{"id":6348,"date":"2024-10-31T08:00:49","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T03:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/blog\/coaching-strategies-to-navigate-and-overcome-climate-anxiety\/"},"modified":"2025-02-07T14:44:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T19:44:54","slug":"coaching-strategies-to-navigate-and-overcome-climate-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/blog\/coaching-strategies-to-navigate-and-overcome-climate-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Coaching Strategies to Navigate and Overcome Climate Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every day, the news highlights the growing impact of climate-related disasters. We hear about catastrophic flooding in Brazil, Kenya, and China. Near-record breaking heat waves in India. Widespread wildfires in Chile. And the Caribbean\u2019s earliest Category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Beryl, in July 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unsurprisingly, many people are feeling anxious about the state of our planet. And while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8499625\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">anyone<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can experience climate anxiety<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/a-coaching-primer-to-climate-anxiety-tools-for-climate-empowerment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">at-risk groups<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> include young people, sustainability leaders, and especially those directly impacted by natural disasters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">With climate anxiety on the rise, more coaches will interact with clients facing disruption in their personal and professional lives. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/action\/showPdf?pii=S2542-5196(21)00278-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">survey<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> conducted to measure climate anxiety in Gen Z found that feelings related to climate change disrupted the daily lives of almost half of respondents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rachelsnetwork.org\/burnout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">sustainability leaders and climate activists<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, the growing sense of hopelessness about climate change can hinder their effectiveness and even lead to burnout.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Helping Clients Move From Anxiety to Empowerment<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/coaches-can-help-organizations-reverse-the-human-sustainability-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">niche coaching practices<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> have evolved to address challenges related to this new eco-anxiety, c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oaches do not need to be climate change experts to support clients experiencing climate anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">One key strategy is to reframe anxiety as \u201coverwhelm,\u201d that feeling of being overloaded<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> before we shut down<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Coaches can help clients process these emotions and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reinforce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> their sense of empowerment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">One way to approach this <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">process<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/positivepsychology.com\/self-determination-theory\/#self-determination-theory-and-work-motivation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Self-Determination Theory<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, a behavioral theory of human motivation. According to this theory, humans have three basic psychological needs that support motivation for action: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Autonomy is<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">the need to feel control over one\u2019s actions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Competence is the need to apply skills and knowledge to make a difference.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Relatedness is<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">the need for supportive relationships.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Coaches can partner with clients by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/instituteofcoaching.org\/resources\/masterclass-translating-self-determination-theory-your-coaching-practice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">integrating<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Self-Determination Theory into their coaching practice. This theory allows coaches to take a future-focused approach that values <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/coaches-can-help-organizations-reverse-the-human-sustainability-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">sustained motivation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> over short-term impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Making Big Problems Manageable<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Climate anxiety often stems from the vast scope and complexity of climate change. Breaking these challenges down into smaller pieces can help clients regain a sense of autonomy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A useful tool to help in this process is the concept of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/discoveryinaction.com.au\/circle-of-concern-v-circle-of-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Circles of Concern, Influence, and Control<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, popularized by the late Stephen Covey of <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> fame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Working through this concept can help clients visualize their challenges, starting with those concerns beyond their control and then focusing inward on what the client can influence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Building Confidence and Competence<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Support a client\u2019s sense of competence by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ro.uow.edu.au\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&amp;httpsredir=1&amp;article=1106&amp;context=gsbpapers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">reinforcing client <\/span><\/a>confidence, acknowledging<span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0past progress, and championing client growth. Focusing on what is going well helps clients remember their ability to learn new skills and overcome unfamiliar challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Coaching sessions provide a safe space for clients to practice new skills or brainstorm how unused skills might help them achieve their goals. This nurtures a sense of competence and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Strengthening Connections<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The coaching relationship <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-90-481-3939-2_14\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">offers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> a non-judgmental and supportive thought partnership that meets the need for relatedness in Self Determination Theory. Additionally, by helping clients build community connections, coaches enhance their sense of belonging and collective empowerment. Sharing passions and skills with family, friends, or a broader social circle amplifies the impact of any one individual.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Exploring Future Scenarios<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Another way to approach coaching for climate anxiety is by encouraging clients to explore various future scenarios. Coaches can start by helping clients <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/1362037\/futures-thinking-basics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">identify<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> four expectations for the future:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">What do I expect the future to look like?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the future is better than I expect?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the future is worse than I expect?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the future is weirder than I expect?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By building off these outcomes, clients can map potential futures using a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thevoroscope.com\/publications\/foresight-primer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Voroscope<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or \u201cfutures cone,\u201d to rank the likelihood of possible outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By identifying their expected, better, worse, and weirder futures, clients can gain clarity and redirect their focus towards those outcomes they can have a hand in bringing about.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Supporting Sustainability Professionals<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sustainability professionals face unique challenges. The urgency of climate action combined with the complexity of the work can lead to anxiety and a sense of defeat. Despite the passion these folks have for creating positive change, the overwhelming nature of their work can take a significant toll on their well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Amid these challenges, coaching offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/a-coaching-primer-to-climate-anxiety-tools-for-climate-empowerment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">guidance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to navigate the emotional complexities of climate anxiety by establishing sustainable self-care practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">According to Wisdom Weaver and Climate Change Coach Charley Cox, burnout is a significant issue in the sustainability sector because many feel their work is too important to pause for a break.<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">She suggests that prioritizing personal care can be a form of rebellion against the pressures of busyness and burnout. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">That rebellion can begin with coaches challenging harmful notions of busyness and burnout, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Charley also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/healing-the-self-healing-the-earth-the-role-of-inner-development-in-climate-restoration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">advocates<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for a paradigm shift toward what she calls \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.innerdevelopmentgoals.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Inner Development Goals<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201d because she recognizes that addressing societal and environmental issues first requires an inward journey addressing current skill gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By advocating for inner development, coaches can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/coaches-can-help-organizations-reverse-the-human-sustainability-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">foster<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> a culture of sustainability in the workplace. And by prioritizing well-being, individuals can mitigate burnout and cultivate the resilience necessary for sustained engagement with environmental challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/healing-the-self-healing-the-earth-the-role-of-inner-development-in-climate-restoration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Explore<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> how coaches support self-care and community-care for clients in the sustainability sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Climate Anxiety and the Future of Coaching<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As climate disasters become more frequent and intense, coaches will play an integral role in helping clients address the fears and anxiety related to climate change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Through coaching tools and futures-thinking, coaches can empower and equip leaders to face the challenges ahead with confidence and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thoughtleadership.org\/our-take-embodying-regeneration-and-coaching-for-the-future-of-ecological-well-being\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn more<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> about how coaches are helping clients overcome climate anxiety overwhelm and how they can support ecological well-being in general.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every day, the news highlights the growing impact of climate-related disasters. We&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":6983,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"audience-type":[115,118,121,124,120,117,113,114],"display-option":[],"post-type":[128],"topic":[85,60],"_person-tax":[940],"class_list":{"0":"post-6348","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"audience-type-coach-educators","8":"audience-type-experienced-coaches","9":"audience-type-external-coaches","10":"audience-type-icf-chapter-leaders","11":"audience-type-internal-coaches","12":"audience-type-new-coaches","13":"audience-type-professional-coaches","14":"audience-type-team-and-group-coaches","15":"post-type-blog","16":"topic-coaching-toolbox","17":"topic-discover-your-coaching-career","18":"_person-tax-940","19":"not-partnership-post","31":"_person-tax-5969","32":"has-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6348"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15431,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6348\/revisions\/15431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"audience-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience-type?post=6348"},{"taxonomy":"display-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/display-option?post=6348"},{"taxonomy":"post-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-type?post=6348"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=6348"},{"taxonomy":"_person-tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_person-tax?post=6348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}