Between-Session Practices: The Key to Transformative Change and Strong Client-Coach Relationships

Deciding to work with a coach has been completely transformative for me. From rethinking my role in my personal relationships, to reimagining my professional goals, to seeing entirely new possibilities for growth and change – the time in session with my coach Dr. Rod illuminated new pathways for me. But you know where the real magic happened? During the time spent on “the work” between our sessions together. 

Whether I was writing out reflections, practicing my newfound skills, or completing specific assignments, meditations or visualizations – the time dedicated to my growth between sessions is what amplified, accelerated and solidified the changes I set out to make when I started my coaching journey.

Putting insights into action

Sessions with my coach have helped me uncover profound insights about myself and master powerful techniques. Being able to work though these transformative realizations in the time spent between sessions solidified my learnings into actionable truths. As a husband, father and CEO, I’m called upon to put all of this into practice with people I care about – and the work I do on my own has an impact far greater than just on my own personal growth and development.

Consistent engagement with between-session assignments helps solidify new habits, mindsets, and behaviors, making change more sustainable.

Between-session work serves as a critical bridge, linking the insights and breakthroughs made during sessions to real-world applications. Giving my sessions with Rod time to integrate, while anchoring the practices with tailored exercises is what brought my learnings to life. 

Systematic skill-building for real and lasting change

During my 5-week coaching program with Dr. Rod, I noticed that the more I engaged with the meditations and journaling exercises, the more rapid and profound my growth became. I remember writing in my journal after a particularly intense meditation session: 

"In my morning meditation today, I had a powerful realization about the pressure I’ve been putting on myself for years: the constant feeling that no matter how much I accomplish, it’s never enough. It’s so clear that most of my stress stems from this belief, and it’s time to redefine what achievement means for me. By prioritizing my well-being, I can be more present and effective in both my work and family life.” 

After this journal entry, I began to feel my understanding deepening and my mindset shifting, which has led to exponential personal growth.

Research supports the importance of this work. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that clients who consistently engaged in between-session tasks showed significantly better outcomes than those who did not. Clients who actively engage in between-session work are more likely to experience substantial improvements in their well-being. 

Strengthening the Client-Coach Relationship

While I could feel myself growing and changing through these practices, my relationship with my coach strengthened as well. Knowing Dr. Rod was there to support and guide me through this intensive process, formed a strong bond of trust and respect between us. After one session, I journaled: 

"My session with Rod today took me to a new level of consciousness, where I realized that all my suffering is self-created by living in the past and trying to predict the future. It’s so clear how limiting these deep-seated beliefs are, and if I created those, I can create new, more elevated beliefs." 

Our relationship motivated me to stay committed to the plan, which in turn, fueled my continued growth. Research suggests that when clients perceive their between-session work as effective, overall satisfaction with the coaching process increases. This satisfaction is crucial in retaining relationships, as clients are more likely to continue working with a coach with whom they feel a strong, positive connection. 

Transforming the business of coaching 

Client-coach relationships that are built on trust and shared success, significantly reduce client burnout and churn. In my case, the deep connection I felt with Dr. Rod, combined with the tangible progress I was making, made me eager to continue working with him beyond our initial five-week engagement. The results I achieved reinforced my commitment to the process. One of my final journal entries during the program summed it up perfectly: 

"What an incredible journey these five weeks have been. Yesterday’s coaching session with Rod was super insightful, and it’s hard to believe the program is over already. But I’m excited to dive into his next intensive and see how much deeper I can go.”

When we see the value of our work and the benefits of staying engaged, we’re more likely to continue the journey with our coach. Long-term engagement is beneficial not only for our personal growth, but also for the stability and success of the coach’s practice.

A note for coaches

By encouraging your clients to take their between-session work seriously and supporting them in staying on track, you’re helping them unlock exponential growth. This growth, in turn, strengthens their commitment to the process, and to you as their guide.

Interested in integrating between-session support with your clients? Schedule a one-on-one demo https://calendly.com/rachel-kalb/connect_evolvewell to check out EvolveWell: the platform we’re building to help coaches grow their services, retain clients and create exponential change in the world.