What happens in a Coaching Session?
If you’ve never worked with a coach before, it’s completely normal to wonder what actually happens during a session.
Will it be like therapy?
Will I need to bring goals?
Will they give me advice or a plan to follow?
The short answer: no.
Coaching is different - and in many ways, that’s what makes it so powerful.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with me.
It starts with where you are
There’s no need to come in with a perfectly crafted goal or a big transformation in mind. In fact, many clients start their first session by saying, “I’m not quite sure what I want to talk about today.”
That’s fine. That’s normal.
Our starting point is whatever’s on your mind - a decision you’re circling, a situation you’re struggling with, or simply a feeling that something needs to shift.
You don’t need to impress me or prove anything. Coaching is a space where you get to be honest, even if what you’re feeling is unclear or messy.
You talk, I listen
Once we’ve landed on a focus for the session, we slow things down.
This is your space to think out loud, reflect, pause, and notice what’s really going on. I’ll listen; without interrupting, advising, or judging.
Then I’ll ask questions. Not the kind designed to lead you somewhere, but the kind that make you stop and go, “Huh. I hadn’t thought of it like that.”
Sometimes you’ll get clarity straight away. Other times it takes a bit of unravelling. That’s all part of the process.
You won’t be given answers.. and that’s the point
Unlike therapy (which often explores the past) or mentoring (which gives you guidance), coaching is about helping you access your own thinking.
I don’t give advice or tell you what I’d do in your situation.
I won’t try to fix you; because I don’t believe you need fixing.
What I offer is a calm, structured space that helps you think clearly, spot patterns, and make decisions that feel right for you.. not for anyone else.
We move toward insight and action
By the end of a session, you’ll usually have found:
A new perspective
A clearer sense of what matters most
An idea, decision or next step that feels true to you
Sometimes it’s big and bold. Sometimes it’s small and quiet. But it will be yours.
And because it came from your own thinking, not someone else’s suggestions, you’ll be much more likely to trust it and follow through.
Practicalities: how sessions are structured
Length: 60 minutes
Location: Online via Zoom, or in person (if you're local to Winchester)
Frequency: Usually every 3-4 weeks to allow space for reflection and action
Number of sessions: Most people begin with a block of 6, but it’s flexible
Our first step is always a free 20-minute discovery call — just a friendly chat to see if I’m the right fit for you.
What coaching works well for
In case you’re wondering what kinds of topics people bring, here are just a few examples:
Life coaching:
Navigating change or uncertainty
Building confidence or self-trust
Making space for your own needs
Feeling stuck and wanting something different
Business coaching:
Clarifying your direction or priorities
Creating more focus and structure
Making bold moves without burning out
Executive coaching:
Developing your leadership presence
Handling imposter syndrome or pressure
Managing people more effectively
Thinking more strategically
Often, these categories blend. Life spills into work, and vice versa. That’s completely okay.
What coaching isn’t
Just to clear it up:
❌ It’s not therapy
❌ It’s not mentoring
❌ It’s not a training session or a to-do list generator
It’s a thinking space.
✔️ A sounding board.
✔️ A mirror.
✔️ A challenge (gently).
✔️ A support system.
Curious to experience it for yourself?
Coaching isn’t magic — but it can feel magical when you finally hear yourself clearly, trust your next step, and feel that click of alignment.
If you're curious about coaching — whether life, business, or executive — book a free discovery call. No pressure. No pitch. Just a conversation.