The International Coaching Federation define coaching as ‘partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential’. So, what can you expect from these sessions?

Each coaching programme is tailored to the specific needs of the client. There are some common formats though. Typically, coaching sessions take place monthly, last anywhere between 90-120 minutes and can be face to face or virtual. You might choose to book a programme of four or six sessions upfront depending on your requirements.

The first coaching session is often focussed on goal setting and contracting (creating a safe space and agreeing how you will work together). The last session is often a review and celebration of what has been achieved and a commitment to keep developing outside of coaching. Every session in between is fully focussed on helping the coachee to move forward on their goals for the coaching programme. You can expect your coach to create a powerful and unique thinking environment where the coachee can allow their thoughts and feelings to unfold.

The time between sessions is arguably as important as the sessions themselves. In partnership with your coach, you will agree the most purposeful actions and next steps based on your goal. You will then get down to the hard work of putting your commitments into practise.

You might find it helpful to reflect on the following questions:

• What is it you would like to achieve through coaching?
• Why do these goals matter to you? How much do you want to achieve them?
• What will happen if you don’t achieve these goals?
• Imagine yourself at a point in time where you have achieved what you set out to. What are you doing now that you weren’t before? What have you chosen to leave behind?