Resonance and Dissonance in Coaching: The Music of Transformation

Each coaching conversation is a song—resonance brings harmony, dissonance brings change.

Every coaching session is like a piece of music.

Your client arrives with their unique melody—goals, stories, beliefs, and longings. You, the coach, join with a quiet rhythm and steady beat, attuned to the highs, lows, tempo shifts, and unexpected pauses. You listen not only to what is said, but how it vibrates in the space between you.

Sometimes, the music flows—clear, alive, and harmonious. This is resonance.

Sometimes, the tune falters—off-key, jagged, uncomfortable. This is dissonance.

Both are essential to a powerful coaching relationship.

Resonance and dissonance give a musical piece its emotional arc. Resonance affirms what is true and harmonious; dissonance introduces tension, challenge, or possibility. In coaching, the same is true—moments of resonance signal clarity, while dissonance often cracks open transformation.

This article explores how resonance and dissonance play out in coaching conversations, drawing on coaching principles and ICF Core Competencies. Discover how to recognize these musical cues, what they mean, and how to respond skillfully. I’ll share real-life coaching stories and offer practical tools to help you conduct coaching sessions with greater depth, awareness, and artistry.

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