As a Christian Life Coach, you’ve likely worked with clients who struggle with people-pleasing. It’s one of those sneaky obstacles that keeps them stuck—saying “yes” when they want to say “no,” overextending themselves, and feeling drained from meeting everyone’s expectations but their own.

But here’s the thing not all people-pleasers are the same. The patterns show up differently depending on their background, beliefs, and past experiences. As coaches, recognizing which type of people-pleaser our clients are helps us tailor our approach and guide them toward lasting freedom.

So, let’s talk about it. Below are 7 types of people-pleasers you might encounter in your coaching sessions along with insights to help them break free.

THE 7 TYPES OF PEOPLE-PLEASERS

1. The Approval-Seeker

Client Profile: This client constantly looks for validation from others. Their worth feels tied to what people think of them, making it hard to stand firm in their own decisions.

Coaching Insight: Help them shift from external validation to God’s approval (Galatians 1:10). Encourage journaling moments where they reflect on times they sought approval and how it affected their choices.

2. The Harmony-Keeper

Client Profile: This client avoids conflict at all costs. They’re the peacemakers, even if it means silencing their own voice or needs.

Coaching Insight: Teach them that avoiding conflict doesn’t create true peace—it only delays the inevitable (Ephesians 4:15). Role-playing healthy boundary-setting conversations can be powerful here.

3. The Self-Sacrificer

Client Profile: They believe it’s their responsibility to make sure everyone is happy—even when they’re running on empty.

Coaching Insight: Help them redefine self-sacrifice in a healthy, God-honoring way (Luke 5:16). Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s stewardship of the vessel God gave them.

4. The Over-Extender

Client Profile: They say “yes” to everything and everyone, afraid of feeling guilty for turning people down.

Coaching Insight: Empower them to recognize that not every opportunity is their assignment (Matthew 5:37). Challenge them to practice saying “Let me pray about it” before committing.

5. The Validation Seeker

Client Profile: Their self-worth fluctuates based on external praise. If no one acknowledges their effort, they question its value.

Coaching Insight: Remind them that God sees their work even when others don’t (Colossians 3:23-24). Assign them to track their progress internally rather than waiting for outside recognition.

6. The Obligation-Follower

Client Profile: They feel duty-bound to fulfill expectations—even unrealistic ones—because they don’t want to let others down.

Coaching Insight: Challenge their definition of obligation versus calling (Acts 17:28). Helping them identify which “yeses” are spirit-led and which ones are fear-driven will be transformational.

7. The Chronic Agree-er

Client Profile: They struggle to voice their opinions and go along with what others say, even if it doesn’t sit right with them.

Coaching Insight: Reaffirm that God gave them a voice for a reason (Proverbs 31:8-9). Encouraging them to practice small moments of assertiveness can lead to bigger breakthroughs.

Helping Clients Break Free from People-Pleasing

People-pleasing is more than a habit, it’s often a deep-rooted belief system that needs to be rewired. As coaches, we can equip our clients with faith-based strategies that help them step into confidence, boundaries, and God’s best for them.

If you want to coach your clients through this transformation with ease, you don’t have to create the process from scratch.

P.S. Are you a Christian Life Coach or aspiring coach looking for proven resources to help your clients overcome people-pleasing? The HIScoach Training Academy provides training and Done-for-You coaching programs that make guiding your clients simple and effective. Check out HISentrepreneur Digital Marketplace to work smarter and not harder.

Let’s help our clients serve from a place of strength, not guilt.