Coaching Structure

Question 1

Structure=Function

Answer 1

Structure is integral and foundational to the functioning of life. It is what organizes and maintains Wholes. It ignites processes into being. It seeds possibilities. Without it, we would collapse.
Atoms, cells, organs, ecosystems, communities all need structure to guide dynamic and synergetic roles and movement.
Similarly, organizing coaching sessions is a container holding emerging creation, potential, and possibility. Structure works with its counterpart disorder to bring the element of fluidity and surprise, so don’t hang on too tight!

Question 2

Coaching Structure Outline

Answer 2

1. Coach preparation prior to session
2. First session: discovery or intake
3. Early sessions (1-2)
4. Routine ongoing sessions
5. Program termination

Question 3

Coach preparation

Answer 3

The coach’s state helps client become calm and receptive, fostering rapport, trust, self-awareness, and self-discovery.

1.1.1. Coach is calm, present, and emotionally available
1.1.2. Review available client materials
1.1.3. Logistics (meeting location, conference call arrangements, etc.)

Question 4

First session or before

Answer 4

Coach and client get to know each other, client’s motivations and priorities for seeking coaching is addressed and both establish if they are a fit to each other prior to committing. A subsequent intake assessment and coaching agreement are provided to the client.

1. Set the climate/stage
2. Establish rapport
3. Gauge client’s intentions for coaching/obtain information why coaching is sought
4. Determine if the individual is a candidate for health and wellness coaching and is an appropriate candidate for you specifically
5. Explain the coaching process
6. Establish the Coaching Agreement
7. Guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., roles, logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate,
   confidentiality)
8. Client vs. coach responsibilities, setting appropriate expectations
9. Understand type of coaching relationship (i.e., short laser coaching session vs. long-term coaching relationship, telephonic, coaching apps, face-to-face, incentivized coaching)
10. Review assessments, if any used, and other data sources
11. Ensure appropriate time management of this and all sessions

Question 5

Early sessions

Answer 5

Time is spent exploring the client’s values, vision, purpose, and priorities. The coach refers to these in subsequent sessions to elicit motivation. During early sessions, the coach also spends adequate time exploring the client’s understanding of his/her health and wellness, so goals are not set prematurely.

1.3.1. Have client assess current state of his/her health and/or wellbeing
1.3.2. Explore the client’s vision of his/her optimal health and/or wellbeing
1.3.3. Identify gaps between current state and client’s desired lifestyle/outcomes
1.3.4. Explore and clarify client preference for priority areas of focus
1.3.5. Establish or refine client’s specific long-term goals that lead toward desired outcomes
1.3.6. Establish or refine client’s short-term SMART goals or action steps for what will be accomplished between sessions
1.3.7. Support the client in achieving the SMART goals or action steps including back-up plans
1.3.8. Establish client’s preferences for learning and maintaining accountability

Question 6

Routine ongoing sessions

Answer 6

Routine coaching occurs during a pre-determined amount of time. The coach reflects the client’s understanding, perspectives, and learning, leveraging strengths, motivations, and resources to brainstorm new possibilities to move forward.

1.4.1. Connect, have client self-assess state at beginning of each session
1.4.2. Check-in on prior session commitments/action steps
1.4.3. Invite client to select focus for session
1.4.4. Establish or refine client’s short-term SMART goals or action steps for what will be accomplished between sessions
1.4.5. Articulate new action steps and adjust plan if needed, with self-monitoring
1.4.6. Discover and reflect client’s learning, including “take-aways” from session
1.4.7. Communicate appreciation of client’s work
1.4.8. Invite the client to provide feedback to the coach on the coaching provided

Question 7

Program termination

Answer 7

1.5.1. Invite the client to reflect on, assess, and to articulate progress made, challenges experienced, lessons learned, and growth attained
1.5.2. Assist in developing sustainable pathway forward and/or maintenance/relapse prevention plan including available support and resources