What does it mean to check in with clients during sessions?

Checking in with clients during sessions is a vital practice in health coaching that focuses on building a strong rapport and ensuring that clients feel supported and understood in their journey. It involves actively listening to their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, which creates a safe and trusting environment. This approach allows clients to express their current state, challenges they may be facing, and any emotional responses they might have to their progress or setbacks.

Establishing this connection is fundamental to effective coaching, as it helps clients feel valued and acknowledged, and reinforces the coaching relationship. Furthermore, understanding clients’ feelings and experiences enables the coach to tailor the session to better meet their needs. This emotional check-in often leads to more productive discussions about goals, challenges, and strategies for moving forward.

While asking for feedback on past sessions, reminding clients of their goals, and outlining the next session's agenda are also important aspects of coaching, they do not encapsulate the holistic and empathetic approach that checking in embodies. Checking in goes beyond these transactional elements to foster a deeper, supportive connection.