At Mento, we don’t “fire” clients because coaching isn’t a transactional relationship—it’s a partnership. When a Member starts pulling back—shortening sessions, rescheduling, or showing up less engaged—it’s rarely about fit. More often, it’s a signal that the partnership itself is ready for reinvention.
These moments can feel uncomfortable for both the coach and the Member. But they are often where the deepest work begins. As coaches, our role is not to step back or hand the relationship off. It’s to hold steady, reflect what we’re noticing, and invite the Member into a reset.
Why This Matters
It’s one thing if a fit issue arises during the chemistry call—that can happen. But once a coaching relationship is underway, disengagement is usually not an ending. It’s an opportunity to pause, check the alignment, and co-create a path forward.
There are rare situations when a transition to a new coach makes sense—such as a clear style mismatch or when the Member’s needs fall outside your scope. But most of the time, what looks like withdrawal is a symptom of resistance, uncertainty, or misalignment with their original goals.
This is where your ability to hold the frame and stay in presence matters most.
How to Hold the Frame When a Member Pulls Back
Name what you’re noticing without blame
“I’ve noticed a shift in how we’re meeting—shorter sessions, a few reschedules. I’m curious what’s behind that and where you feel you are in your journey right now.”
This is not about confrontation. It’s about creating a moment of reflection and choice.
Revisit the bigger picture
“Earlier you shared [X] as your bigger aim. Does that still feel like the right focus?”
“Where are we in relation to what you hoped to shift or see differently?”
Helping the Member reconnect to their why can reignite energy and ownership.
Re-contract with clarity and confidence
“What would make this coaching feel most impactful for you right now?”
“Do you want to stay with this focus or explore something that feels more resonant today?”
This invites them to define what they need and recommit to the work.
Hold space when they don’t know what they need
“We don’t have to fill this space. What might emerge if we slowed down right here?”
Growth for the Coach
When a Member tests the edges of the coaching container, it is just as much a growth opportunity for you as it is for them. Notice where you might be tempted to “rescue” the dynamic or disengage yourself. Ask:
Am I fully present and holding the frame, or am I subtly trying to fix, help, or step out?
What would shift if I trusted the client more than the agenda?
When to Partner with Mento
If, after a reset conversation, it’s clear that the dynamic is not serving the Member—or their needs fall outside your scope, reach out to the Mento team at coachsupport@mento.co. Together, we’ll assess whether a transition is the right next step. Do not include the Member on your communication to us.
But remember, most of the time, what feels like a fracture is the threshold for a deeper partnership. Breakthroughs often happen on the other side of discomfort—when both coach and Member stay in the work.