Founder of Erickson Coaching International Erickson Coaching International, Canada
In this engaging, story-driven session, Marilyn Atkinson brings to life a critical but often overlooked element of coaching mastery: how to remain present and resourceful in the face of stress.
Drawing from Erickson Coaching International’s Expanding Emotional Intelligence (EEI) program and decades of experience, Marilyn introduces participants to the Peripheral Vision Process — a top-down somatic technique that quickly re-engages the full brain-body system. The session includes:
* A story about “Aunt Cecil” moments — everyday triggers that reduce our ability to coach effectively.
* A neuroscientific explanation of how peripheral vision connects to unconscious processing and resilience.
* A guided exercise to help participants expand their visual and emotional awareness.
* A follow-up practice that can be used during real coaching conversations to restore presence.
* Time for peer reflection and Q&A.
Participants will learn to recognize stress responses as they arise and gain a reliable method to quickly return to a mindful, creative state. This tool is particularly useful for coaches encountering:
* Clients they find personally triggering or unfamiliar.
* Cross-cultural or high-stakes coaching scenarios.
* Internal resistance or overwhelm during sessions. No previous knowledge of the brain-mind system is required — only curiosity and a willingness to engage.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate the Peripheral Vision Process as a method to reduce stress and regain presence.
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the connection between peripheral vision, unconscious processing, and resilience.
Upon completion, participants will be able to apply this mindfulness technique in their coaching practice to remain resourceful when triggered.
