There are a number of options available to support what you need as the client. Please do get in touch to discuss your own circumstances.
A good starting point is a block of 6 sessions, which can be scheduled at whatever frequency suits the client, whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
The engagement can then be extended beyond that point, as a continuing series or as ad hoc sessions.
Contracting is the process whereby a coach and client agree the boundaries and rules around the coaching. It can take place throughout the coaching relationship to re-contract on some points. It can include many or all of the following aspects:
Coaching objectives
Structure – logistics, coaching methods, timings, success criteria
Coach/client psychological contract – disclosure, inquiry, commitment
Trust – establishing boundaries about what coaching is and is not
Defining the process, roles and responsibilities
Gain sponsor and client commitment (where a client is being supported by a workplace sponsor)
Confirm organisational and individual alignment, identifying objectives and success criteria
Establish expectations for all parties
The purpose and value of contracting and re-contracting is fundamentally about clarity of understanding and expectations on both sides, with the client clear on what they can expect from the coach, and the coach clear about how they can best support the current needs of the client. Given the typical gap between coaching sessions of 1-2 weeks, circumstances can easily change and the needs of the client with them. Re-contracting gives the opportunity to either re-frame or re-commit to the coaching journey underway, and empowers the client to strengthen their ownership of the outcomes and maintains partnership as the basis of the relationship.
From my perspective, as a coach I will:
Give you my 100% attention during our coaching sessions.
Be committed to meetings made.
Respect confidentiality within boundaries agreed.
Support you in finding answers for yourself.
Help you to identify your key goals.
Explore options with you to achieve your goals.
Support you to fully commit to what you want and take action.
Encourage the giving and receiving of feedback between us.
As a client I ask that you:
Take 100% responsibility for your own learning
Be honest and open in our coaching conversations
Be committed to our sessions and the actions agreed
Be open minded and experimental
Recognise change takes place outside your comfort zone
Share feedback of your experiences with me and your coach sponsors
Reflect on what you are learning about yourself.
Provide at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or changes to sessions.
The coaching service is confidential between the coach and the coachee except in the following instances:
Where it has been agreed in advance that the progress of the sessions will be discussed with others.
If the coachee gives the coach information for the purpose of discussion with others.
If the coachee gives the coach information which may be linked with possible physical harm to the coachee or others.