External Client 1: Session 1

Because of my confidentiality agreement, I can’t use this blog to go in-depth like I do in my posts regarding class lessons. However, I want to use it to give myself feedback as well as describing some wins.

I just, just finished my first real live, full-length session with my first real live client! I won’t lie and say it was easy breezy - until the last 5 minutes of the call, I was actually a little down on myself with how it went. I felt like it was more of a Q-&-A session as opposed to a session, since I was following up on a lot of things she wrote on her Intake Form and was getting to know her goals, her priorities, and…..her. I felt, too, like I was feeding her things instead of letting her find them on her own, having too many sentences structured like, “What do you think about doing x, y, or z?” or saying “Why do you think you feel this way? Is it because of x,y, or z?” I’m leading the witness, your honor! I need to ask the question and then stop myself before I make it multiple choice.

One of the things I was proudest about on my mock session last week in class was that I really took what was said to me and repeated it back with how I understood it. I barely did that this week. I’m not sure if it was because of the structure (not a “here is what we’re going to work on today” but “what are you looking to work on over the next three months?”) or what, but I think that’s such an effective tool I want to ensure that  I’m using it in my coaching. I’ll make sure that, when I email Client A with my Policies & Procedures I’ll mention that every week we’ll focus on 1 particular goal, so she should have in her mind what she wants to work on that week.

I need to celebrate, though, that Client A had a major breakthrough during the last 10 minutes of class - and it didn’t come from me! This was a UAC that was so revealing, and might contribute to every obstacle that she has been facing. I didn’t even have to point out to her how major her statement was - she just stopped and said, “Ohmygosh. Wow. I’m tearing up right now, that clarifies so much for me.” And better than that, she said she was excited to go work on her challenge, and that she was going to do it as soon as she got off the phone. That to me is a huge win for both of us!

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Now it’s my turn to tear up. I’m so grateful to be able to be a life coach. I’ve become so passionate about it and it’s so fulfilling for me, that if I can make it my life’s work I’d be a happy, happy woman. I’m really looking forward to growing with this profession and shaping myself into a spectacular coach.