ICF Competency Series: Cultivating Wholeness through Ethical Practice Part 5: Maintains Presence (Competency B5)

In a world filled with noise, distraction, and doing, presence is a radical act. It’s not something we force—it’s something we allow. It’s not just attention—it’s attunement.

At Integer, we see presence as one of the most healing gifts we can offer. It says to the client: “I’m here with you. Fully. Without agenda. Without rush. Without judgment.”

And often, that alone creates the conditions for growth.

🧘 Being With, Not Doing For

Maintaining presence isn’t about knowing the next question—it’s about being with the client in what is. It’s holding steady when they feel overwhelmed. It’s leaning in when they touch something tender. It’s being comfortable in the quiet, in the uncertainty, in the becoming.

We let go of needing to “fix” or “guide,” and instead stay grounded in trust—trust in the client, in the process, and in our own inner steadiness.

👁️ Attuned and Responsive

Presence means being focused, observant, and deeply responsive to both what is said and what is not said. It’s listening with the whole body. It’s noticing the subtle shift in breath, the flicker in tone, the weight of a pause.

At Integer, we coach with our full selves—curious, empathic, and attuned. We believe transformation happens in the micro-moments, and presence is what helps us catch them.

🌪️ Staying Grounded in Strong Emotion

Sometimes clients bring grief. Or anger. Or fear. Presence allows us to hold those emotions without flinching. We stay. We breathe. We mirror. We honor.

We don’t bypass emotion or rush past it—we trust it as part of the client’s inner wisdom rising to the surface.

Presence says: “It’s safe to feel here.”

🌀 The Power of Not Knowing

One of the most sacred spaces in coaching is the space of “I don’t know.” For the client—and for the coach.

Rather than grasping for answers, we sit with the question. We invite reflection. We allow silence.

In that space, insight bubbles up not from effort—but from stillness.

To maintain presence is to believe that what’s happening right now is enough. It’s to meet the client in real-time—with open hands, steady breath, and full heart.

At Integer, we believe presence is how wholeness is felt—moment by moment.