What Happens During a Coaching Session?
What happens during a coaching session?
Keep in mind that a coaching session is all about you. You are the catalyst for what happens during the session, and you will likely observe, what will become, familiar patterns as the coach begins and leads the session.
Starting the Life coach session. The session starts with a quick introductory hello as the coach works to build trust with the client. Because confidentiality is an important component in the coaching relationship, the coach will likely describe what they keep confidential or what they will report. For instance, I begin a session with a new client by letting them know everything they share with me stays confidential. However, if a client shares they want to harm themselves/others or if there’s information given on child abuse, I will report it. From there I describe what will happen during the session and we start the session with a breathing exercise to bring centeredness to the coaching space.
During the session. The client sets the intention for the session by answering the question of, “What would you like to talk about today?” or something to that effect. The coach will seek clarity around this topic, so both the client and the coach are clear on what will be discussed. Then the client is asked what they would like to achieve by the end of the session. This is an important question to ask at the beginning of the session as it lets both coach and client know if they’re on the right path during the session and at the conclusion it informs both if the goal was met.
Do diversions happen? During the clarity portion of determining the topic to be discussed, another topic might arise. That’s ok. That’s why questions are asked. The questions help the coach sift through what the client has been experiencing and feeling and if the conversation shifts to a part of the original topic or something else altogether, the coach will follow where the client wants to go.
What’s the life coach’s role?
The coach strives to create a safe place for the client, as well as trust. Much is being shared with the coach and the initial conversation about confidentiality helps to create trust.
During the session, the coach will ask questions to cause the client to reflect on what they are saying, thinking and feeling. Most people don’t take the opportunity to check in with themselves on a regular basis, so often there are thoughts running around that they aren’t fully aware of, let alone how their impact. The coach will summarize throughout the session what they hear the client say. This reflection is important as it helps the client “hear” what they are saying about their own life.
If the coach is an EQ coach, they will touch base with the client every so often to ask a question like, “What does that make you feel?” or “When you think that thought, what do you feel?” Feelings drive behavior and if a client wants change in their life, the coach can help them see how their emotions drive their behavior, so the client can achieve the change they desire.
What’s the client’s role? The client’s role is to show up with a topic and decide what they would like to achieve by the end of the session. They also need to bring self-awareness to the conversation and be willing to reflect on the questions being asked. A fair amount of transparency and vulnerability is asked of the client in order for them to achieve their desired insights. The coach provides a safe space for transparency and vulnerability.
While a coach doesn’t assign homework, the client will likely assign themselves homework to help themselves progress in incorporating change in their life. A client who follows up with what they want to apply from the session and holds themselves accountable, is a client who is likely to see the change they want moving forward.
How I can help. I can provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Working together so you can achieve the life you want most. Book a discovery call today.