What to Expect in a "Discovery Session"

If you're new to coaching, you're probably unclear on what to expect in a discovery session, sometimes also called an exploratory conversation. I can't speak for other coaches, but here's what I cover in that first session.

• What has prompted you to consider coaching right now?

  • Has something changed?

  • New challenge? Or recurring challenge?

  • Feeling "off" or stuck or burned out?

  • Doing new, difficult, or ambitious things?

• Have you done coaching before? If yes, how was your experience?

• Some variation of the following: What do you want to accomplish? What do you want from life, work, home, etc.? What's the challenge you want to conquer?

• We often have time to actually address a presenting issue in session

• Here's how I (coach) think about things, work with people. Does that work for you?

• Do you want to do coaching with me? If so, here are my rates, next steps (contract, invoice), and let's schedule a session.

The Goal = Fit

We're exploring whether or not we're a good fit.

For you:

• Do you feel like I "get it?"

• Do you like my style and personality?

• Does my approach and lived experience seem beneficial to you?

For me:

• I'm trying to understand if coaching is indeed the right tool for you

• Can I personally and ethically support you toward your goals?

• Can we build and maintain rapport?

What happens if we're not a good fit?

If you don't think I'm the right fit, coaching isn't the right tool, or now is not the right time, that's ok. You're the expert on you, and there is no commitment or obligation in any way.

You can ask me for recommendations for other coaches (I know quite a few). If you need time to think on it, please do.

Trust is a funny thing. In fact, it's an emotion and when it clicks, it clicks. And humans are pretty good at understanding what seems trustworthy and what doesn't. I simply ask for you to be transparent about your thought process, decision-making priorities, expectations, and budget.