Designating the topic(s) for focus during each session can help you in many ways.
"Time isn't the main thing. It's the only thing."
The agenda/agreement at the beginning of each session should be set by the client and/or mutually agreed upon by the client and the therapist or coach.
Reasons to set an agenda the beginning of each session:
- It ensures the client will have space at the top of the session to share what they feel is most important.
- This provides space for clarification, negotiation, and outlining what the agenda could look like, which can help the client know that the topics important to them will be addressed.
- It reminds the client that they are in the driver's seat and that the therapist or coach is there to support them on their journey.
- It can increase the chances that the session will feel organized, that the time was used well, and that the discussion focused on helpful topics.
- It can help the therapist or coach navigate the session based on the client's interests. It can help them know when to offer prompts to allow the client to decide if they would like to stay on or switch topics. And to raise awareness when a new topic has been identified during the session, to have a mindful discussion if that is where the client would like to focus instead.
- It can help to highlight what wasn't addressed during the session and to have a discussion about whether it should be carried over to the next session and if it should be prioritized at that time.