Slides: Semi-Directive With Trial And Error

Making the directive more non-directive by using trial and error

Most things we learn in life are by trial and error.

i.e. walking, talking, relationships …

But how do you coach (teach) through trial and error?

i.e. guitar, sailing, marriage, parenting

How do you teach concepts through trial and error?

i.e. Parenting – teaching the skill of responsibility

Ask client to try anything that comes to mind that might lead to the client’s child becoming more responsible.

Next session

1. Ask the client "What happened?"
2. If there was success, talk about why that may have been the case.
3. Pursue a course of action based on what was learned.

Next session

1. If there was no success, talk about why that may have been the case.
2. Help the client to figure out what to try next.

The advantage of using trial and error

1. The client is as likely to learn something from the failures as the successes.
2. It is often easier to talk about and understand concepts after there has been some struggle.
3. The means you as the coach are employing will, not only serve your current purpose (to teach something), but it will also become a skill that will help your client with learning anything.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-4)