Considerations for the Initial Session

Question 1

Agenda mapping involves a combination of what techniques?

Answer 1

• Structuring
• Considering options
• Zooming in

Question 2

What are the six ‘traps’ that commonly occur in the engaging process?

Answer 2

1. Assessment trap
2. Expert trap
3. Premature focus trap
4. Labeling trap
5. Blaming trap
6. Chat trap

Assessment trap: the coach spends too much time asking the client questions that are one-directional

Expert trap: portraying yourself as an expert to fix all the client’s problems.

Premature focus trap: the coach sets the agenda too quickly without listening to all of a client’s concerns

Labeling trap: the coach names the problem

Blaming trap: the coach blames the problem on the client

Chat trap: spending too much time on small talk

Question 3

Why is it important to have a general framework to work off of during the first session?

Answer 3

A framework will ensure respect, acceptance, and genuine enthusiasm for the potential partnership.

Question 4

What does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) ensure?

Answer 4

Healthcare entities safeguard against unauthorized sharing of protected health information.

A HIPPA release form verifies that an individual has received a copy of the regulations and designates which people may access an individual’s information.

Question 5

In terms of body language, crossed arms could mean what?

Answer 5

• Anger
• Defensive
• Disinterest
• Cold temperature

Question 6

At the end of the first session, you should be prepared to make the vision a reality. Your established plan should include what?

Answer 6

• SMART goals
• Outlining symptoms of accountability
• Identifying potential barriers
• Exploring strategies for overcoming obstacles
• Determining a follow-up plan

Question 7

True or False:

Verbal communication is more valuable than nonverbal communication.

Answer 7

False

When it comes to building rapport, nonverbal communication is often more telling than verbal communication. On average, people trust nonverbal communication more than verbal content in a conversation.

Question 8

Fill in the blank:

Clients should expect a response to a question from the health coach within _____ days, at a maximum.

Answer 8

1 business day

Question 9

In terms of body language, feet pointed toward the door could mean what?

Answer 9

• Bored
• Anxious to leave

Question 10

In terms of body language, biting one’s lip could mean what?

Answer 10

• Tension
• Trepidation

Question 11

In terms of body language, cracking one’s knuckles could mean what?

Answer 11

Comfortable habit because the client feels uncomfortable.

Question 12

On a lifestyle and health history questionnaire, the first two sections are designed to give the health coach what type of information?

Answer 12

Current health status

The remaining sections are designed to offer insight into a client’s lifestyle, past efforts, barriers to change, and goals for the future.

Question 13

What are the suggested items that should be included on a client summary form?

Answer 13

• Measurements that were taken (if any)
• Goals
• Homework to be completed by the client
• Responsibilities of the coach
• Accountability
• Date/time of next session

Question 14

In terms of body language, the use of a barrier (such as a purse, bag, or pillow) could mean what?

Answer 14

Invasion of personal space

Question 15

The coaching agreement should define the following:

Answer 15

• Nature of coach-client relationship
• Type of coaching provided
• Identify the overall goal
• Specified desired schedule, frequency, and duration
• Outline of agreed-upon costs and fees
• Policies for no show, rescheduling, and/or canceling
• Process of termination
• Affirmation of confidentially

Question 16

A client’s answer to a question can take the conversation in one of what three directions?

Answer 16

1. Clear direction
2. Choices in direction
3. Unclear direction

Question 17

If your first time meeting a client is not at the initial assessment, what things should the health coach gather?

Answer 17

• Full name
• Contact information
• Preferred method of communication

A welcome packet may also be useful to give to a new client before you have an initial assessment. This packet should include information about the coaching process, what to expect, and any forms that the client should complete before the initial assessment such as waivers and questionnaires.

Question 18

Why is the first session considered the most important?

Answer 18

The first session sets up the foundation for a successful client-coach relationship.

Question 19

What is most important for the first session?

Answer 19

Making a client feel comfortable.

Making a client feel comfortable may include the environment being clean, welcoming, a good temperature, free of odors, and the health coach being warm, welcoming, having good body language, and the client confidentially.

Question 20

What forms should a coach consider their client complete?

Answer 20

• Lifestyle and health-history questionnaire
• Readiness to change questionnaire
• PAR-Q