Discount Matrix – Coach Lens

Use this after or between sessions when you feel stuck with a client to map where they may be discounting and to open up new coaching directions.

Brief description of the client situation

One or two sentences is enough. Think of a moment where the client stays stuck, repeats a pattern, or dismisses your interventions.

Where does your client seem most stuck?

Tick everything that fits. Think about what or who the client keeps talking about.

Self They are mainly upset with themselves – their reactions, confidence, choices or feelings.
Typical phrases: “What’s wrong with me?”, “Why can’t I just get on with it?”, “I’m the problem here.”

Other person They are mainly focused on what someone else does or doesn’t do (manager, partner, family member, colleague, etc.).
Typical phrases: “If only they would listen…”, “They make me feel like this”, “It’s all because of my boss/partner.”

The situation / set-up They are mainly talking about “the situation” – the job, the team, the system, money, the market, or other circumstances.
Typical phrases: “That’s just how this company is”, “The system is broken”, “With the market like this, what can I do?”

What kind of “stuckness” shows up in how they talk?

Tick all that sound familiar. This is about how they describe things, not about the “right” answer.

Not fully taking in what’s happening They play down facts, feelings or feedback – they don’t quite let the full picture land.
Typical phrases: “It’s not that bad really”, “I’m probably overreacting”, “Everyone’s tired, it’s normal.”

Not treating it as a real problem They can describe a difficult situation, but then brush it off or minimise it.
Typical phrases: “It’s fine”, “That’s just how it is”, “Other people have it much worse than me.”

Feeling like there are no real options They sound boxed in and quickly shut down ideas or possibilities.
Typical phrases: “There’s nothing I can do”, “I don’t really have a choice”, “Any option would be just as bad.”

Which descriptions sound most like your client?

Tick all that apply. Each card represents one square in the Discount Matrix. The tool will then highlight the earliest point where your client may be discounting.