---
title: Ep 31. Long-Term Clients Without the Codependency Spiral (Part 2)
description: Discover how to maintain healthy coaching relationships without fostering dependency, and empower clients to trust themselves in decision-making.
---

[The Coaching Mixer ](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer)

# [Ep 31. Long-Term Clients Without the Codependency Spiral (Part 2)](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/ep-31.-ginger-bitters-big-feelings-part-2-long-term-clients-without-the-codependency-spiral)

 Written by [Erin Aquin](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/author/erin-aquin) | May 5, 2026 4:53:35 PM

Tune in to **part two** of the long-term client conversation, perfect for any coach who has ever wondered where the line is between *support* and *slowly becoming someone’s decision-making system*.

Elana and Erin talk about how to build long-term coaching relationships that are warm, real, and deeply effective without slipping into unhealthy authority dynamics or turning sessions into renewal pitches.

### The Drinks

Erin’s sipping a bourbon-lime-ginger drink while Elana’s got honey + ginger vodka topped with seltzer and a splash of pineapple juice.

### They discuss:

- Why “I’m the expert” branding can quietly train clients to hand over their authority.
- The difference between being a thinking partner and being the person clients can’t function without.
- How to receive client appreciation without inflating your ego *or* deflecting the whole compliment into the void.
- Why sales conversations inside paid sessions can mess with presence and trust.

### If you’re a coach...

Listen if you want clients who stick around because the work is good, not because they feel like they’ll fall apart without you. (Also: ginger is apparently the unofficial beverage of boundary-setting.)

### Links

- Find Erin on Instagram: @besuperabound
- Find Elana on Instagram: @elanamckernan<http://superupbound.com/mpodcast>

**Connect with us:**

Elana McKernan is a Master Certified Life and Creativity Coach who specializes in helping perfectionists create more by treating themselves better. You can [check out her free content here](https://www.instagram.com/elanamckernan/) and [learn more about coaching with her here](https://www.coachingwithelana.com/book-a-consult).

Erin Aquin is a Master Certified Life Coach and co-author of the #1 bestseller ["Superabound: Live the Life the Universe is Dreaming For You](https://besuperabound.com/book)." She provides whole life coaching for business owners, integrating success and personal fulfillment through her unique all-in-one approach.

Learn more at [besuperabound.com](https://besuperabound.com/consultation)

 

Watch here:

Listen here:

 

[Listen on Spotify here](https://open.spotify.com/show/576ORyNExN63D5B6pF0DOU)

 

[View full post](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/ep-31.-ginger-bitters-big-feelings-part-2-long-term-clients-without-the-codependency-spiral)

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