Coaching sessions can take place as frequently and for as long as the Client seeks. Most professional Coaching sessions are conducted over the phone with the Client calling the Coach at a specific appointment time. Some sessions take place in person. As a Coach, I find that my Clients are less distracted and better able to focus on their Agenda over the telephone. This also seems to be a more efficient use of time for both Coach and Client. Typically, one 30 minute Coaching session takes place each week. However, that can vary widely (see "What Does Coaching Cost?" elsewhere on this website).

During the session, the Coach asks Powerful Questions, Challenges, Listens and helps the Client to Visualize and Focus. Homework assignments may be given to deepen the learning between calls. With any assignment, the Client is able to accept the assignment, reject it or make a counteroffer. Once an assignment has been agreed upon, the Coach holds the Client accountable for completing it.

One of the aspects of the Coaching relationship is the "Intake" or "Discovery" session. This is a longer Coaching session in which basic information is exchanged, the Coaching Alliance is designed, Core Values of the Client are identified and other key topics are covered. Many Coaches do the "Intake" session as their first Coaching contact. I prefer to do the Discovery session after about one month of Coaching as I believe this key session is more effective once trust has been established and the Coach and Client are more familiar with each other.

When a potential Client contacts me initially, we arrange for a complementary coaching session. This allows the potential Client to experience coaching with no cost or obligation. The session is usually conducted over the phone and lasts 30 to 45 minutes, including plenty of time for the Client to ask questions. After experiencing coaching firsthand, the Client makes a choice about using coaching or not.

Sometimes, coaching is the right tool but the Client needs a Coach who specializes in a particular subject, style or issue. (I specialize in working with Clients who are in Crisis.) When the Client needs another type or style of Coach, I am happy to make referrals to other coaches. Coaching, first and foremost, is all about what the Client wants!