What happens in a coaching session?
As a professional and personal coach, it is my role to support my clients to grow from where they are now to where they want to be. While my coaching work is always tailored to individual needs and circumstances, most coaching sessions follow a similar format. I would like to share with you what takes place in a ‘typical’ coaching session today.
We begin each session by exploring what a client would like to discuss or focus on. You can expect to hear questions like “What would make this session successful for you today?” or “What would you like to focus on during our time together?” This time spent setting our intent is important to ensure we establish agreed expectations for the session.
Next, I invite my client to share how things are going for them with regard to their chosen focus and to identify any areas where they would like to experience change. I listen to their language choices and ask questions to prompt them to think deeply. I also encourage them to notice and name any emotions they experience. Coaches take on the role of the listener during this part of a coaching session. They paraphrase what a client shares to check for understanding and to help their client gain greater clarity about their situation. A skilled coach will hear not only what their client is saying but also what they are not saying. This sharing, paraphrasing and seeking understanding part of the session is where the good stuff happens. Clients often have ‘ah-ha’ moments as they hear themselves think aloud and make sense of their lives and their choices. During this part of the session, coaches will also address any beliefs or stories a client holds that are no longer serving them well. You might hear questions like “It sounds like… can you tell me more about that?” and “You have said… if this is true, then what is the impact of this for you moving forward?”
Maybe it's time to work with a life coach?
From here we work together to create and commit to at least one action step that is achievable and possible for my client. This can be small or large. We agree on what the action will be and when it will be completed by. I offer my clients an accountability check-in between coaching sessions. This assures them that someone is supporting them in their commitment as they take action.
I like to end my coaching sessions with some questions to gauge the learning or usefulness of our time together. You can expect to hear questions like “What did you learn about yourself today?” or “How does it feel to have this realisation?” I also like to offer my clients reflection exercises for them to complete between our sessions. Clients who spend time reflecting on their progress and understanding get more out of time spent together. They are better prepared for our sessions and are able to identify other areas in which they would like to experience growth.
And there you have it - a brief summary of a typical coaching session. If you would like to learn more about coaching please get in touch at kelly@kellycoopercoaching.com to organise a no-obligation chat.