When interviewing a prospective coach, there are a dozen questions you should ask before selecting a coach. Most of this first conversation should have been about you. You should be feeling that the coach is interested in who you are and what challenges you face. At some point  the conversation shifts so that you have the opportunity to ask questions.  You want to get the information about the coach that you need to decide if this is the coach for you. Here are 12 questions that I think will help you get there. I have put my answers in italics. Since my typical client is an attorney seeking assistance with work-related issues my answers are tailored to that clientele.

What qualifies you to coach me?

I am qualified to coach you by virtue of my experience as an attorney who supervised, managed and mentored other attorneys and my training as a credentialed coach with a specialization in ADHD coaching. In order to obtain my coaching credentials, I had to meet training, mentoring and coaching hour requirements as well as passing several written and practical examinations.

What training do you have?

I trained with the Co-Active Training at the Basic level (125 hours) and with the ADD Coach Academy at the Advanced level (125 hours) and am currently in training for the Mentor Coach specialization). In addition I have to satisfy continuing education requirements for both organizations.

How long have you been coaching?

I started as an in-house coach in 2017 and started my coaching practice in 2019.

Are you certified? (With whom? What level?)

I am certified with the International Coaching Federation at the Professional Coach (PCC) level and with the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches at the Professional Coach (PCAC) level.

Describe your approach to coaching.

My approach to coaching is strengths based. I believe that working with the client’s individual strengths is the best path to a successful outcome. While I am not a therapist, I also use some of the techniques that cognitive behaviorial therapists use. When needed, I sometimes draw on my experience as a lawyer supervisor to share perspectives.

Describe your typical client.

My typical client is smart, hardworking, and curious about why their coping strategies are no longer working. Typically, they have a history of success.  Now, doing things the way they did in the past no longer works. They love learning so they want to understand what the problem is, and they are open to trying new ways of doing things. My clients primarily come from the USA and are at all levels of the legal profession from recent graduates to Judges.

What is a typical coaching session with you like?

Typically, my sessions begin with reflections on successes or wins that the client has had in dealing with their challenges. By reflecting on what is working, the client is able to build upon their past successes. We then focus on whatever the client wants to focus on for the bulk of the session by exploring the topic; possible strategies, tools or approaches; and then creating a plan to move forward.

How often do we meet and for how long?

I recommend that clients in crisis meet weekly until the crisis abates and that we then move to every other week with the goal being to stretch out the intervals as the client feels more secure with their new skills.

Will we meet at the same day and time or is there flexibility in scheduling?

I do both. For some clients, the routine of meeting at the same day and time makes it easier to remember and prepare for meetings. For other clients, the unpredictability of their work schedules means that they need the flexibility to schedule and reschedule their appointments.

What is your cancellation policy?

My contract requires 12 hours notice. If a client fails to cancel the session less than 12 hours notice, I charge them for 15-minutes for the first missed appointment.

How long does coaching last?

Typically, it takes 10 to 12 sessions for lasting change to occur. However, there are some clients who achieve their goals in fewer sessions. I see coaching as a long-term relationship, and I have some clients who come back for check-ins every 6 to 12 months or on an as-needed basis.

What if I have an emergency between sessions?

Generally, I am available to have short (10 minutes or less) consultations between sessions to deal with urgent matters at no additional charge.