A Typical Coaching Session & the Aha! Moment

As a coach with a deep mindfulness practice, I give clients the space to drop all their burdens for a while and focus inwardly. 

I help you strengthen the connection between your mind and your body, your head and your heart, and suddenly, you are able to hear that little voice inside telling you the truth. Your truth.

But how does coaching actually work?

A typical session is an hour long on Zoom. First, we say hello and take care of client needs. Next, the formal coaching session begins. Coaching has five main parts: a mindful moment, check-in on progress, session goal-setting, discussion, session wrap-up and reflection.

I’ll describe each step and then, as promised, I’ll share how I spark the ‘AHA!’ moment. 

Mindful Moment

I guide the client in a mindful activity for about 3 minutes to help them relax and shake off the stress of the day. Here’s how that works. I invite the client to get into a comfortable seated posture where they can rest without moving for a few minutes. I invite them to close their eyes, deepen their breath and tune into the sensation of their body and breathing. We sit in silence for a minute or two. Afterward, I ask them to notice how they’re feeling. I prompt them to become aware of their surroundings and open their eyes. Sometimes the client will share, or I will ask how that was for them. That’s it. 

Progress Check-In

We talk about any homework or items either of us were accountable to complete. I recognize and celebrate progress between sessions. 

Session Goal-setting

I ask them what they would like to talk about during the session. Once we identify a topic and we both understand how that fits in with the client’s larger goals, I ask questions to help them get clear on why the topic is important, and what they would like to accomplish in the session. 

Discussion

This is when most of the coaching takes place. We dig into the problem with me asking questions, observing and reflecting. We define the problem. Talk about solutions. What they’ve tried. Other resources. Generate ideas. I usually push the client a bit to generate more ideas than the ones they first come up with. I manage the time with the intention of identifying a solution with about a third of the session left.

Session Wrap-Up & Reflection

We talk through how they’re going to implement the solution. What help or accountability they might need from me or others. I ask them to repeat any homework, deliverables or what they'll be paying attention to between sessions. I’ll also confirm our next meeting. 

I ask the client what they are learning. I recognize accomplishments made in the session, especially if I observed the client push their comfort zone or demonstrate a skill that we’ve been working on.  I share my excitement and encouragement at the growth, learning, and accomplishments I’m seeing. 

I check in on the coaching process. What worked well. What we should do differently. Other ideas they might have. 

The ‘AHA!” Moment

The ‘Aha!’ moment can happen at any time, and it’s super fun to see!

Throughout the session, I pay close attention to subtle changes in the client’s energy or tone. I watch for indications that they’re conflicted, deflated, excited, guarded, happy, processing, etc. 

I test my observations by asking if what I observed is true for them. I validate their emotions, and empathize, show compassion, or share empathetic joy. In this way, I  help clients identify and connect with their true feelings about the topic at hand.

I deliberately pause to give the client space to process, reflect, and tune into their body. I do this when the client is unclear or conflicted. I will also do this if the client says something that I recognize as significant, but they do not. In this case, I ask them to repeat what they just said and give them space with silence.

Often, this is when they have an ‘AHA!!’ moment.

The professional coaching process results in clients feeling fully heard and understood even when they’re sharing difficult things. This builds trust. Clients gain clarity, comfort, and self-confidence. If you’d like to see if we’d be a good fit, schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.

Thanks for reading!

Mark O. Johnson