What is cognitive load and how should it affect coaching sessions?

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Cognitive load is the mental effort required to process information and complete tasks. In coaching sessions, this matters because clients can manage only a limited amount of new information at once. When the load is high, understanding, memory, and the ability to apply new skills suffer. So sessions should be paced and structured: present information clearly and in simple language, break material into small, manageable steps, and model or demonstrate tasks before asking the client to try them. Use visuals or summaries, check for understanding, and provide guided practice with feedback. Allow pauses and adjust the pace to the individual client to prevent overwhelm. The goal is to keep the cognitive demand at a level the client can handle, so learning sticks and the client stays engaged.