5 Types of Reframing in Coaching Conversations

Are you stuck seeing a situation in only one way?

That question is at the heart of this week’s conversation, where we explore the powerful coaching skill of reframing, the gentle art of helping someone shift their perspective and unlock new possibilities.

In this episode, we dive into the essence of reframing, what it is, why it matters, and how it can bring transformation in coaching conversations, leadership, and everyday life. We reflect on how reframing isn’t about ignoring facts or bypassing emotion, but about opening up the lens to see a challenge from a more empowering viewpoint.

Zoe was reminded of the times when a simple reframe from Jo had disrupted her own thinking, like during a long car journey when she was convinced Jo couldn’t buy a house, and by the end, felt completely differently. Reframing can be that subtle nudge that opens up resourcefulness, choice, and ownership.

We explore five types of reframing:

1. Context Reframes; shifting the circumstances in which something is viewed
2. Content Reframes; changing the meaning assigned to an experience
3. Positive Intent Reframes; identifying the good intention behind behaviour
4. Systemic Reframes; zooming out to consider relationships and environments
5. Temporal Reframes; introducing time as a tool to gain distance and clarity

What I loved most about this episode was reflecting on how everyday reframes, whether in coaching, parenting, or leadership, are already part of our lives. And when we bring awareness, sensitivity, and timing to them, they can become incredibly effective tools for transformation.

Whether you’re a coach, manager, or simply someone curious about human behaviour, this episode will deepen your understanding of how reframing can cultivate emotional agility, confidence, and self-leadership.

 

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to reframing and its purpose in coaching
• 01:25 – Getting stuck in thinking and how reframing unlocks options
• 04:12 – Real-life example of reframing during a conversation
• 06:32 – The emotional shift and reclaiming ownership through reframing
• 07:27 – What makes reframing different from asking questions
• 09:26 – Five types of reframes introduced
• 10:47 – When not to reframe: importance of timing and sensitivity
• 12:12 – Reframing self-judgement and guilt (e.g. being “too controlling”)
• 16:04 – The positive intent behind perfectionism
• 19:16 – Systemic reframes and reframing conflict within a team
• 22:08 – Time/temporal reframes and the value of future or past perspective
• 24:17 – Everyday leadership uses of reframing
• 25:15 – Deep presence and listening for meaning as a foundation for reframing

 

Key Lessons Learned:

• Reframing is about shifting meaning, not denying reality
• Timing is everything: don’t rush a reframe when emotions are raw
• Coaches should stay unattached to whether a reframe “lands” or not
• There are multiple types of reframes; context, content, positive intent, systemic, and time-based
• Leaders can use reframing to support change, conflict, and morale in teams
• Reframing helps people reconnect with strengths, possibilities, and self-compassion
• Everyday reframes already exist in our language, we can choose to use them more consciously
• “What if” questions are powerful reframe starters
• Listening for assumptions and belief patterns helps shape relevant reframes
• Coaching skills like reframing support flexibility, meaning-making, and resilience

 

Keywords:

Reframing in coaching, Emotional coaching, Confidence building, Coaching skills for leaders, Systemic reframing, Coaching mindset, Cognitive flexibility, Positive intent, Coaching techniques, Meaning-making in coaching,

 

Links & Resources

• https://mycoachingcourse.com – Quiz: Which coaching course is right for me?

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