Scripts for Holding Boundaries with Emotional Clients
by Wendy Francis, Board-Certified Cognitive Health Coach & Founder of The Coaching Collective
Emotional clients are not a problem. They’re a reality in coaching. Many people hire a coach precisely because their emotions overwhelm them, stall their progress, or cloud their decision-making.
But when you don’t hold boundaries in emotional conversations, coaching can slip into emotional caregiving — leading to burnout, resentment, or an unproductive relationship where you do all the work.
Boundaries are not barriers. They are clarity.
Before You Use Scripts: The Goal of Emotional Boundaries
Boundaries are not meant to calm a client down. They help a client take responsibility for their emotional state, instead of handing it to you. Effective boundary-setting:
- Protects the coach’s energy
- Promotes client self-regulation
- Keeps sessions focused and productive
- Maintains your authority and clarity
Now let’s get into the scripts you can use immediately.
Script 1: When Clients Want Coaching in DMs or Texts
“This is important, and I want to give it the focus it deserves. Let’s bring this into our session so we can work on it properly.”
This acknowledges the emotion, but redirects the work to the proper container.
Script 2: When a Client Is Venting Instead of Working
“I hear there’s a lot coming up. Let’s focus on what you want to do with these feelings, not just what caused them.”
This keeps empathy without enabling emotional dumping.
Script 3: When They Ask for Emotional Rescue
“I can guide you, but I won’t make decisions for you. Let’s explore what you believe the best choice is.”
This prevents dependency and reinforces agency — a core coaching principle.
Script 4: When They Expect Instant Answers
“I support you fully during our scheduled time. Let’s bring this to our next session so we can give it our best attention.”
This honors your office hours and protects your brain between sessions.
Script 5: When Clients Want More Access Than They Paid For
“The level of support you’re looking for is available in my (package name). Would you like details on upgrading?”
Notice: no apology, no explanation, just a professional upgrade option.
Script 6: When You Need to Slow Emotional Intensity
“Take a breath with me. Let’s slow this down so we can work on it with clarity.”
This regulates the nervous system through co-regulation without playing therapist.
Script 7: When You Need to End a Session on Time
“We’re at time, and I want you to take one next step before our next call. Here’s your action…”
This protects time and returns responsibility back to action — not emotion.
Boundaries Make Coaching More Powerful, Not More Restrictive
When you set boundaries confidently, clients respect the process, take more ownership, and learn to regulate themselves.
You don’t hold emotions for your clients — you teach them how to hold their own.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace legal, ethical, or supervisory guidance. Coaches should follow the standards of their certification and maintain boundaries consistent with coaching (not therapy or crisis support).