ABSTRACT
Relationship is a key in the psychodynamic coaching process. In all relationships, emotions play the pivotal role, hence the coach must understand how to deal with emotions from a psychodynamic perspective. When a client presents a difficult emotion, it is the task of the coach to react appropriately by demonstrating empathic understanding of the emotion and also that it has a reason to exist in and will be dealt with respectfully and seriously. Having developed a first understanding, the coach may also have created an initial hypothesis regarding the history, appearance and pain points that cause the specific emotional reaction. Experiencing strong emotions and behavioural patterns is unusual and can be very stressful. To achieve insight and change it is helpful to create a transitional space that provides the client with the opportunity to play with and step outside their usual habits and emotional prisons.
