What does being present really mean for a coach?

Presence in coaching isn’t just about being physically in the room or using active listening techniques automatically. It’s about the quality of our attention, the energy we bring and the intention behind our presence. At the AoEC, this is often referred to as “signature presence”: the unique way each coach brings themselves into the coaching relationship. When we’re truly present, we’re not just hearing words - we’re sensing what’s beneath them. We’re creating a space that feels safe, spacious and alive with possibility. And it’s in that space that the real magic of coaching begins to unfold.

The essence of presence

True presence goes beyond simply being there. It’s about being fully engaged - mentally, emotionally and physically - with the coachee in the moment. It means setting aside distractions, suspending judgement and tuning in with deep curiosity and compassion. When a coach is truly present, they create a space where the coachee feels seen, heard and valued. This space becomes fertile ground for insight, growth and transformation.

Claire Pedrick, in her work on simplifying coaching, describes presence as “how people experience us.” She argues that “The most significant thing you bring to coaching is your presence and how you do what you do. We need to match status a little but it’s presence that does the work.”

Why presence matters

Presence is the foundation of psychological safety in a coaching relationship. When a coach is fully present, the coachee senses it. They feel that their words matter, that their silence is respected and that their experience is valid. This encourages them to go beyond surface-level responses and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.

As Frances Lamb writes in Coaching Reimagined, “As a coach, when you are truly present with a client you are more able to witness their pain, grief, sadness, loss, joy, happiness, bliss, etc., that sits behind their thoughts and gives us the opportunity to understand their belief and value systems, amongst other things.

“When you are present and listening on a deep level, you can begin to notice the roots of their beliefs. Being present is a pathway to the body and during the session, pathways could open that provide access to forgotten memories, to unresolved trauma, and to core needs from childhood that were never met.”

This kind of presence is not passive - it’s a deeply active, embodied state that allows the coach to hold space for whatever emerges. It’s in these moments that the real breakthroughs often occur.

The three minds: cognitive, somatic, and systemic

To deepen our understanding of presence, it’s helpful to consider the concept of the three minds - cognitive, somatic, and systemic - a framework developed in the field of generative coaching by Stephen Gilligan and Robert Dilts.

• The cognitive mind is the thinking mind. It’s where we analyse, question and make sense of things. Coaches often start here, helping coachees articulate their thoughts and goals.
• The somatic mind is the body’s intelligence. It’s where we feel tension, intuition and emotion. A coach who is present will notice shifts in posture, tone, or energy - and may gently invite the coachee to explore what their body is telling them.
• The systemic mind is the wider field. It includes the relationships, patterns and dynamics that surround the coachee. A present coach is attuned not just to the individual, but to the systems they are part of - family, team, organisation, society.

This model encourages coaches to listen on multiple levels, engaging with the whole person and their context. This multi-dimensional awareness enhances the depth and impact of the coaching conversation.

Making the magic happen

So, what makes presence so magical? It’s the way it transforms the coaching space. When a coach is truly present, time seems to slow down. The conversation becomes richer, more spacious. Insights emerge that might otherwise have remained hidden.

Presence also models something powerful for the coachee. It shows them what it looks like to be fully engaged, to listen deeply, to hold space for another. In doing so, it invites them to bring more presence into their own lives and relationships.

Cultivating presence

Presence is not a fixed trait - it’s a practice. It requires intention, attention and self-awareness. Coaches can cultivate presence through mindfulness, embodied practice, self-regulation, reflective practice, supervision and by noticing their own internal state before and during sessions.

It also helps to remember that presence is not about perfection. There will be moments when our attention drifts or our own thoughts intrude. The key is to notice and gently return.

Final thoughts

In a world that often values speed, productivity and solutions, presence can feel like a radical act. But in coaching, it is the very heart of the work. It’s what allows the coachee to feel safe, seen and supported. It’s what makes the magic happen.

So next time you sit down with a coachee, take a breath. Let go of the need to fix or advise. And simply be there - with them, for them and alongside them. That’s where the real power lies.