First Coaching Session Questions: What to Ask Your Coach and Why It Matters

As a rule, it is coaches who ask questions; however, we advise you to ask your own to gain the most out of the coaching process. How else would you know whether your values align with your coach’s methods, and what chemistry is like? If you want to choose a good match, get to know your coach.

After all, what is the meaning of a coaching session if not a chance to explore your potential and develop working strategies in a safe and nourishing environment? Not anybody can back you up on this journey. Someone can be an incredible coach, but not the right match for you. With the first coaching session questions, you’ll choose the right person.

Why Asking the Right Questions in Your First Coaching Session Matters

Coaching is not a free ride. Considering the time and financial investments it requires, it’s only natural for us to want our investments to pay off. The best way to make the most of your time and money is to prepare for your first session with a coach.

To do this, try to clarify the methods they use. Are they adherent to Mindfulness-Based Coaching or Cognitive Behavioral Coaching? What is the coaching session structure? As you listen to their answers, be sensitive to your emotions. Trust your gut feeling: do they sound like your kind of person?

With this in mind, before heading into the first coaching session, read through the questions that we’ve prepared for you.

Essential Questions to Ask Your Coach in the First Session

The first coaching or discovery session is the perfect opportunity to address all your doubts and concerns head-on. Our first coaching session questions are designed to help you with this.

Getting to know the coach’s style

What is your method of coaching?

This question, along with others you can ask your mentor or coach, gives you a window into your coach’s methods and working principles. Needless to say, their work format should suit you.

Can you share any personal challenges that have shaped your coaching style?

It might be helpful if the coach is like you in some ways; they have felt something similar and overcome the same challenges you face today. If you try to get organized, lead your team more successfully, or need help emerging from a divorce, you might want to work with someone who has been where you are.

Tracking your wins and growths

How can you help me set realistic goals?

This question will help clarify how your coach can guide you in splitting your broad goals into smaller, manageable milestones. There are numerous methods they may offer, such as SMART goals, GROW method, backward goal setting, and WOOP methods, among others. As you listen to your coach, pay attention to whether their methods and attitude towards goal setting resonate with you.

How will we track progress?

There are numerous assessments coaches use to monitor progress, including 360-degree feedback, psychometric tools, quantitative metrics, and self-reflection. It is important to know how your coach will help you to stay on track. Discussing the assessment methods can help you determine which one will be more effective based on your preferences.

Setting up clear expectations and boundaries

What is the structure of a coaching session? How will we interact?

Get to know how your coach structures a coaching session. Will you be given any homework? Are they available for in-between support? What are your mentor’s roles and responsibilities?

What is the norm for a client-coach relationship?

Sometimes, boundaries in a client-coach relationship can blur, and you may start to see your coach as a buddy. This interaction won’t empower you in your development but rather hinder your progress. Healthy relationships rely on boundaries, and your relationship with a coach is no exception. If your coach places importance on setting boundaries, you can be sure you’ll feel safe, respected, and comfortable in your coaching process.

Checking out their background and experience

Could you share a bit about your educational background and training?

Well, we don’t insist that lots of formal credentials are the be-all-and-end-all - some professionals just collect them as trophies. However, practical experience and a strong educational background enable a coach to guide clients more successfully. Fortunately, on Miranna, you have access to all coaches’ qualifications and experiences, so you’re welcome to review them even before your first session. 

What professional associations do you belong to? Do you have your coach or counselor?

These questions give you insight into your coach’s commitment to personal growth. After all, nobody wants a specialist who simply repeats back what they heard in their original coach training.

Nailing down practical details

What is the number, length, and frequency of sessions?

This question encourages you to discuss the details and establish your future work with a coach. Coaches are often flexible with these options, so consider the commitments that will best suit your needs. With Miranna, it’s up to you whether you choose to book a single session or enroll in long-term coaching. Plus, you can work with more than one coach: select a career coach to help you excel in your career and a life coach to overcome relationship burnout. Miranna brings together coaches from various fields, including sex coaches, business coaches, ADHD coaches, and many others

What is the fee and payment structure?

If you find your coach on the Miranna app, you can skip this question, as Miranna manages these details with its built-in scheduling and payment tools. These tools allow you to streamline your coaching sessions to fit your life, and you can choose a price within your budget.

How to Prepare for Your First Coaching Session

Apart from the first coaching session questions, consider some additional preparations. First, schedule the first session with enough time afterward for reflection: you’ll reduce the value if your session is back-to-back with other arrangements. Second, ensure you have a private space free from distractions so that you can talk openly.

Also, remember that coaching is a two-way process: a coach sets the stage for your growth while you make an effort and act proactively.  You shouldn’t expect your coach to single-handedly find you a job or negotiate a pay rise with your boss. Instead, view your coach as a partner who guides you as you take essential steps towards your goals. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to Your Coach

The crucial mistake people make is not sharing relevant information or holding back their true feelings. Some people feel ashamed when expressing the innermost emotions they deem inappropriate. Others are simply not used to reflecting on their feelings and acknowledging their true selves. If you recognize yourself in it, talk about this with your coach. You might not be able to discuss your deep-seated feelings, but you can talk about your difficulty in doing so.

Another mistake that may lead to disappointment is not clarifying your expectations regarding the session structure and communication. If you have a specific vision of how it should be, discuss it with your coach. Otherwise, your ideal picture may diverge from reality, leaving you feeling disillusioned and discontent. 

Final Thoughts

So, your first session is coming up! It’s great that you’ve decided to work with a coach. Although there is an abundance of information available, you can gain far more from coaching than from books, conferences, and webinars. A good coach will help you understand the root cause of recurrent problems and navigate obstacles. 

We hope you feel prepared for your first session with a coach. Keep in mind that you can skip most of the questions above by simply downloading the Miranna app. On the platform, you can explore the databases of coaches and mentors, which include detailed information about their backgrounds and coaching experiences. Moreover, you can even leverage text support to gradually start your coaching process.

Remember, this journey is all about you, and with the right support, you’re sure to make amazing progress.

FAQ

How do I prepare for my first coaching session?

To get the most out of your first coaching session, consider these preparation steps:

• Schedule Time for Reflection – Make sure your session isn’t squeezed between other commitments so you have time to absorb and reflect on what you discuss.
• Find a Private Space – Choose a quiet, distraction-free environment where you can speak openly.
• Clarify Your Expectations – Think about what you want from coaching—whether it's personal growth, career advancement, or overcoming a specific challenge.
• Prepare Questions – Asking the right questions can help you determine whether the coach’s methods and values align with yours.
• Be Open and Honest – Share relevant information and your true feelings to help your coach support you effectively.

What are good coaching questions to ask?

The right questions will help you assess your coach’s approach and set clear expectations. Here are some essential questions to ask in your first coaching session:

• What is your method of coaching? – Understand their approach and techniques.
• Can you share any personal challenges that have shaped your coaching style? – See if their experiences resonate with you.
• How can you help me set realistic goals? – Learn how they break down goals into actionable steps.
• How will we track progress? – Determine what methods they use to measure growth and success.
• What is the structure of a coaching session? – Clarify session format, expectations, and any homework assignments.
• What is the norm for a client-coach relationship? – Ensure clear boundaries and understand the dynamics of your interactions.
• What is the fee and payment structure? – If booking outside the Miranna platform, discuss payment and scheduling details.

What are the 7 questions from The Coaching Habit?

In The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier presents seven essential coaching questions designed to foster deeper conversations and personal growth:

1. The Kickstart Question: “What’s on your mind?” – Encourages open dialogue and helps the coachee express their current concerns.
2. The AWE Question: “And what else?” – Encourages deeper reflection and uncovers additional insights.
3. The Focus Question: “What’s the real challenge here for you?” – Helps pinpoint the core issue.
4. The Foundation Question: “What do you want?” – Clarifies the coachee’s needs and desires.
5. The Lazy Question: “How can I help?” – Allows the coachee to take the lead in seeking support.
6. The Strategic Question: “If you’re saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?” – Encourages thoughtful decision-making and prioritization.
7. The Learning Question: “What was most useful for you?” – Reinforces key takeaways and supports long-term growth.