How Life Coaching Works — Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a clear, practical walkthrough you can use with clients (or follow yourself). I’ll keep it coach-friendly and client-ready.

1. Initial Contact / Inquiry

• Client reaches out (email, form, call, LinkedIn).

• Coach responds with a short welcome and next steps (intro call or questionnaire).

Typical output: 5–10 minute intake message or link to a short questionnaire.

2. Discovery / Free Intro Session (30–45 min)

• Purpose: understand the client’s situation, goals, and fit.

• Coach asks big-picture questions (current state, desired state, obstacles).

• Coach explains methodology, session length, frequency, fees, confidentiality, and cancellation policy.

Typical output: Decision to proceed + proposed coaching package.

3. Intake & Goal Setting (Session 1 — 60–90 min)

• Complete intake form (values, strengths, history, current challenges).

• Co-create 1–3 clear coaching goals using SMART or CLEAR format.

• Establish success metrics and a rough timeline (e.g., 8–12 weeks).

• Agree on logistics: session cadence (weekly/biweekly), communication, homework, payment.

Typical output: Written coaching agreement + documented goals.

4. Assessment & Baseline (early sessions)

• Use assessments (strengths, values, stress, life-balance audit) if helpful.

• Identify limiting beliefs, habits, and resources.

• Map the gap between current state and desired state.

Tools: worksheets, life-balance wheel, StrengthsFinder-style prompts, simple surveys.

5. Create an Action Plan (co-created)

• Break goals into smaller milestones and weekly actions.

• Identify quick wins to build momentum.

• Define accountability checkpoints and KPIs (e.g., applications sent, daily habit streak).

Typical output: 4–8 week action plan with tasks and measurable indicators.

6. Regular Coaching Sessions (usually 45–60 min)

• Structure: brief check-in → review progress → deep coaching conversation → agree actions → close with accountability.

• Coach uses probing questions, reflection, and techniques (visualization, reframing, role-play).

• Client commits to practical experiments between sessions.

Frequency: weekly or fortnightly depending on needs.

7. Assignments & Practice (between sessions)

• Homework: journaling prompts, behavior experiments, networking outreach, skill practice.

• Track progress in a shared doc or tracker.

• Coach provides resources: readings, templates, scripts.

Purpose: embed learning and create measurable change.

8. Midpoint Review & Adjustment (every 4–6 sessions)

• Review what’s working, adjust actions and goals.

• Re-assess confidence levels and barriers.

• Celebrate wins and update milestones.

Typical output: Revised plan / renewed commitments.

9. Measure Outcomes & Close (final sessions)

• Evaluate success against initial KPIs and goals.

• Create a sustainability plan: maintenance habits, relapse plan, long-term resources.

• Discuss next steps: follow-up sessions, alumni check-ins, referrals.

Typical output: Final summary, resources list, and optional follow-up schedule.

10. Follow-up & Alumni Support

• Optional check-in after 1–3 months to reinforce gains.

• Offer group sessions, newsletters, or micro-check-ins for ongoing accountability.

Typical Timeline & Packages

• Short boost: 4 sessions (1 month) — focused goal (e.g., interview prep).

• Standard transformation: 8–12 sessions (2–3 months) — meaningful behavior change.

• Deep work: 6+ months — identity, career pivot, major life transitions.

What Coaches Do (Method)

• Listen actively, ask powerful questions.

• Hold clients accountable.

• Use tools and frameworks to surface insight.

• Co-create experiments and behaviours to try.

• Provide emotional support without giving direct advice.

What Coaching Is Not

• Not therapy (doesn’t treat mental illness).

• Not consulting (doesn’t give prescriptive solutions as primary service).

• Not mentoring (coach doesn’t impose their path).

Quick Session Template (60 min)

1. 5 min — Warm-up & wins since last session

2. 10 min — Review homework / metrics

3. 30 min — Deep coaching (explore obstacle, reframe, create new strategies)

4. 10 min — Define 1–3 concrete actions for next week

5. 5 min — Close & confirm accountability

Sample Powerful Questions to Use

• “What exactly do you want to have happen in the next 90 days?”

• “What is the smallest action you can take this week that would move you forward?”

• “What belief is holding you back from trying that?”

• “How will you know you’re succeeding?”

How Success Is Measured

• Behavior-based metrics (habits formed, actions taken).

• Outcome metrics (job offers, relationship improvements).

• Self-report measures (confidence, stress level, clarity on a 1–10 scale).