Ep 236: What Actually Happens in a Coaching Session

Ever wondered what really happens in a coaching session? In this episode, I walk you through the anatomy of a coaching session, sharing the realities, possibilities, and my unique approach as a Master Certified Coach.You'll hear how I create the right environment for my clients, make sure sessions are tailored for both their needs and mine, and why building a strong foundation of trust and safety is key to any impactful coaching. Plus, I share practical strategies, rituals, and tools to keep sessions energising (not draining!) for both coach and client.What You’ll Learn:The typical structure and length of coaching sessions and why flexibility mattersHow to create a comfortable, effective environment for coaching, online or in personMy “pre-session rituals” for presence and nervous system regulationThe critical first moments: checking in, building trust, and setting session directionHow using the client’s language builds deeper connection and safetyTechniques for evoking awareness, handling emotions, and encouraging meaningful actionWhy it’s so important to take breaks and manage your own energy as a coach.Key Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction, what actually happens in a coaching session?01:33 Why you should experiment with session formats and lengths to find your groove.02:10 How I regulate my nervous system before sessions.04:16 Asking questions to understand the client’s goals and define success05:28 Using the client’s language to build trust and safety06:15 Going beyond surface-level conversation to help clients clarify priorities and uncover what matters most to them08:02 Focusing on their topic, not yours09:16 Strategies for helping clients see things differently.10:31 How I use breathing, visualisation, and movement (and why you should lean into your own coaching style)11:41 How I structure my day and week to stay at my best for clients12:35 Creating a thinking environment, embracing presence, and helping clients find their own solutions.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.