Interview With an Imagery Coaching Graduate
Jo Grover had the opportunity to interview Kelli Saginak after she trained with Imagery Coaching to gain insight into her experience. Kelli candidly shared her thoughts on the course, what drew her to it, and the advantages it could provide for those still deciding if it's the right fit for them. In her own words, Kelli discusses the journey that led her to Imagery Coaching and the knowledge she has taken away from the Imagery Coaching for Behavior Change training course.
Jo: How did you hear about IC?
Kelli: I was introduced to Imagery Coaching (IC) when attending an Institute Of Coaching (IOC) webinar hosted by the IC team. Having studied, practiced, and taught Motivational Interviewing (MI) for decades, I was intrigued by integrating imagery into the MI process. Even more intriguing was discovering how the science-based IC approach is four times more effective than MI alone and produces significant outcomes for athletes, the military, corporations, and weight loss patients through the use of mental contrasting and elaboration theory combined with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, performance psychology, and team building.
More curious than ever, I contacted the IC team about their upcoming training courses. I wanted to learn how Imagery Coaching blends with the foundational elements of collaboration, evocation, and autonomy that foster the ‘Spirit of MI.’ How does the Imagery Coaching approach remove resistance and motivate people to achieve their most desired goals?
Imagery Coaching for Behavior Change is a small-group, highly experiential, and applied learning experience. Delivered virtually by the IC team over five and a half days, I was able to observe, experience, and practice the IC approach alongside passionate peers and coaches.
Jo: As a therapist, teacher, and coach, what resonated with you?
Kelli: First, the instructors. Jo, Jon, and Karol created a safe environment to practice the imagery coaching approach, which entailed mental contrasting, elaboration, and creating cues with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, performance psychology, and team building. Their collective teaching and facilitation styles and presence embodied the spirit of MI, most notably autonomy and engagement, while incorporating lightness and humor.
Having served as a counselor educator for over two decades, I appreciated the ‘graduate-level’ style. The variety of learning approaches, from teaching with visual aids to small group discussions and activities to live coaching demonstrations and coaching practice with peers, facilitated my engagement and connection with the training, which was augmented by an online learning platform that houses additional materials, research, and resources.
As a coach, being coached by Jon and practicing coaching with my peers supported my visual-kinesthetic learning style. Being coached enabled me to integrate the practice of Imagery Coaching much more than talking about it through the slides or discussions only. It was like experiencing and “feeling” the learning, especially using imagery. Mental contrasting and elaboration were powerful experiences within the ‘Spirit of MI.’
Jo: What was your biggest takeaway from the course?
Kelli: My highly imaginative brain took quickly to the imagery process. When participating in the imagery exercises during the course, the multisensory experience came easily. Yet, learning about cues and how to use them to activate imagery was a game-changer for me. For example, discovering how to use cues to activate imagery and strengthen follow-through stood out the most. Now, when I see my cues, for instance, I see, feel, hear, taste, and smell the entire experience of walking outside in nature and practicing yoga at my favorite studio. I have a more full-bodied, sensory experience of my health and fitness goals versus “seeing” only. I also have the image of not achieving my health and wellness goals. It’s powerful!
Jo: You told us once that the monthly calls were sacred to you… can you say more about that?
Kelli: When I enrolled in the course, I assumed I would meet and interact with a new group of peers, and then once the course wrapped up, our engagement and connections would fade. This was not the case. Not only did I meet and connect with an engaging cohort throughout the five days, but I also received the generous benefit of the IC coaching community, one of whom became my practice partner for six weeks.
The IC community is a safe, trusting, autonomous space of passionate learners and practitioners. The monthly community calls are sacred because of the connections I have made, the engaging topics we discuss and explore, and how the monthly calls nourish my ongoing learning and development. The calls generally have an agenda we follow, yet time is given to checking in and sharing and deepening connections with each other. I see the calls as my monthly dose of IC alongside trusted colleagues, instructors, and team members.
Jo: If you could advise someone thinking about taking the course, what would you offer?
Kelli: I encourage anyone considering enrolling in the course to email the team, schedule a call, and experience the energy of the Imagery Coaching philosophy. Connecting with the team will give you the opportunity to explore and discuss your “Why?” for enrolling and ensure that the course fits you and your professional goals.
If you enjoy or even prefer experiential learning, coaching, and live practice, this is your type of course. It’s graduate-level, applied, experiential learning versus a “sit-and-get” learning style. I would also encourage anyone joining the course to bring their beginner’s mind, curiosity, courage, compassion, and trust the process.