What Coaching Is Really Like (According to My Clients)
Many people wonder what life coaching is really like before they try it. Is coaching supportive? Is it pushy? Does coaching actually work? In this article, several of my clients share their real experiences of coaching, what they expected before starting, and what they discovered after working with a compassionate coach.
If you’ve ever thought about trying coaching, you might also have wondered:
- Will coaching actually help me?
- Will the coach be pushy or tell me what to do?
- Will I have to share very personal things?
- What if I don’t know exactly what I want yet?
- Is coaching only for business people or high earners?
These are some of the most common questions people have before they begin coaching.
In fact, when I recently asked some of my coaching clients what they expected before we started working together, many admitted they had similar worries.
So I asked them two simple questions:
1️⃣ Before we started working together, what did you think coaching might be like?
2️⃣ Now that you’ve experienced it, how would you describe it?
Their answers were honest, thoughtful and sometimes surprising.
Here are some of the things they shared.
“I thought coaching would be strict or pushy.”
Many people assume coaching means being pushed hard or given strict instructions.
One client explained:
“Before I started coaching, I thought it would be quite strict – lots of to-do lists and big life changes that would stress me out. I worried it might be unsympathetic to my worries.”
– Debbie
But what she experienced instead was very different.
“Coaching completely surprised me. I feel heard, cared for and supported – like someone truly has my back. It’s compassionate and encouraging, and it’s helped me be kinder to myself and celebrate my wins.”
“I wasn’t sure coaching would actually help.”
Some clients didn’t worry about coaching being pushy — they simply weren’t sure it would make any difference.
“Before starting coaching I wasn’t sure whether it would be useful for my situation. But after trying it and doing the work, I began noticing gradual positive changes.”
– Anonymous client
Coaching rarely creates instant dramatic change. Instead, it often creates small shifts in thinking and behaviour that gradually build into meaningful progress.
“I thought coaching meant someone telling me what to do.”
Another very common misconception is that a coach simply gives instructions.
Pam shared:
“Before coaching I thought it would be about someone telling you what to do and expecting you to stick to it.”
– Pam
But the experience felt very different.
“She doesn’t talk at you — she talks with you. You leave sessions feeling lighter and happier.”
Good coaching isn’t about control. It’s about helping people think more clearly and find their own answers.
“I thought coaching might feel formal.”
For some people, the uncertainty is more about the experience itself.
“Before I started coaching with Jaime, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I thought it might feel a bit formal and worried I might not get much out of it.”
– Kelly Wayland
Instead, she found something much more supportive.
“It’s friendly, supportive and really practical. The advice is clear and actionable, and I always leave feeling motivated and inspired.”
“I worried I might feel judged.”
Kerry described something many people quietly worry about before coaching.
“Before we started working together, I assumed coaching might be structured like mentoring where I’d be given advice or told what steps to take. I was also slightly worried I might feel judged if I didn’t have clear answers about what I wanted.”
– Kerry Cooper
But what she discovered instead was a supportive space to reflect.
“What surprised me most was how supportive and non-judgemental it felt. The questions helped me see things from different perspectives and often led me to my own answers.”
“I felt nervous about sharing personal things.”
Another hesitation people sometimes have is how much they’ll be expected to share.
“Before coaching I felt anxious about how much personal information I might be expected to share. I was also worried about the time commitment and unsure whether coaching would produce results.”
– Emma
But the experience turned out to be empowering.
“Jaime has a knack for helping me see things from a different perspective, often through very small shifts in thinking. The insights stay with me for a long time.”
“I thought coaching was only for certain types of people.”
Some people assume coaching is mainly for executives, entrepreneurs or high earners.
“Before coaching I thought it was mainly for high earners and worried the coach might be very assertive.”
– Alexandra
Instead, coaching simply helped her gain clarity.
“Coaching has helped me feel more motivated and proactive, and it’s helped me prioritise things much better.”
The unexpected power of group coaching
Several clients also mentioned how helpful it was to connect with others going through similar experiences.
“I enjoyed the continuous support and encouragement from Jaime and the group. Reading other people’s experiences reminds you that you’re not alone.”
– Karolina Bruch
“The people who started out as strangers soon became online friends. Jaime is supportive and intuitive and challenges you in a gentle way that helps you find your own answers.”
– Dawny Hamilton
When people realise they’re not the only ones facing certain challenges, it can be incredibly reassuring.
A safe and supportive space to grow
One thing many clients mention is the supportive environment.
“What sets Jaime apart is that she is genuinely available. The group space feels safe and supportive, and people can grow at their own pace.”
– Steve
“Before I started I felt apprehensive about interacting with people I didn’t know. Jaime made it feel very natural. She is inclusive, encouraging and supportive.”
– Angela Michelle
What coaching with me is really about
Across all these responses, one theme appears again and again.
People often expect coaching to be:
- pushy
- strict
- formal
- advice-driven
- intimidating
But what they discover instead is something very different.
My approach to coaching focuses on:
- compassion and understanding
- gentle encouragement rather than pressure
- practical tools and ideas
- realistic goals and small steps
- a safe and supportive space to think clearly
Real change rarely happens through force.
It happens through clarity, encouragement and the confidence to take the next step forward.
Thinking about trying coaching?
If you’ve ever wondered whether coaching might help you, you’re not alone.
Many of the people quoted above had exactly the same questions before they began.
Sometimes all it takes is a supportive conversation and a fresh perspective to begin moving forward.
If you’d like to explore coaching or find out more about the support I offer, you can learn more here:
Learn more about my compassionate coaching and support options
I also run small group wellbeing and confidence coaching sessions, where supportive conversations help people realise they are not alone in their challenges.
Or feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
