthcare professionals with practical communication strategies to uncover client motivations, challenge assumptions, and support meaningful change. Clinicians will learn to ask clarity-driven questions, courageously share observations, and use powerful silence to expand awareness and perspective. These techniques are grounded in evidence-based coaching models and support the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies. Designed for athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists, this course helps providers in any setting—outpatient, inpatient, school-based, or virtual—foster trust, collaboration, and deeper therapeutic impact through dialogue that goes beneath the surface.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the role of Curiosity and Clarity Questions in the DIVE step of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® Framework
- List five categories of questions that help explore client perspectives
- Select Curiosity and Clarity Questions to support therapeutic alliance
- Highlight the role of the Make an Observation technique in coaching dialogues
- Name one key attribute required to Make an Observation effectively in coaching
- Outline how Make an Observation can support therapeutic relationships
- Identify which core coaching competency aligns with the Powerful Questions Followed by Silence technique
- Clarify three client scenarios where this technique would be most effective
- Select a powerful question that can support client reflection and insight
- Coaching Fundamentals in Healthcare
- Building Clarity: Defining the Coaching Process
- Listening and Mindset: Applying the Foundations
- Diving Deeper: Understanding the Client's Perspective
- Exploration in Action: Guiding Clients Toward Solutions
- Summing Up and Taking Action
- Bringing It All Together: Coaching Framework and Application
- Laser-Focused Coaching
- Using a Coach Approach with Remote Monitoring
Meet your instructor
Hélène Thériault
Hélène brings more than two decades of experience in the medical field to her role as a master certified coach (MCC). Witnessing the toll of burnout firsthand, she discovered the power of the Coach Approach in her practice, benefiting both her patients’ recovery and her own well-being. Drawing on her expertise in…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Clarity and Curiosity: Asking the Right Questions
This chapter introduces the use of Curiosity and Clarity Questions, a coaching technique to gain a richer understanding of the client’s view of their challenges, habits, and goals. Clinicians will learn how to develop open-ended, insight-generating questions that strengthen therapeutic alliance and set the stage for deeper exploration and client engagement.
2. Make an Observation: The Power of Noticing
Here, learners explore how courageous, well-timed observations—such as shifts in tone, body language, or language patterns—can help clients gain awareness of blind spots and limiting beliefs. This chapter emphasizes how empathetic, professional honesty can deepen trust, open dialogue, and spark aha moments essential to behavioral change.
3. Powerful Questions and Silence: Shifting Perspectives
This chapter highlights the transformational potential of pairing thought-provoking questions with intentional silence. Clinicians will practice using this combination to help clients reframe situations, challenge assumptions, and reflect more deeply—ultimately broadening perspective and supporting sustained personal growth.
More courses in this series
Coaching Fundamentals in Healthcare
Hélène Thériault
Building Clarity: Defining the Coaching Process
Hélène Thériault
Listening and Mindset: Applying the Foundations
Hélène Thériault
Diving Deeper: Understanding the Client’s Perspective
Hélène Thériault
Exploration in Action: Guiding Clients Toward Solutions
Hélène Thériault
Summing Up and Taking Action
Hélène Thériault
Bringing It All Together: Coaching Framework and Application
Hélène Thériault
Laser-Focused Coaching
Hélène Thériault
Using a Coach Approach With Remote Monitoring
Hélène Thériault
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