The coach would be using the following techniques in the “root” stage:
- Celebrating
- Acknowledging and encouraging
- Creating self awareness
- Providing a safe space
- Powerful listening
- Powerful questions
- T ools for identifying values
The Shoot
“The shoot” stage is where the client begins to move forward. The roots have been fed with acknowledgment and encouragement and the client is feeling excited about the life that lies ahead. They can see that the possibilities are indeed attainable. In this stage we work with the client to solidify their goals that are in keeping with their values and to establish action steps after discussing the options the client may wish to pursue. We establish timelines for the action steps to be achieved and measure motivation levels. If motivation levels are below 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 we explore how we can raise the motivation levels. In addition, we may also help the client to identify obstacles that may hinder progress and use strategies for knocking them down, going around or over top of the obstacle. This action stage of the “Tree of Life” allows the client to breakthrough the soil and into the sunlight as the client is moving towards the “fruitful” life they envision.
The coach would be using the following techniques in the “shoot” stage:
- Celebrating
- Acknowledging and encouraging
- Providing a safe space
- Creating self awareness
- Powerful listening
- Powerful questions
- Questions to establish action steps using a “Could do, Want to, Will do” model
- Choosing options to overcome obstacles
- Measuring motivation levels and making any necessary adjustments to raise motivation levels
- Accountability
The Trunk
“The trunk” stage of the client/coaching relationship has the client moving forward and growing into the life they envision. In this stage the coach is acknowledging, encouraging and cheering on the client while holding them accountable to their commitments. The coach is excited for the client. At the same time the coach continues to challenge the client to meet their goals, execute their action steps and keep their motivation high. It is entirely possible that situations, relationships and circumstances can enter the picture to potentially derail the client in their pursuit of their goals. We support the client to overcome these obstacles and continue to move forward to “the fruit”, the realization of their goals.

The coach would be using the following techniques in the “trunk” stage:
- Celebrating
- Acknowledging and encouraging
- Providing a safe space
- Powerful listening
- Powerful questions
- Choosing options to overcome obstacles
- Measuring motivation levels and making any necessary adjustments to raise or maintain motivation levels
- Accountability
The Fruit
“The Fruit” stage is filled with celebration as goals are realized. The client has a sense of having done something extraordinary, a satisfaction in having the courage to step out and seek help to create the life they had envisioned. The tree is now strong, deeply rooted in good soil (living in alignment with their values) and producing healthy fruit. The client is living focussed, structured, purposefully and passionately.
Sessions are now over – goals have been realized and come to fruition. The coach would be using the following techniques in the “fruit” stage:
- Celebrating
- Acknowledging and encouraging