What happens in a coaching session?

What does a typical coaching session involve?

Tomorrow I’m having a couple of phone calls with prospective clients to see if I’m the right coach for them and they’re the right client for me. One of the things we’ll cover is what happens in a coaching session.

Different coaches offer different types of coaching. It is important before starting a coaching relationship that the coach discusses with you what will be involved. They should tell you what you can expect from them and what they expect from you.

If you are thinking of starting coaching, there are lots of things to consider when choosing your coach, including what type of coaching process they use and what a typical session might look like.

Does the coach give a clear explanation of the process?

When talking with a prospective coach, ask them to explain the coaching process and what is involved.

Ask: What kind of coaching do they offer?

What happens in a coaching session?

Ask a prospective coach to explain to you what happens in a typical coaching session, and between sessions.

Ask them to clarify their roles and responsibilities and what they expect of you.

These are my typical answers to the above:

What kind of coaching do you do?

Different coaches use different models to structure their sessions. I will be asking you questions, listening to your responses, challenging you whilst all the time remaining non-judgemental regarding the details and not offering you any advice. I will keep you moving forward towards your goal.

The timing, frequency and duration of coaching sessions is down to your preference. Most individual clients initially contract for 6-12 months support (consisting of sessions lasting between 30min and 2 hours every 2-4 weeks). Coaching sessions can be via telephone/Skype/Zoom or face-to-face. Remote sessions are popular with busy clients who can take the session at work or at home, e.g. to fit in with family commitments.

I am a calm yet challenging coach. I help my clients talk through issues in a structured way, enabling them to ‘see the wood for the trees’ and reach conclusions and decide on actions with a clearer approach than they would manage on their own.

My coaching style combines a down-to-earth, matter-of-fact approach with an intuitive ability to uncover deeper truths. This enables my clients to gain significant insights into themselves that previously they have been unaware of. My optimistic outlook and belief in my clients has helped them build confidence in their own abilities; I am enthusiastic and supportive in encouraging my clients to achieve their goals.

What will happen during a 1:1 coaching session?

My 1:1 coaching sessions are carried out over the telephone/Skype/Zoom or face to face at a convenient time, date and place.

Typically you will be guided through a 6-point process in each coaching session:

1. Review the previous session and the actions that you completed
2. Set the goal for that session
3. Consider where you are at the present moment with this goal
4. Consider your options in meeting this goal
5. Agree on some actions
6. Summarise the session

Each coaching session will be for about an hour depending on your preference (sessions can be from 30 mins to 2 hours). I will manage the timing of the session and ensure you gain full value from each session.

What does the coach need from me during a 1:1 session?

To make sure that your time with me is being well spent, you are expected to come to the session fully prepared and with a goal or aspiration in mind that you would like to work towards.

Preparation is very important for the coaching session so you are encouraged to spend 15 minutes prior to the session taking yourself to an environment where you will not be disturbed, with a drink and feeling refreshed to relax prior to the start of the session. You will also need to ensure that you have a pen and paper to hand and any other items that you may think will be useful such as a diary.

What questions do you have about coaching?

What would you like to know?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Or please get in touch via the contact form or call me on +44 7526 740486.

Let me know if you would like a no obligation conversation to talk about you,  your aspirations and how coaching can help.

For more about my style of coaching and the types of goals I help people with, please see my FAQ page.

[To get your free copy of my eBook ’10 things to consider when choosing a coach’, sign up for my fortnightly newsletter using the sign up box on the 1:1 coaching page.]

Best wishes!

Sian

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