Behavior-change coaching method
Behavior-Change Coaching Method
This domain tests whether you can apply a client-centered, evidence-informed coaching process rather than handing out meal plans. The exam samples motivational interviewing, stages-of-change, self-determination theory, habit formation and relapse prevention in realistic coaching dialogues.
Core rules:
- Match your approach to readiness. In precontemplation, raise awareness and build alliance; in contemplation, explore ambivalence; in preparation, co-create a concrete plan; in action/maintenance, reinforce self-efficacy and relapse-prevention skills.
- Use OARS: open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries. Reflections should outnumber questions; complex reflections (meaning, feeling, values) are stronger than parroting.
- Elicit change talk (desire, ability, reasons, need, commitment) and soften sustain talk; do not argue, lecture or 'fix' resistance.
- Support autonomy, competence and relatedness. Offer choices, ask permission before advising, and link habits to the client's values.
- Make goals behavioral, small and specific: implementation intentions ('After I ___, I will ___') and if-then plans for barriers.
Worked example
Client: 'I know I should pack lunch, but I'm exhausted at night.' Poor response: 'You need to meal-prep on Sundays.' Better: reflect ('Packing lunch feels like one more chore when you're already drained'), affirm past success, ask what has worked before, then offer a menu of options. Client chooses prepping components twice weekly. Coach checks confidence/importance on 0–10 scales; if confidence is 4, shrink the habit until it reaches 7+.
Traps
Advice-giving before exploring; arguing with sustain talk; jumping to action with an unready client; setting outcome goals ('lose 10 kg') without behavioral goals; ignoring relapse triggers; using scales as the only progress marker.