Embarking on a Coaching Journey: A Beginner's Guide to Working with a Coach

Coaching has become an incredible tool for personal and professional growth, but if you're new to it, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. How do you find the right coach? What should you expect? And, let’s be honest, how do you know if it’s even worth it?

Good news: It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the coaching process, so you can find a coach who truly supports you—and make the most of the experience.

1. Get Clear on What You Want

Before you even start looking for a coach, take a moment to reflect on what you actually want from the experience. Are you looking for career clarity? Support through a major life transition? More balance in your work and home life?

You don’t need to have everything figured out (that’s part of why you’re seeking coaching in the first place!), but having a general sense of what you’d like to focus on will help you find the right fit.

2. Do Some Research (But Don’t Overthink It)

There are a lot of coaches out there, and not all of them will be the right fit for you—and that’s okay. Look for someone who specializes in the area you want to work on and whose approach resonates with you.

A few things to consider:
Do they have experience working with people like you?
Does their style feel like a good match (structured vs. exploratory, direct vs. supportive)?
Do they share any insights that make you think, Wow, that’s exactly what I needed to hear?

If you’re not sure where to start, articles like Forbes' “How to Choose the Right Life Coach” or Harvard Business Review’s “The Making of a Corporate Athlete” can offer helpful guidance.

3. Book a Discovery Call

Most coaches offer a free consultation (aka a discovery call), which is a chance to see if there’s a good fit. Think of it like a first date—there’s no commitment, just a conversation.

Use this time to:
Ask about their coaching style and process
Share your goals and challenges
See if their personality and energy feel like a match

A good coach will help you feel seen, understood, and supported—trust that gut feeling!

4. Set Clear Expectations

Once you decide to move forward, it’s important to establish expectations upfront.

This includes:
How often you’ll meet (weekly, biweekly, monthly?)
Where sessions take place (Zoom, phone, in-person?)
How you prefer to communicate (Email check-ins? Voxer? No in-between session contact?)

Being clear on logistics helps you get the most out of your coaching experience and ensures you and your coach are on the same page.

5. Show Up Open & Ready

Coaching works best when you’re open to the process. That means bringing your honest thoughts, challenges, and even doubts to the table. It’s okay not to have all the answers (again—that’s why you’re here!).

Your coach isn’t there to judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to help you explore new perspectives, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create the change you want in your life. The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it.

Ready to Get Started?

Deciding to work with a coach is a powerful investment in yourself. By getting clear on your goals, finding the right fit, setting expectations, and embracing the process, you’ll create the conditions for meaningful growth.

If you’re curious about how coaching might support you, I’d love to chat. Reach out for a discovery call, and let’s see if this is the right next step for you.

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Hi, I’m Coral.

After having two children and returning to work, I felt completely lost and directionless — my identity had shattered, and I didn't know who I was anymore. Over the years, I picked up the pieces and created a new vision for my life, identity, and purpose.

Now I'm on a mission to help moms and primary caregivers navigate their own journeys, for a more fulfilling and authentic path forward. In addition to supporting individuals, I help organizations implement practices that offer deeply needed support to moms and primary caregivers — because we can’t make these changes alone.

Interested in working together? See how I work with both individuals and organizations for sustainable growth. Schedule a free consultation.