The work in coaching:
Think clearly. Act calmly.
How The Work by Byron Katie creates clarity and perspective.
A structured process to question stressful thoughts, reduce inner pressure and regain the ability to act — in professional and personal situations.
When Thoughts Create Pressure
When stressful thoughts take over, mental flexibility decreases.
Focus becomes narrow, communication turns tense or cautious, and decisions are postponed. This costs energy, time and sometimes trust — within teams and within yourself. What is often overlooked: it is rarely the external situation alone that creates pressure.
More often, it is the internal reaction to it that keeps the stress alive. Three patterns appear particularly often:
Dissatisfaction despite success
On the outside, many things seem to work. Internally, restlessness remains.
We identify the thoughts creating pressure and explore how clarity and calm can emerge.
Thought Spirals & Self-Criticism
Gain distance, open new perspectives and think clearly again.
Not positive thinking — but precise reflection.
Conflict & Overwhelm
Understand recurring triggers, question interpretations and calm communication.
Friction becomes clarity.
Inner calm creates
outer impact
A process for focus, peace and new perspectives
This is not about fixing external circumstances, but about working with the inner patterns that shape your reactions.
format
- Individual or group formats possible
- Suitable for professional and personal topics
- Optional as a deepening module within executive leadership coaching
Duration
- 5–8 sessions of 90 minutes
- Online or in person
- Pace and intensity adjusted to your needs
extras
- Materials and impulses between sessions
- Self-reflection exercises
- Follow-up to post-completion stabilization
The four questions
1. Is it true?
Thoughts are examined — not automatically believed.
2. do you know with absolute certainty that this is true?
Perspective widens and alternative views become visible.
3. How do you react when you believe this thought?
We explore how the thought influences your emotions, behavior and communication.
4. Who would you be without this thought?
This is where new freedom of action and perspective emerge.
Quiet in thinking. strength in action.
What The Work by Byron Katie can create in coaching.
The Work is a structured reflection process that makes stressful thoughts examinable. Clarity emerges, stress decreases and action becomes possible again.
1. Clarity
Insights create orientation and decisions become easier.
- Structure instead of thought carousel
- Awareness of recurring patterns
- A new perspective on challenges
2. Calm
Stressful thoughts lose power, serenity gains space.
- Emotional relief
- Self-regulation in difficult situations
- Greater presence in everyday life
3. Self-efficacy
People experience that they can actively shape their inner and outer responses.
- Confidence in personal abilities
- Sovereign action under pressure
- More freedom to think & act
Curriculum –
The Work as a process of inner clarity
1. Clarifying the issue and narrowing the focus
We start with a specific situation, not an abstract idea: what is troubling you right now, what is really going on, and how do you notice that this thought creates stress?
2. Identifying the stressful thought
Instead of staying stuck in vague inner tension, we name the thought clearly and precisely. This makes visible what may previously have shown up only as pressure, frustration or self-criticism.
3. Making judgments and patterns visible
Using the worksheet, we bring judgments, expectations and inner stories to the surface. This creates distance and helps reveal recurring patterns.
4. Walking through the four questions
This is not about debating the thought, but about examining it honestly:
Is it true?
Can you absolutely know that it is true?
How do you react when you believe that thought?
Who would you be without that thought?
5. Exploring turnarounds and new perspectives
We turn the thought around in different ways and look at what may also be true. This is not about positive thinking, but about creating more flexibility and openness in your perspective.
6. Bringing the insights into daily life, leadership and relationships
In the final step, we apply the insights to real situations: communication, decision-making, conflict and self-leadership. This ensures that The Work becomes something practical and lasting, not just a moment of insight.
Think clearly.
Act freely.
When thoughts are no longer automatically “true”, freedom is created: They react more consciously, communicate more clearly and act more calmly. The Work makes this step structured and suitable for everyday use.
In 30 minutes, we will clarify your concerns, goals and whether The Work is the right start for your situation. Non-binding and confidential.
