Losing Control Of The Process?

Every time I work with a client, We work in a different way. Even if we are using a technique I have used many a time before, even on a subject that appears similar, The process we design together will be entirely unique.
Working with a client today we noticed that we were not doing exactly what we had agreed at the beginning of our session and we paused…. Had we lost control of the session or of the coaching process?  
It’s often an intriguing dilemma, or perhaps balancing act, for a coach during a session as to how to let it progress. As coaches we are in charge of the boundaries, as well as working in service of the client…. These two sometimes conflict. Sometimes, what we, as coach and client, originally set out to do, is not actually the work that needs doing. This only ever unfolds once the journey has begun. 
When we suddenly find ourselves exploring unfamiliar territory, it is wise to see whether we need to return to the original goal, or to plunge right in and explore what is being offered up?
One of the multitude of skills we were encouraged to strengthen as coaches when we trained was the use of immediacy. The ability to respond to what is needed by the client in the moment, rather than adhering too tightly to contacts or external structures. This ‘dancing in the moment’ always requires some kind of judgement call. When a judgement must be made, however swiftly, there needs to be a consultation process in order that right choice is made. This usually doesn’t mean suspending the session in order to call my supervisor.
What it does involve is a process of consultation within myself as a coach, and with the client. Within myself I have access to all sorts of information. I can reference past experiences with clients, I can access my initial qualification. I can access my internal supervisor, the individual who can take the metaphysical view. I can access my own intuition and I can access opinion of  the client the decision pertains to. This way, in the blink of an eye, and the ask of question ‘is this what we want to explore, or shall we return to our original plan?’, an informed decision can be made….. This way, by honouring the psychological contact in mind and by revisiting it, and recontacting if needed. This way ever step of the way is negotiated.

 
A session almost has its own process. All I need to do is ask the right questions at the right time and the rest takes care of itself. Sometimes our best coaching work is done when the contracted foundations are robust and agile enough for both client and coach to let go and trust the process. 

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