Co-Authoring the Coaching Topic with Your Clients

Like the open pages of a book, a coaching session unfolds with focus and intention when the topic is co-created and aligned with the client’s story.

Every coaching session is part of a larger story the client is living. But before we can dive into the action, we need to know what chapter we’re in.

Establishing the session topic is like turning the page and naming the next chapter. It gives context to what’s unfolding, clarifies what matters now, and sets the tone for what’s possible. Without it, the conversation risks drifting—or getting stuck in old narratives.

Some clients come to the session with a clear focus. Others show up with nothing but a feeling or a swirl of thoughts. In either case, the coach’s role is to partner with the client to shape a topic that’s meaningful, timely, and anchored in what they want to walk away with.

Done well, this moment becomes more than just a starting point—it becomes the narrative arc of the session, giving shape and structure to what unfolds. It helps the client stay connected to their own story, ensuring the conversation doesn’t meander but builds toward meaning and resolution. It’s how we ensure we’re in the right chapter, not just reading out loud.

So let’s turn the page together—and explore how to co-create topics that truly move the story forward.

1. Starting the Session: From Small Talk to Storyline

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