One-on-One Coaching: Learn How to Structure Your Session in Just 4 Steps

Are you confused about how to host your one-on-one coaching sessions?

Drawing on my 10+ years of coaching experience and insights from top leaders in the industry, I’ve got some tips and tricks to share with you.

Let’s get to it.

What Is One-on-One Coaching

One-on-one coaching is a personalized session between you and your client. The aim is to focus on the client’s specific goals and challenges. 

One-on-one coaching is often the best choice for those who prefer personalized attention and have specific objectives they want to achieve. 

One-on-One Coaching VS Group Coaching

For clients who need focused guidance and a customized approach, one-on-one sessions are ideal. They allow us to dive deep into personal challenges without the distractions that can come with a group setting.

In contrast, group coaching can be more accessible and less intimidating for some, offering peer support and the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. It’s particularly effective when working on team dynamics or common issues faced by a group.

As a coach, I find that offering both options allows me to help a wider range of clients. By understanding the benefits of each approach, you can recommend the best path for your clients based on their preferences and goals.

Benefits of One-on-One Coaching

The benefits of one-on-one coaching include helping clients achieve their goals, boosting their self-esteem, enhancing professional satisfaction, improving relationships, and much more. With the dedicated time and accountability provided to them, clients can make significant progress in these areas. Undoubtedly, coaching has a transformative power. 

1. Goal Achievement

Having a coach can really make a person accountable and help them reach goals faster. 

When I work with my client, I create customized action plans that suit their unique needs and aspirations. I help them set clear checkpoints along the way, so they can track their progress and stay motivated. 

2. Greater Self-Esteem

One-on-one coaching often leads to a remarkable increase in self-confidence. After our sessions, many of my clients feel more resilient and assured in their abilities. You start to believe in yourself as a leader and trust your decisions.

According to a study by the International Coach Federation, 80% of clients reported improved self-confidence. 

3. Professional Satisfaction

Coaching can transform your client’s feelings about their job. It can even help them overcome burnout or make a career switch with confidence. By addressing their specific challenges, you can work with them to help them find fulfillment in their careers again. This renewed satisfaction boosts their performance at work and enhances their overall quality of life.

4. Improved Personal and Professional Relationships

A wonderful side benefit of coaching is the improvement in both professional and personal relationships. Several of my clients have shared how they’ve benefited in this area. Coaching certainly enhances interpersonal skills. As it makes you more attuned to yourself, you become more understanding and empathetic toward others. This increased self-awareness helps you build productive and harmonious relationships, both at work and in your personal life.

The same study by ICF revealed that over 70% of clients benefited from improved work performance and relationships.

 5. More Time and Focus

Compared to group coaching, one-on-one coaching allows for more personalized attention, enabling you to focus deeply on your client’s needs.

“The individual focus I received in Sai’s one-on-one sessions made all the difference. We tackled my specific challenges without distractions. His insights have helped me grow my coaching business.”

— Alex K., Entrepreneur

How to Structure Your One-on-One Coaching Sessions

Structuring your coaching session is not as tricky as it appears. When I was a new coach, I was also confused about it. There’s a common ground that most coaches agree on the best way to structure a session. The key is to take it in phases.

This is something that the very talented Coach Brooke Alexander also follows.

Phase 1 – Identify the Problem
Phase 2 – Start The Change Work
Phase 3 – Create New Possibilities
Phase 4 – Embody Success

Here’s a detailed guide to help you structure your coaching sessions:

1. Identify the Real Problem

You want to make sure you know what the problem is and that you’re not just dealing with side effects. In most cases, clients don’t know what the real issue is; they’re just talking about the symptoms. There’s often a deeper underlying problem.

Begin by creating a safe and open environment where your client feels comfortable sharing. Use your active listening skills to truly hear what they’re saying—not just the words, but the emotions and beliefs behind them. Pay attention to their tone of voice, body language, and the recurring themes in their stories.

Ask powerful, open-ended questions to help them delve deeper. To catch the problem, I pose questions like:

• “Can you tell me more about how this issue is affecting you?”
• “What do you think might be at the root of this challenge?”
• “How long have you been feeling this way?”

These questions encourage my clients to reflect and provide more detailed responses, helping me uncover the underlying issues.

At this step, the client is doing most of the talking. Meanwhile, you’re guiding the conversation with empathy and curiosity. Don’t rush this process; sometimes, what seems like a simple issue can have complex layers that need to be gently explored.

Pro tip: Keep your questions open-ended. Avoid yes-or-no questions to encourage your client to share more deeply. Silence can be powerful. Give them space to think and express themselves without interruption.

2. Start The Change Work

Once you’ve uncovered what’s going on for them, it’s time to initiate the change work. This is where you use tools like NLP. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is an approach that explores the connection between neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic), and behavioral patterns learned through experience (programming) to achieve specific goals.

You can incorporate various techniques, such as:

• Affirmations: Assist them in creating positive statements that reinforce new beliefs and behaviors. Affirmations can rewire their subconscious mind over time.
• Meditation: Introduce mindfulness practices to increase their self-awareness and reduce stress. Meditation can help them stay present and focused.
• Journaling: Encourage them to write down their thoughts and feelings. Journaling can provide insights into their patterns and progress.

This is where you help them change their mindset. You’re facilitating a shift in how they perceive themselves and their challenges. By addressing the subconscious mind, you’re enabling deep, lasting transformations.

Remember, this phase is collaborative. You’re providing the tools and guidance, but they’re doing the inner work. Be patient and supportive as they navigate through these changes.

3. Create New Possibilities

This part of the coaching unfolds over a couple of sessions. Now that they’ve started to shift their mindset, they’re ready to embrace new possibilities.

Encourage your client to envision what their life could look like without the barriers they’ve identified. Use visualization exercises to help them paint a vivid picture of their desired future.

Ask questions like:

• “What does success look like to you now?”
• “How would achieving these goals change your daily life?”
• “What new opportunities excite you the most?”

This phase is about expanding their horizons and helping them see options they might not have considered before. You’re guiding them to explore their potential and redefine what’s possible.

It’s essential to maintain a supportive atmosphere. Celebrate their insights and encourage them to dream big. This is an exciting time where they start to see the tangible outcomes of their inner work.

4. Embody Success

They’re ready to make an action plan, and you’ll help them create a realistic one.

Start by breaking down their big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Be specific about the order in which they need to set things up. Really get into the details to ensure the plan is practical and achievable.

I like to ask my client, “What specifically are you going to change?” This question prompts them to identify concrete actions rather than vague intentions.

Then you ask them, “How are you going to do that?” This helps them think through the strategies and resources they’ll need to succeed.

Work together to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

Discuss potential obstacles and brainstorm solutions. Establish accountability by setting up regular check-ins to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

By embodying success, your client starts living the changes they’ve worked on internally. They’re not just thinking differently—they’re taking action that aligns with their new mindset.

4 One-On-One Coaching Strategies You Can Use Right Away

The more effective your coaching sessions, the more successful your coaching business will be. And if you know where to start, delivering an unforgettable coaching session is easier than you think.

Especially if you use these strategies that I am going to talk about.

1. Set Outcomes Early

Before you begin a session is important to set outcomes right at the beginning. This can be as simple as asking your client what they want to work on today. This serves a dual purpose.

One, your client will feel involved in the process and will respond better to your sessions as it goes along.

Two, it will help both you and your client track improvements, achievements and results over time.

2. Keep The Energy Going

The one thing that common across every field of coaching is that a truly transformational coaching session needs a high level of energy, both from you and your client.

This means, keeping track of your client’s energy and focus levels as the session goes by is of utmost importance if you want the session to be effective.

But what if you notice your client’s energy levels falling or their concentration slipping?

Here’s a little trick called “pattern interruption” that is quite helpful in such situations. This is basically a Neuro Linguistic Programming tool that helps refocus the mind. It can be anything you say or do that creates a disruption that’s needed to refresh and refocus a client’s attention.

You could make an unexpected joke, or rely of physical movements such as clapping or jumping. Anything that will momentarily distract your client and allow you to help them bring their energy and focus levels back to what’s needed for an effective coaching session.

3. Bring Down Obstacles

As a coach, you know that your job is to help your clients recognize the steps they need to take to achieve their goals. However, it is important to help them address any obstacles that they feel may be in their only way.

So in every session, you will need to spend some time with your client to try and understand these obstacles, whether real or perceived, that stand in the way of their happiness.

Sit with your client and identify any obstacle or challenge that they feel might be ahead of them, and create a plan on how you can both tackle them together. Because these are what will hold your client back as they go for their goals.

And by identifying and planning for these obstacles, you will be able to give your clients the tools they need to overcome any resistance they might encounter as they try to better their lives.

4. Tie Everything Together

At the end of every session, it is important to go through everything you’ve discussed and create an actionable plan that your client needs to follow to achieve their goals.

This requires your client to identify important takeaways from each session, and then come up with goals they will achieve before the next session. 

This won’t just create a sense of continuity as your sessions go along, but will also create accountability on behalf of your client to work towards their goal.

Tips for One-on-One Coaching Sessions

Over my 10+ years as a coach, I’ve picked up several tips that have made my one-on-one sessions more effective. Here’s what I do, and maybe these can help you too:

1. Prepare Thoroughly
   
   I always take time before each session to review my client’s background, previous sessions, and any notes I’ve taken. This helps me tailor the session to their specific needs and shows that I’m invested in their progress.
   
2. Establish Trust
   Creating a safe and trusting environment is crucial. I make sure to listen actively and empathetically, letting my clients know they’re heard and valued. This encourages them to open up and engage more deeply.
   
3. Set Clear Intentions
   At the beginning of each session, I like to set clear intentions. I ask, “What would you like to focus on today?” This ensures we’re aligned and working towards their immediate goals.
   
4. Be Fully Present
   Before I start any coaching session, I eliminate all distractions—phone on silent, notifications off. Being fully present allows me to pick up on nuances in their tone and body language, which can be just as telling as their words.
   
5. Ask Powerful Questions
   Open-ended questions encourage deeper reflection. Questions like, “What does success look like for you?” or “What’s holding you back from achieving this?” help clients explore their thoughts and feelings more profoundly.
   
6. Provide Actionable Feedback
   I believe in giving feedback that’s both honest and constructive. My focus is on offering insights that my clients can act upon, helping them see tangible steps forward.
   
7. Encourage Accountability
   I work with my clients to set realistic action plans and hold them accountable. We set specific tasks or goals to be completed before the next session, which keeps them motivated and progressing.

How to Price Your One-on-One Coaching

Pricing your coaching services can indeed be challenging. Here’s how I approach it:

The price depends on the number of sessions I provide and the level of support the client needs. I offer different packages to cater to varying needs.

You need to name your packages to make them more appealing and memorable. By naming your packages, you create a brand around your services that can resonate with clients.

This is one of the ways I structure my coaching packages:

Example Coaching Packages

Package Name	Number of Sessions	Session Duration	Total Price
Clarity Starter	4 sessions	60 minutes	$800
Momentum Builder	8 sessions	60 minutes	$1,500
Transformation Journey	12 sessions	60 minutes	$2,100

Note: These prices are examples. You’ll need to adjust based on your niche, experience, and the value you provide.

Each package is designed to offer increasing levels of support and depth. For instance:

• Clarity Starter: Ideal for clients seeking quick insights or tackling a specific issue.
• Momentum Builder: Great for those looking to build on initial progress and delve deeper.
• Transformation Journey: Perfect for clients committed to significant personal or professional transformation.

Pro Tip: Don’t list your pricing on your website. This isn’t always the best strategy, especially if you’re targeting high-ticket clients. Instead, focus on highlighting the value and outcomes of your coaching.

Here’s what I do:

• Offer a Free Discovery Call: I invite potential clients to a complimentary session where we discuss their goals and challenges. This allows me to understand their needs and demonstrate how I can help.
• Customize Your Proposal: After the call, I provide a tailored proposal that outlines how we can work together, including pricing. This personalized approach often resonates more with clients than standard pricing listed online.
• Emphasize Value Over Cost: During conversations, I highlight the transformative benefits of coaching rather than focusing on the price. Clients are more likely to invest when they see the potential return on their investment.

Not listing prices upfront allows you to adjust your offerings based on each client’s unique situation. This personalized approach can lead to higher client satisfaction and better coaching outcomes.

If you are still confused about how to structure your one-on-one coaching session, my team can help you some up with the perfect strategy. We can help you take your coaching business to new heights. From giving you leverage to beat your competition with tailored resources and tools at your fingertips, we we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Conclusion

With this, we’ve covered everything about one-on-one coaching. I hope these insights and tips help you enhance your individual coaching sessions. If you have any doubts or need further clarification, feel free to ask in the comment section—I’ll surely get back to you. 

Resources for One-on-One Coaching

Having the right tools can make your one-on-one coaching sessions run smoothly and professionally. Here are some resources I use that might help you too:

Tools for Conducting Online Sessions

• Zoom: A reliable platform for video conferencing. It offers features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording options, which are great for interactive coaching sessions.
• Google Meet: An easy-to-use video conferencing tool that’s integrated with Google Calendar. It’s convenient for scheduling and joining meetings directly from calendar invites.

Scheduling and Appointment Management

• Calendly: I use Calendly to let clients schedule sessions at their convenience. It syncs with my calendar, avoiding double bookings and saving time on back-and-forth emails.
• Acuity Scheduling: Another great tool for appointment management. It allows clients to book sessions, fill out intake forms, and even pay for services all in one place.

Payment Processing

• PayPal: A secure platform for sending and receiving payments internationally. It’s user-friendly and widely recognized.
• Stripe: I use Stripe for processing credit card payments. It integrates well with many scheduling tools and provides a seamless checkout experience.

Note-Taking and Session Management

• Evernote: For keeping track of client notes and session plans. Evernote allows me to organize notes into notebooks and access them from any device.
• OneNote: Similar to Evernote, OneNote is great for organizing notes and ideas. It’s integrated with Microsoft Office, which is handy if you use other Microsoft products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)