Visualisation in Coaching


Coaching has a definite effect on the brain. A coach who interacts with coachees are using techniques that allow them to interact directly with thought processes.

The way the brain processes stimuli and responses can be seen in the mechanism of writing vs typing.

Most motivational speakers swear by the method of writing down your dreams to clarify your values, goals and actions.

However, even with the ubiquitousness of typing on the phone or computer, most people still find better results to achieve their aims by physically penning it down.

The difference lies in the process of writing versus typing.

When you write, your brain visualises the letters, sends impulses to the hand to take action and to create on paper what it sees in the mind.

When you type, your brain recognises or remembers the position of the keys on the keyboard, then sends impulses to the hand to strike the keys. There is no visualisation nor creation involved.

When you coach someone, you are asking questions to stimulate them to visualise the goal and take physical action to create their dreams.

However, when you give advice to someone, their brain only recognises or remembers it and they just follow external instructions with less conviction.

Thus, when you want someone to change their behaviour or commit to an action, use coaching to have them choose to do so. Advising can risk creating robots instead.