Module 4, Lesson 8: Project — Mock Coaching Session

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this project, you should be able to:

• Plan and conduct a complete 30-minute coaching session using the four-phase session arc
• Use a CoachSheets worksheet for pre-session preparation
• Write a structured 500-word session report analyzing your coaching choices
• Self-assess your session against a professional rubric

Project Overview

This is the capstone project for Module 4: Session Mastery. You will conduct a 30-minute mock coaching session with a peer, friend, or practice client, then write a 500-word session report analyzing what happened, what framework you used, what worked, and what you would do differently.

This project is designed to be done in one week. The actual session takes 30 minutes. The preparation and report writing will take approximately 2-3 hours.

"We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience." — John Dewey

Step 1: Find a Practice Client

You need someone to coach. Choose one of the following:

• A peer from this bootcamp — ideal, as they understand coaching and can give you structured feedback
• A friend or family member — ensure they understand this is a practice coaching session, not a therapy session or a casual conversation
• A practice client — if you already have coaching clients, you can use this as a real session (but still write the report)

Important: Do not coach someone with whom you have a significant power dynamic (e.g., employee, supervisee, romantic partner). The session should be a practice environment where honest feedback is possible.

Brief your practice client: "I am doing a project for a coaching certification. I would like to coach you for 30 minutes on a real topic you are working through. It is real coaching, but I will also be practicing my skills. Afterward, I would appreciate your honest feedback."

Step 2: Pre-Session Preparation

Use the four-step preparation workflow from Lesson 1:

Select a Worksheet

Choose one CoachSheets worksheet that is appropriate for your client's topic. If they are unsure of a topic, choose an exploration worksheet such as:

• Wheel of Life — for clients who want a broad assessment of life satisfaction
• Values Compass — for clients exploring what matters most to them
• Thought Record — for clients working through a specific challenge
• Decision Matrix — for clients facing a choice

Assign the worksheet to your client at least 24 hours before the session. If you cannot use CoachSheets, send the worksheet questions via email or document.

Complete Your Prep Notes

Write preparation notes (100-200 words) covering:

1. What themes or questions emerged from your client's worksheet responses
2. Your tentative session agenda (2-3 items maximum)
3. 2-3 powerful questions you plan to ask
4. What you are holding loosely (what you are willing to abandon if the session goes elsewhere)

Step 3: Conduct the Session (30 Minutes)

Use the four-phase session arc from Lesson 2:

Opening (3-5 minutes)

• Check-in: "What has been alive for you since completing the worksheet?"
• Set agenda collaboratively: "Based on your worksheet and what you've shared, what feels most important to work on today?"

Exploration (15-18 minutes)

• Ask your prepared questions, but follow what emerges
• Use at least one coaching framework (listening for the gap, reframing, values exploration, etc.)
• Hold silence after powerful questions

Action (5-7 minutes)

• Synthesize: "What is the key insight you're taking from this conversation?"
• Co-create a commitment: "What is one small step you want to take between now and our next check-in?"

Closing (2-3 minutes)

• Summarize what was worked on
• Acknowledge the client: name something specific they did that took courage or honesty
• Thank them and confirm next steps

Record the session (audio only is fine, with your client's permission). You will use the recording to write your report.

Step 4: Write the Session Report (500 Words)

Your report should have four sections:

Section 1: What Happened (150 words)

Briefly describe the session. What topic did the client bring? What phase of the session arc took the most time? What was the client's energy like? Did you follow the agenda or diverge?

Section 2: Framework and Techniques Used (100 words)

What coaching framework or techniques did you use? Examples: listening for the gap, powerful questions, silence, reframing, values clarification, the GROW model. Be specific about what you said or did.

Section 3: What Worked (100 words)

What went well? Where did you feel most present, most effective, most aligned with the client? Reference specific moments. If the client gave you feedback, include it here.

Section 4: What You Would Do Differently (150 words)

Be honest. What would you change? Did you talk too much? Miss a cue? Move to action too early or too late? Forget to acknowledge the client? What will you practice next? This section is not about what went wrong—it is about what you are learning.

Rubric

Your project will be assessed against the following criteria:

Total possible: 20 points

Passing threshold: 12 points (average of 2.4 per criterion)

Tips for Success

• Do not try to be perfect. This is practice. The best sessions for learning are the imperfect ones.
• Let the client do most of the talking. A good rule of thumb: in a 30-minute session, the coach should speak for no more than 10-12 minutes total.
• If you get lost, return to the client. "Let me pause and check in with you. Where does this conversation feel like it needs to go next?"
• Record the session. You will notice things in the recording that you missed in the moment.
• Ask for feedback. After the session, ask your client: "What was most helpful? What was least helpful? What did you notice about my coaching?"
• Write the report within 24 hours. Fresh sessions produce better reflections.

Summary

This project brings together everything from Module 4: preparation, session structure, presence, closing, and self-reflection. The goal is not a flawless session but a genuine learning experience. Conduct the session, write the report, assess yourself against the rubric, and identify your next growth edge as a coach.

Assignment

1. Complete the steps above: conduct a 30-minute mock coaching session with a peer, friend, or practice client.
2. Write a 500-word session report with all four sections.
3. Self-assess against the rubric and calculate your score.
4. Submit your report, prep notes, and rubric self-assessment.
5. Optional but recommended: submit your prep notes alongside the final report.

Knowledge Check

• What are the four phases of the session arc, and approximately how much time should be spent in each during a 30-minute session (instead of 45 minutes)?
• Why is it important to record the session even if you never listen to it again?
• What is the difference between a session report that describes what happened and one that genuinely reflects on learning?
• What would cause you to fail this project (score below 12)?

External resources:

• ICF Core Competency 6: Maintains Presence — The competency most relevant to in-session coaching presence.
• The GROW Model — Performance Consultants: A simple but powerful framework for structuring the exploration and action phases.
• Reflective Practice in Coaching — EMCC: Resources on the role of reflective practice in professional coaching development.
• Peer Coaching Best Practices — ICF: Guidance on setting up effective peer coaching relationships.