Encourage presence by guiding them to focus on the moment with practices like deep breathing and body scans. Promote self-compassion, helping them see setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Suggest incorporating daily reflection through journaling or meditation to foster clarity and emotional balance. Help them focus on what they can control, reducing feelings of overwhelm and enhancing actionable focus. Introduce a gratitude practice to shift their perspective and nurture positivity even during challenging times.

When setbacks hit, it’s easy to spiral into self doubt and frustration, so I remind myself to slow down and take a breath. I find that simply acknowledging the struggle helps, naming what I am feeling without rushing to “fix” it. Sometimes I will go for a quick walk, just to clear my head and reset. I try to break down the situation into smaller, manageable steps instead of letting the big picture overwhelm me. It’s not about ignoring the challenge, but about staying present and reminding myself that I can get through it, one step at a time.

Being mindful means being aware. We can help our client build awareness of their thoughts and behaviours that might be contributing to their setbacks. Then we take action to change those thoughts and behaviours. Once they see the positive effects of this change, it builds confidence and resilience.

I have a lot of compassion for my clients - who are launching new business and need a website. So when I find them feeling overwhelmed I always explain that it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Without patronising I point them towards books and resources that can help manage the overwhelm. Energize by Alexander Ong is a great book, also meditation and just taking a day off to recover could help re-set and rejuvenate the person.

When clients face setbacks, it’s often a pivotal moment for growth—if approached with the right tools. Mindfulness offers a grounded pathway to resilience by helping clients shift their relationship with adversity. Guide them in developing present-moment awareness practices. Also work on recognizing unhelpful thought loops and replacing them with self-compassionate, constructive reflections. Over time, these practices help clients stay centered, even when challenges arise, enabling them to respond rather than react. It's about helping them not just bounce back, but bounce forward—with clarity, strength, and purpose.

In our case it is simple, show that you care through being there. We work with our clients in a way where we consider ourselves part of the company. Setbacks occur all the time, for everyone, and being a partner which stays calm and collected is a great start. We always look at solutions, start by understanding the problem entirely, then find steps to solve it collectively.