After you’ve researched potential coaches, conducted chemistry calls, and chosen your provider, it’s time for your first coaching session!
Beginning the coaching journey can bring up a range of emotions: apprehension, excitement, curiosity, and perhaps even a little (or a lot of) nervousness. These feelings are all completely normal.
While every coach has their own unique style, there are steps you can take to prepare for your initial coaching session to ensure the best experience possible. As a trauma-informed coach, I’ve found that when clients have a sense of what to anticipate ahead of time, it allows them to feel more relaxed and present during the session.
Keep reading to learn what to expect during your first coaching session. I also share 5 expert tips to prepare effectively for the conversation.
A quick note before diving in: If you’re a fellow coach looking for tips on how to prepare for your first coaching session with a client, here’s an article I wrote for The Wellness Society to support you in the process.
What To Expect In Your First Coaching Session
“Housekeeping”
At the start of my initial sessions, I dedicate a few minutes to what I call “housekeeping.” While much of this is covered in a welcome letter to clients, it’s always helpful to review key points verbally.
We’ll discuss things like:
- What you can expect during our meetings
- How to communicate between our sessions
- How to schedule future sessions
Because clients are sometimes nervous at the beginning, focusing on logistics during these first few minutes allows them to settle in before diving into deeper topics.
Rapport Building
Much of coaching’s success is based on the relationship between you and your coach. Consequently, you can expect a portion of your initial session to focus on building rapport. This is an opportunity for both of you to get to know another and establish trust, which is critical for any coaching partnership.
Goal Setting
Even if you’ve already discussed your goals during your consultation or chemistry call, your coach will likely revisit them in more detail during your first session. In fact, goal setting can take up a substantial portion of your initial few coaching sessions as you clarify and refine what’s most important to you.
Personally, I revisit clients’ goals, either directly or indirectly, in every single session. As a coach, I see it as my responsibility to keep you on track and moving forward.
Coaching
Yes, you can expect some actual coaching in your first session!
Every coach has their unique style, but many will ask open-ended questions about you, your goals, and your roadblocks. These questions often begin with prompts like:
- “What…?
- “How…?”
- “When…?”
- “Can you tell me about…?”
My personal goal is for new clients to leave with at least one “a-ha!” moment that sets the stage for our continued work together.
Summary
Toward the end of your session, your coach will likely help you recap what was discussed.
Some coaches will summarize the session for you. However, when time permits, I’m a fan of having my clients summarize their own takeaways, as it allows them to truly internalize them and gain new insights.
“Homework” and Resources
The work doesn’t end when your session does!
Because I believe so much of the magic happens between coaching sessions, I will assign my coaching clients customized “homework.” This might include a journaling activity, meditation, or specific action steps aligned with their goals.
I’ll also provide resources such as book recommendations, podcasts, or support groups to deepen the learnings and offer further inspiration.
How To Prepare For Your First Session With A Coach
Preparing for your first coaching session can help you feel more confident and make the most of your time together. Here are 5 practical tips:
1. Complete any prep work assigned by your coach.
If your coach sent you any materials, such as a welcome packet or reflective questions, be sure to review them beforehand. Completing this initial prep work allows you to hit the ground running rather than spending unnecessary time on logistics during your session.
2. Decide what you want to talk about.
As you get ready for your session, consider what you want to talk about. Do you want clarity on your long-term goals? Are you struggling with confidence? Or are you perhaps exploring potential career paths?
If you’re unsure about what to focus on, that’s okay too! Not knowing can be a great starting point for exploration during your conversation.
3. Set a vision for your future.
Take some time to reflect on what you’d like your life and career to look like by the end of your coaching journey.
While this future vision doesn’t need to be perfect, a rough idea can provide you direction and clarity as you begin working with your coach.
4. Be open-minded.
Coaching often requires you to step outside your comfort zone, which can feel uncomfortable at times. Approach the journey with curiosity and a willingness to change and grow.
If being open-minded feels challenging right now, don’t worry, since the right coach can help guide you through this too!
5. Ensure your space is distraction-free.
Ensure your space is as distraction-free as possible for your conversation:
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
- Turn off notifications on your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices.
- Have a notebook and pen ready for taking notes.
Most of my coaching clients prefer to conduct their sessions from home to avoid privacy concerns. However, if your workplace has conference rooms or other private spaces, those can work too.
Final Thoughts
Starting a coaching journey is an exciting step, and it’s totally normal to feel both eager and uncertain as you prepare for your first session.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to have everything figured out before your first session. That’s why we’re here! Trust yourself, your coach, and the process. You’ve got this!
