What life coaching might feel like for a first-timer
Lis Whybrow
If you've never experienced life coaching before, here's what you might expect to feel and experience during the process:
The Initial Session, or as you start
When you first begin coaching, you might feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. There's often a sense of hope about positive changes ahead, combined with uncertainty about what the process will actually entail.
The first session might involve:
Sharing your current situation, challenges, and aspirations
Answering questions that may make you think differently about your circumstances
Setting some initial goals or focus areas
Getting comfortable with your coach and their approach
Many people report feeling both vulnerable and relieved during these early sessions. Opening up to someone new can feel exposing, but there's also often a sense of unburdening yourself.
The Middle Phase
As you progress deeper into your session or sessions of coaching:
You'll likely experience moments of clarity or "aha" insights
Your coach will challenge your thinking patterns and assumptions
You might feel occasionally uncomfortable when facing things you might have never thought about before
You'll develop new perspectives on familiar problems
Action steps after a session and between sessions will help you implement changes
This phase can feel like a rollercoaster - sometimes exhilarating when you make breakthroughs, other times challenging when you confront obstacles or resistance within yourself.
The Emotional Journey
Throughout coaching, don't be surprised if you experience:
Accountability that should feel supportive rather than judgmental
A safe space to express thoughts you might not share elsewhere
Validation of your experiences alongside gentle challenging
Moments of self-discovery that surprise you
Pride in taking steps toward your goals
Occasional frustration when change doesn't come easily
What Makes It Different
Unlike therapy (which often focuses on healing past wounds), mentoring or consulting (which can try to provide direct answers for you), coaching:
Keeps you focused on moving forward toward your desired future
Assumes you have the answers within you that the coach helps uncover
Centres on action and implementation, not just discussion
Puts you in the driver's seat while the coach serves as navigator
Many who haven’t been coached before describe feeling truly heard and understood, perhaps for the first time. The experience of having someone listen deeply without judgment, while also believing and encouraging you in your potential, can be profoundly affecting.
Coaching relationships vary widely depending on the coach's style and your particular needs. The experience should feel collaborative, empowering, and tailored to your unique situation.
That’s the approach we all bring at the Start Here Coaching Collective team.
