Coaching in action Right here, right now

In their final session together, award-winning coach Kim Morgan helps her client Hazel* embrace her new reality

- Kim Morgan

I always give myself time to think and to reacquaint myself with my clients before their sessions. I think about coaching techniques, questions, and knowledge I have that could be helpful to them. I sometimes need to manage my own self-talk, too: 'Am I doing enough?' 'Am I the right person to be working with this client?" Hazel's situation is complex, and it is appropriate to check that I am working within my areas of competency, and to recognise when and if I should consider referring Hazel to a professional with more specific experience.

The last time we met, Hazel had experienced a breakthrough in accepting and acknowledging the reality of her partner's health condition. I wondered how she had communicated this to her partner, Sarah*, and how it had been received.

I was pleased to see Hazel bounding up to my office for our next coaching session. She plonked herself down in the chair, rummaged in her rucksack, and produced a box of cakes. "For you!' she beamed, 'to thank you for our last walking coaching session. It was a game-changer for me. Sarah and I baked the cakes for you.' I thanked Hazel, told her how much I love cakes (I really do!) and asked her what had happened since we last met.