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Coach In-Session Guide | Mindset Coach Academy
First Session Client Discovery Guide
Mindset Coach Academy
Coach In-Session Guide
Opening the Coaching Relationship
This is your in-session companion for the first coaching conversation. Your client has completed their onboarding document (Sections 1 to 3) and you will have reviewed their responses before today. This session is part of the onboarding process that lays the foundation for every session that follows.
This guide is not a questionnaire to work through mechanically. Use it as a reference during a flowing coaching conversation. Begin by warmly acknowledging the client's effort in reflecting ahead of the session and create an atmosphere of safety, curiosity, and openness from the very first moment.
Suggested opening: "Thank you for taking the time to complete your pre-session reflection. Today I would love to explore some of what you shared in more depth, and get to know you and what has brought you here a little better. Does that sound good?"
Running Thread: Belief and Value Statements
Throughout the entire session, listen actively for belief statements: language that reveals how the client sees themselves, others, or the world. Examples include "I always...", "I am just not the type of person who...", "I could never...", "People like me do not...". Also listen for value indicators: what lights the client up, what frustrates them, and what they say matters most. Use the belief and value capture boxes throughout this guide to record these in real time.
4
In-Session
Previous Attempts
Reveals patterns, unlocks learning, and helps avoid repeating what has not worked
4.1 Opening question: select based on the client's primary focus
Client is here to:
Ask the client
"What have you already done in order to change or improve this situation?"
Ask the client
"What have you already done to make progress towards this goal?"
4.2 What worked, even if only partially?
4.3 What did not work?
4.4 What did you learn from those experiences?
Explore and Listen
As the client speaks about past attempts, listen for why things did not work beneath the surface. Did they begin and then stop? What got in the way? What do they believe about why they have struggled? If the client quickly dismisses what they have done, explore further: there is often rich material here.
5
In-Session
Strengths and Resources
Uncovers what the client already has to work with and builds confidence and self-awareness
5.1 What personal strengths do you bring to this situation?
5.2 Who or what currently supports you?
5.3 What personal qualities have helped you overcome challenges in the past?
5.4 What resources, tools, or support do you have access to that could help you now?
Explore and Listen
Clients often struggle to name their own strengths. If they hesitate, ask: "What do the people closest to you say you are good at?" or "When have you surprised yourself?" Pay attention to how the client talks about support: this reveals attachment patterns and value structures. Notice value words that emerge such as loyalty, independence, love, or achievement.
6
In-Session
Potential Obstacles
Naming barriers early creates awareness, ownership, and a proactive mindset
6.1 What might get in the way of your progress over the coming months?
6.2 What has stopped you from making this change before now?
6.3 How will you manage these obstacles when they arise?
Explore and Listen
This section is one of the richest for uncovering limiting beliefs. The obstacles a client names are often a direct reflection of their unconscious beliefs about themselves and the world. "I will probably just get busy" might mask "I do not believe I am worth prioritising." Explore the meaning behind each obstacle, not just the practical barrier.
7
In-Session
Motivation, Readiness and Coaching Style
Gauging commitment and co-creating the coaching relationship
7.1 Why is this change important to you right now?
7.2 What will happen if nothing changes in the next 12 months?
7.3 On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to making this change?
1
10
7.4 What would move you closer to a 10?
7.5 How do you prefer to be coached? What does great coaching feel like for you?
7.6 How do you best receive feedback and new insights?
Explore and Listen
The "why now" question in 7.1 often surfaces the client's deepest values. The cost question in 7.2 activates emotional motivation: do not rush past it. If the client is uncertain about coaching style, this may indicate they have never felt truly seen by a coach before. This is a powerful opportunity to intentionally build the relationship.
Section 8: Post-Session Coach Reflection
8
Coach Only: After the Session
Post-Session Notes and Next Steps
Complete within 24 hours while the session is fresh. Not shared with the client.
8.1 Key themes and patterns observed across the session
8.2 Consolidated belief statements identified
8.3 Core values identified
8.4 Recommended coaching focus and tools or modalities for this client
8.5 Agreed coaching goal and primary focus for the engagement
8.6 Client commitments and actions before Session 2
8.7 Session 2 date and coach self-rating for this session
