779. BONUS EPISODE! Stop making these somatic coaching mistakes - With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce

779. BONUS EPISODE! Stop making these somatic coaching mistakes - With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce

Author: Mark Walsh July 23, 2026 Duration: 57:44

In this episode, I speak with Helen Machen-Pearce about one of the most important questions in coaching: what are the biggest mistakes coaches make, and how can they avoid them? Drawing on more than 15 years of training and assessing embodiment coaches, we explore the common patterns that hold coaches back, from relying too heavily on techniques to confusing confidence with competence.

Together, we examine the balance between structure and flexibility, discussing why great coaching isn't about following rigid formulas or believing that "anything goes." Instead, we explore the principles that underpin skilful practice, including the importance of presence, ethical awareness, trauma sensitivity, and learning to adapt to the person in front of you rather than forcing a preferred method.

The conversation also explores how coaches develop through practice, feedback, and supervision, why mistakes are an inevitable part of becoming more effective, and how humility and curiosity create better outcomes than perfectionism. Whether you're a new coach or an experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical insights into building sound judgement, avoiding common pitfalls, and developing coaching that is both embodied and genuinely impactful.

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Become a certified embodiment coach. Coach beyond mere words and support clients to transform their lives:
https://embodimentunlimited.com/cec/

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Check out our YouTube channel for more coaching tips and our Podcast channel for full episode videos


For seven years, The Embodiment Coaching Podcast has been a gathering place for a curious community. Host Mark Walsh sits down each week with pioneering thinkers and practitioners from across the globe, exploring the profound intelligence of the human system. While it’s essential listening for coaches and embodiment teachers, this series truly speaks to anyone who senses the body is far more than just a vehicle for the brain. Conversations flow naturally through a rich landscape of topics-from the practicalities of coaching and the subtlet of somatics to the grounded wisdom found in martial arts, yoga, and various movement practices. You’ll also find deep dives into mindfulness, meditation, and trauma-informed approaches, all discussed with a light-hearted and accessible tone. The focus remains on tangible, real-world application, stripping away unnecessary jargon. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful, ongoing dialogue where theory meets practice, offering insights you can feel in your bones and apply in your daily life. Mark’s genuine curiosity and the diverse range of guests ensure that every episode brings a fresh perspective on what it means to live fully in our skin.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
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