How many coaching sessions do I need?

There is no single number, but many people book a block of around three to six sessions, a couple of weeks apart. Some get what they came for in one or two, and some carry on for longer with bigger goals. A good coach will agree a plan with you at the start and review it as you go, so you are never signed up for more than you want.

What decides the number

• How big the goal is. Making a decision or getting past one sticking point usually takes fewer sessions than changing career or building a new way of working.
• How clear you already are. If you know what you want, you may move quickly. If you are still working it out, the first sessions often go on that.
• What you do between sessions. Coaching works mostly in the gaps. The more you try things out, the more there is to talk about next time.
• How often you meet. Every two weeks gives you time to act and report back. Weekly can suit a short, focused push.

Common ways to book

1. A single session. Useful for one question, such as a decision you are stuck on.
2. A short block. Around three to six sessions is a common starting point, with a review at the end.
3. A longer programme. Some coaches offer a few months of regular sessions for larger goals, often with a check-in between meetings.
4. Ongoing, as needed. Some people come back now and then when something new comes up.

Agreeing a plan with your coach

Many coaches offer a free first chat. Use it to say what you want to change and ask how they would plan it. A good coach will suggest a number of sessions as a starting guess, not a promise, and will check in part way through. It is fair to ask what happens if you want to stop early, and whether you have to pay for the whole block up front.

Roughly what does it cost?

Coaching sessions in the UK commonly start from £50, depending on the coach, their experience and where you live, and often more in big cities. Some coaches offer a block of sessions at a lower price per session. Check the length of a session, what is included between sessions and the cancellation terms before you pay.

How you know you are done

Often it is when you have done what you set out to do, or when you can take the next steps without needing to talk them through first. Your coach should be glad to say so and wind things down. If sessions start to feel like pleasant chats with no action, say so. A good coach will either sharpen the focus or tell you it is time to stop.

When coaching may not be the right route

Coaching looks forward, towards goals and next steps. If you find you are talking mostly about low mood, constant worry or something from the past, counselling may be a better fit, and it is worth seeing your GP if how you feel is getting in the way of daily life. A good coach will tell you if another route is better first.

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