What does a coaching session look like?

In essence, a personal coaching session is a systematic discussion between two people: the Coach and the Client. Coaches support their clients to think in an open, innovative and inspiring way. As a result, they will find better solutions to the problems they face. More importantly, they create important awareness.

Every session is a powerful experience. Usually, it is enjoyable although sometimes, it can be a bit tough. Coaching takes courage as a new, intense realization is not always pleasant. In any case, a successful session is not fading away in the next few hours. Most often, it will linger in our mind for days, weeks or even months, maturing and creating new awareness.

What kind of issues are discussed in a coaching session?

The potential topics to discuss in a coaching session are limitless. Any issue related to work, family, relationships or self-improvement is rightful and applicable.

Clients usually bring on the table:

• a problem they are struggling with and seek the best solution
• an aspect of their personality they would like to enlighten
• a change or transformation they need to go over in an effective way
• any complex situation would like to simplify
• a business idea they want to implement, or
• a new project they are planning

Our first concern is that the client becomes aware where they stand now and where they wish to be in the future. The second is finding how. That means, we identify all our options, and choose the best. The third is to start deploying our plan and secure its successful implementation.

What is the approach used in Coaching?

Coaching helps discover new knowledge about ourselves and our environment. It stirs our mind to find better solutions to our problems. Moreover, it equips us with new skills, to continue our journey through life in a more efficient and self-sustained manner.

The coach asks questions, doesn’t provide advice. Coaching creates awareness. Sheds light upon all invisible aspects. Clears a good part of our brain fog and this brings clarity. Provides inspiration and encouragement. Helps us understand the why which hides behind what and how. This increases abruptly our motivation.

What does a coaching session look like?

Coaching is not therapy. It considers the person to be integral and naturally creative. The point is to find the best we can do, as we are. We focus more in building on our strong points and less in fixing our weaknesses. 

Also, in coaching we are not so much interested in the past. We focus on the present and future. We create powerful awareness about who exactly we are and who we can become. Then, we look for ways to achieve this transformation.

How is a coaching session conducted?

It can be conducted over the telephone or via video-conference. It can take place in a park or during a nice walk. And of course, by meeting in person at the office, at home or in a quiet café.  The place is not that important, as long as there is not a lot of noise or other distractions. We need to be calm and quiet, so we can help our mind operate to its fullest!

What is the Coach doing exactly?

Coaches act more as experienced conversationalists than experts. Initially, they will ask ample, targeted questions until they get the juice running. Subsequently, they shed light on unseen aspects or propose different viewpoints. They will not hesitate to bring the discussion out and away of the client’s comfort zone.

Good coaches avoid “knowing” what is right or wrong for their clients. They simply help them realize themselves what is right or wrong. The two of them, together, create valuable awareness, as of what works and what isn’t.

Finally, they create clarity and provide interesting food for thought until the next session.

How can I find an appropriate Coach for me?

The right choice of a Coach is very important for the successful course of coaching. To some degree, it is a matter of luck to find an appropriate coach right away. However, if you are not lucky, then you need to search patiently, until you find the one with whom you have the perfect chemistry. When you find him (or her), you will realise it straight away!

Try to have a first, simple realization about your life, with the exercise in the article: Improve your Life Quality starting with the Cantril Ladder tool!