CPC Relationship & Emotional Intelligence Coaching Flashcards

What are the four domains of emotional intelligence (EQ) according to Goleman's model?

Answer: Self-awareness, Self-management, Social awareness, Relationship management

Daniel Goleman's EQ framework organizes emotional intelligence into self-awareness, self-management, social awareness (including empathy), and relationship management.

Why is emotional intelligence considered important in life coaching?

Answer: Because high EQ helps coaches build rapport, read clients accurately, and support clients in developing their own emotional skills

EQ enables coaches to attune to clients, manage their own emotional reactions, and help clients develop the self-awareness and relational skills that support lasting change.

What is 'active listening' and how does it differ from passive listening?

Answer: Active listening involves full presence, reflecting content and emotion, asking clarifying questions, and noticing non-verbal cues—not just hearing words

Active listening is a disciplined practice of full attention that communicates understanding and invites clients to explore more deeply, unlike passive hearing.

What is 'empathy' in a coaching context and how does it differ from sympathy?

Answer: Empathy involves feeling with the client and understanding their perspective from the inside; sympathy involves feeling for them from the outside

Empathy creates connection by entering the client's emotional world, while sympathy maintains distance—coaching requires empathy to build a truly transformative alliance.

What is 'emotional regulation' and why do coaches help clients develop it?

Answer: The ability to manage one's emotional responses effectively, preventing emotions from hijacking decision-making and behavior

Emotional regulation allows clients to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, which is essential for effective goal pursuit and healthy relationships.

What is the 'Gottman Four Horsemen' concept and how might a relationship coach use it?

Answer: Four communication patterns—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling—that predict relationship deterioration, used to identify and change damaging interaction styles

John Gottman's research identified these four behaviors as the most destructive to relationships; relationship coaches help clients recognize and replace them with healthier patterns.