As coaches we need to build a strong working alliance with our clients so that they trust us and feel safe to be vulnerable and explore aspects of themselves that they may have been unwilling or afraid to examine or that they were unaware of. When we show genuine empathy, unconditional positive regard and non-possessive warmth[1], we provide that safe container for them. One way to do this is to listen to our client’s story. Listening to stories develops our ability to rela