Is Your Coach or Therapist Full of 💩? How Vague Coaching Language Fails You and Your Clients.

I Give you Clarity.

"I Give You Clarity” – A Phrase So Vague, It’s Foggy

Imagine walking into a therapist or coach's office, eager to tackle the struggles in your life.

You're ready to dive deep, sort through the mess, and emerge with a clearer sense of direction.

But then they say, "I give you clarity." Sounds great, right? Or does it?

Let's be honest – what does that even mean? It's the kind of phrase that sounds profound but is so broad it could mean almost anything or, worse, nothing at all.
In the world of therapy and coaching, “clarity” has become the equivalent of a one-size-fits-all sweater.

Sure, it might fit, but is it really the style, colour, and texture you were looking for? Let’s dive into why this phrase is overused, underwhelming, and how professionals can say something more specific – and actually helpful – instead.

Clarity? More Like Clarity About What?

The first problem with the phrase "I give you clarity" is that it’s hopelessly ambiguous.

Clarity about what, exactly? Your job, your relationships, your life purpose, or simply why you can never find matching socks?

The word “clarity” might sound appealing, but it’s a blank canvas. Without more detail, it doesn’t tell you anything about what the coach or therapist actually does.

Imagine if every profession adopted this approach.

A chef could say, "I give you satisfaction."

A mechanic might advertise, "I give you functionality."

These statements are technically true, but they’re so vague they could apply to just about anything.

They don't help you understand what specific value these professionals bring to the table.

The Danger of Being Too Broad

When a coach or therapist says, "I give you clarity," it can also feel like they’re avoiding the hard questions.

Clarity is an outcome, not a process.

How do they achieve this clarity?

What tools, methods, or techniques do they use?
What does the journey to clarity look like?

Without answering these questions, "I give you clarity" starts to sound like a smokescreen – a way to gloss over the complexities of personal growth and make it sound simple.

But personal growth is anything but simple. It’s messy, complicated, and different for everyone.

To make a real impact, therapists and coaches need to go beyond broad statements and offer a clearer (no pun intended) picture of how they can actually help you.

Breaking Down the Fog – Specific Alternatives

So, if “I give you clarity” is too vague to be useful, what should therapists and coaches say instead?

Here are a few alternatives that might sound less poetic but are far more powerful,

1. “I help you identify and overcome the mental blocks holding you back.”

This statement is specific.

It tells you exactly what the coach or therapist will help you with – identifying and overcoming mental blocks. You know right away what the focus will be.

2. “I guide you through a structured process to define your goals and develop actionable steps to achieve them.”

This one is all about the process. It gives you a sense of how the work will unfold, what steps you’ll be taking, and what you can expect in the end.

3. “I work with you to uncover the underlying causes of your stress and anxiety, and we develop strategies to manage them.”

This alternative zeroes in on a common issue (stress and anxiety) and promises to address it in a concrete way. It’s clear, direct, and speaks to a specific need.

4. “I help you rediscover your passions and align your life choices with what truly matters to you.”

This phrase focuses on alignment and passion, two elements that are often key in personal development. It gives you a sense of purpose without being too abstract.

5. “I teach you the skills to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.”

Here, the focus is on a skill set that has a tangible impact. It's clear what the outcome will be - better communication and stronger relationships.

Why Specificity Matters!

Being specific doesn’t just help clients understand what to expect – it also builds trust.

When a coach or therapist articulates exactly what they do and how they do it, clients feel more confident in their decision to work with them.

They know what they’re signing up for and can see a direct link between the professional’s services and their own needs.

Specificity also helps set realistic expectations. Personal growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and patience.

By being clear about what’s involved, coaches and therapists can help clients understand that clarity (there’s that word again) doesn’t just magically appear – it’s the result of hard work!

Takeaway.

The Bottom Line - Don’t Settle for Foggy Promises

Next time you hear a coach or therapist say, "I give you clarity," take a moment to ask, "Clarity about what?"

Push for specifics.

Ask them to break down their process, explain their methods, and describe the outcomes they’ve achieved with past clients.

If they can’t do that, it might be time to look for someone who can.
In the end, personal development is too important to leave in the hands of someone who speaks in generalities.

You deserve more than just “clarity” – you deserve a guide who knows the terrain, can show you the way, and will walk with you every step of the journey.

So, don’t be afraid to ask for more than just a foggy promise.

After all, your growth and happiness are worth it.