First Session Agenda: Setting the Foundation for Transformational Coaching

The first coaching session sets the tone for the entire client relationship. It's where trust is built, expectations are aligned, and the foundation for transformation is established. A well-structured first session creates confidence, clarity, and excitement for the journey ahead.

This comprehensive agenda ensures every first session delivers maximum value while positioning you as a professional, trustworthy guide for your client's transformation.

The LAUNCH First Session Framework

L - Land & Connect (10 minutes)

• Welcome & gratitude: Express appreciation for their trust
• Energy check: How are they feeling about starting?
• Logistics confirmation: Session length, recording, notes
• Agenda overview: What you'll accomplish together

A - Align Expectations (15 minutes)

• Coaching agreement review: Key terms and boundaries
• Communication preferences: How and when to connect
• Session structure: What to expect each time
• Mutual responsibilities: Your role and their role

U - Uncover Their Story (20 minutes)

• Current situation: Where they are now
• Background context: How they got here
• Previous attempts: What they've tried before
• Motivation drivers: Why change is important now

N - Navigate Toward Goals (20 minutes)

• Vision exploration: What does success look like?
• Goal clarification: Specific, measurable outcomes
• Priority ranking: What matters most
• Timeline discussion: When do they want to achieve this?

C - Create the Roadmap (10 minutes)

• Key milestones: Major markers of progress
• Potential obstacles: What could get in the way
• Success indicators: How we'll know it's working
• Support systems: Resources and accountability

H - Homework & Next Steps (5 minutes)

• Action assignment: Small step to create momentum
• Reflection questions: What to think about before next session
• Schedule confirmation: Next session time and date
• Contact protocol: How to reach out between sessions

Deep Dive: Each Framework Component

Landing & Connection Strategies

Create Psychological Safety:

• Acknowledge their courage in seeking coaching
• Normalize any nervousness or uncertainty
• Share your excitement about working together
• Create a warm, welcoming environment

Set Professional Tone:

• Start and end on time
• Have materials organized and ready
• Explain your note-taking process
• Confirm recording permissions if applicable

Expectation Alignment Deep Dive

Essential Topics to Cover:

• Confidentiality: What stays in the session
• Cancellation policy: How to reschedule or cancel
• Between-session support: Email, text, or emergency protocols
• Homework expectations: Role of action items and follow-through
• Feedback culture: How to give and receive input

Story Discovery Techniques

The Current State Assessment:

• What's working well in their life?
• What's causing stress or dissatisfaction?
• How do they typically handle challenges?
• What are their natural strengths and talents?

The Timeline Exploration:

• When did they first notice this issue?
• What has changed over time?
• What events or circumstances contributed to the current situation?
• What patterns do they notice in their life?

Goal Setting Best Practices

The SMART-ER Framework

• Specific: Clearly defined outcomes
• Measurable: Quantifiable progress indicators
• Achievable: Realistic given their resources
• Relevant: Aligned with their values and vision
• Time-bound: Clear deadlines and milestones
• Exciting: Energizing and motivating
• Reviewed: Regularly assessed and adjusted

Goal Hierarchy Exercise

Roadmap Creation Process

Milestone Mapping

• 30-day milestone: Early win and momentum builder
• 60-day milestone: Habit establishment and confidence growth
• 90-day milestone: Significant progress and transformation evidence
• 6-month milestone: Major goal achievement or breakthrough

Obstacle Anticipation

• Internal obstacles: Limiting beliefs, fears, old patterns
• External obstacles: Time constraints, resources, other people
• Systemic obstacles: Environment, culture, organizational factors
• Unexpected obstacles: Life events, changes, disruptions

First Session Action Planning

The Quick Win Assignment

Always end the first session with a small, achievable action that:

• Can be completed within 24-48 hours
• Directly relates to their coaching goals
• Builds confidence and momentum
• Demonstrates immediate value from coaching

Reflection Questions for Next Session

• "What did you discover about yourself in our conversation today?"
• "What feels most exciting about the goals we discussed?"
• "What concerns or questions are coming up for you?"
• "How can you best prepare yourself for the changes ahead?"

Common First Session Challenges

The Overwhelmed Client

Symptoms: Too many goals, unrealistic timelines, scattered focus

Solution: Priority clarification exercise and expectation setting about sustainable change

The Skeptical Client

Create 1-3 specific actions they can take before the next session:

Homework assignments

Common first-session homework options:

• Values clarification exercise: Complete comprehensive values assessment
• Strengths inventory: Identify top 5 strengths with examples
• Goal visualization: Write detailed description of achieved goals
• Obstacle brainstorm: List potential challenges and solutions
• Support mapping: Identify key people in their support network

Next session planning

• Schedule: Confirm date and time for next session
• Focus area: Preview what you'll work on together
• Preparation: What they should think about or complete
• Materials: Any resources to review beforehand

First session best practices

Before the session

• Review intake forms and discovery call notes
• Prepare relevant exercises and assessments
• Set up distraction-free environment
• Have coaching agreement readily available

During the session

• Maintain warm but professional tone
• Take detailed notes for future reference
• Watch the clock to respect timeframes
• Ask for questions and clarification regularly

After the session

• Send session summary within 24 hours
• Include action items and homework assignments
• Add detailed notes to client file
• Schedule next session if not already done

Common first session challenges

Client nervousness or anxiety

• Acknowledge their courage in starting coaching
• Normalize feeling uncertain at the beginning
• Share what they can expect from the process
• Ask what would help them feel more comfortable

Vague or unrealistic goals

• Use specific questioning to add clarity
• Break large goals into smaller milestones
• Help them connect goals to deeper values
• Suggest starting with more achievable targets

Information overload

• Prioritize most important elements
• Provide written summary of key points
• Focus on next steps rather than entire journey
• Reassure them that clarity develops over time

Unrealistic expectations

• Clarify what coaching can and cannot do
• Explain typical timeline for seeing results
• Emphasize their role in the process
• Share realistic success stories

Session documentation template

Specialized first sessions

For executive coaching clients

• Focus on professional goals and leadership challenges
• Include 360-degree feedback discussion
• Address organizational context and constraints
• Emphasize ROI and measurable outcomes

For life transition clients

• Acknowledge the difficulty of major changes
• Explore what's ending and what's beginning
• Identify sources of stability during transition
• Create small steps to build momentum

For wellness coaching clients

• Include health and lifestyle assessment
• Discuss medical considerations and limitations
• Set realistic, sustainable health goals
• Address mindset around self-care

Follow-up and continuity

Session summary email template

Conclusion

A well-structured first session creates the foundation for a successful coaching relationship. By covering expectations, assessing current state, clarifying goals, and creating immediate action steps, you set both yourself and your client up for a transformative journey together.

Remember that while structure is important, stay flexible and responsive to your client's needs. Some may need more time on goal clarification, others on expectation setting. Use this agenda as a guide, but always prioritize building connection and trust.

The investment you make in creating a powerful first session pays dividends throughout the entire coaching relationship through increased client engagement, clearer progress tracking, and stronger outcomes.