Thinking about hiring a coach?
Before you book that coaching discovery session, it’s important to know what to expect—and what shouldn't happen. A coaching discovery session should be a conversation, not a sales pitch. Just like an initial consultation with an attorney, it’s about figuring out if you and the coach are a good match, and if coaching is the right tool for the change you’re seeking.
In this blog, we'll explore what a healthy coaching discovery session looks like, how it should feel, red flags to watch for, and how to protect your autonomy while engaging in the process.
1. The Purpose of a Coaching Discovery Session
A coaching discovery session is a mutual assessment, not a one-way audition. It’s not about proving you’re “coachable” or “worthy” of help. Instead, a healthy session focuses on understanding whether coaching is the right fit for you.
During a good discovery session, you’ll:
Share the context of your situation
Talk about your goals and aspirations
Reflect on what you've already tried
Explore timelines, constraints, and hopes
Identify any patterns or blind spots
In return, you should:
Get a clear sense of the coach’s style and methods
Understand how coaching could help—or where it may not be the best fit
Leave with actionable insights, even if you don’t choose to work together
The key here is mutual clarity. A good coach will discuss practicalities like pricing and session frequency, but the focus is on whether this is the right partnership—not just making the sale.
2. How a Healthy Discovery Session Should Feel
After a quality coaching session, you should leave feeling more empowered, not pressured. It should feel like you have more clarity, more control, and more options for moving forward—whether or not you decide to work with that coach.
When leaving a good discovery session, ideally, you’ll feel:
More informed: You’ll understand your situation better and see dynamics you hadn’t noticed before.
Clearer on the path forward: There should be concrete options, even if you don’t choose this coach.
More in control: You’ll leave feeling like you have agency in the decision-making process.
Confident in your decision: Your gut should have a clear “yes” or “no,” and you won’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.
If you leave feeling disempowered, confused, or pressured—that’s a red flag. A discovery session should leave you feeling hopeful and informed, not diminished or manipulated.
3. Coaches Are Not Interchangeable: Finding the Right Fit
Just like attorneys or doctors, every coach has a unique style. Some coaches are structured and methodical, while others are more intuitive and conversational. Some focus on business metrics, while others dive deep into mindset and personal growth.
Finding the right coach is crucial for your growth, so take the time to evaluate the fit. When considering a coach, ask yourself:
Do I look forward to meeting with them?
Do they make me feel at ease, or do I feel tense and uncomfortable?
Do I feel that their approach aligns with my needs?
Think of it like working with a trusted real estate agent. The best agents don’t pressure you to sign; they offer strategic advice and let you make your own decisions. Great coaches do the same. They focus on partnership, not just sales.
4. What to Expect in a Quality Discovery Session
While every coach may structure a discovery session differently, a well-run session typically includes the following stages:
Your Story (20–30 minutes): You’ll share your situation, what you’ve tried, and what you want to achieve.
Exploration & Insight (20–25 minutes): The coach asks questions, reflects what they hear, and helps you gain a clearer understanding of your challenges.
Path Forward & Practicalities (10–15 minutes): The coach outlines how they’d approach working with you and discusses logistics (like pricing, frequency, and timing).
Your Decision Space: You’ll be given room to make your decision without pressure—whether that’s a “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.”
An ideal discovery session gives you time to discuss your situation in depth and for the coach to reflect on what they hear, so they can provide meaningful insights and suggest potential solutions.
5. Red Flags: When to Keep Looking for a Coach
If you leave a coaching discovery session feeling more confused, pressured, or uncertain about the next steps, it might be time to move on. A high-pressure situation where you feel coerced into a decision is a huge red flag.
Signs that the session might not be in your best interest:
Feeling manipulated or like you’re being “sold to”
Experiencing a lack of clarity or insight about your situation
Walking away unsure of the next steps
If any of these happen, trust your instincts and look for another coach who prioritizes your needs over closing a sale.
6. How to Use Discovery Sessions to Protect Your Autonomy
To ensure you’re making the best decision for your growth, here’s how to approach discovery sessions with a sense of autonomy and confidence:
Talk to Multiple Coaches: Treat this process like hiring a key team member. Shop around, talk to different coaches, and evaluate who feels like the best fit for you.
Ask the Right Questions: Be sure to ask insightful questions like:
“How do you typically work with someone in my situation?”
“What does success look like in coaching with you?”
“What happens if we’re not a good fit?”
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel after the call. Are you lighter, clearer, and more hopeful? Or do you feel drained and uncertain?
Give Yourself Permission to Say No: You don’t owe a decision on the spot. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s perfectly okay to say “I’m not ready yet,” or simply, “I’m going to pass on this.”
7. The Bottom Line: Protecting Yourself and Finding the Right Coach
Coaching can bring powerful transformation, but only when you’ve found the right coach and the right fit. The discovery session is the first step in building a relationship based on honesty, clarity, and respect. If you feel empowered, informed, and confident in your decision after the session, that’s a great sign.
But if you feel pressured, diminished, or uncertain, walk away and keep searching for a coach who genuinely serves your growth.
Remember, you are not broken, and any coach who makes you feel that way isn’t the right fit for you. Take your time, trust your instincts, and choose wisely.
Conclusion
A coaching discovery session should not feel like a sales pitch. It should feel like an opportunity for you to explore potential growth with a coach who truly listens and serves your needs. So before you book your session, know what to expect, ask the right questions, and always protect your autonomy.
Ready to find the right coach for you?
Book a free discovery session today and get the clarity you need to take the next step in your growth journey.
