Session notes serve two purposes: helping you prepare for future sessions and protecting you professionally. But many coaches either take too many notes (losing presence) or too few (forgetting important details).
The Note-Taking Dilemma
If you're typing frantically during sessions, you're not fully present. If you're relying on memory afterward, you'll forget crucial details. The solution is a structured approach.
During the Session
Capture only keywords and phrases:
- Key themes that emerge
- Specific commitments made
- Questions to explore later
- Emotional moments or breakthroughs
Write just enough to jog your memory later. Stay present with your client.
Immediately After
Within 30 minutes of the session, expand your notes to include:
- Summary - What was this session really about?
- Progress - What shifted or moved forward?
- Challenges - What obstacles emerged?
- Actions - What did they commit to doing?
- Next session - What should we explore next time?
What to Include
- Client's exact language for key insights
- Homework and action items
- Your observations and hypotheses
- Follow-up items for yourself
What to Avoid
- Judgmental language
- Excessive personal opinions
- Information that could harm if subpoenaed
- So much detail you won't read it later
Using AI for Notes
Stronghold's AI can help by:
- Transcribing video sessions automatically
- Generating structured summaries
- Extracting action items and themes
- Preparing briefings before your next session
You review and edit, but the heavy lifting is done.
Organizing Your Notes
Keep notes in your client's profile where you can:
- Search across all sessions
- See patterns over time
- Prepare quickly for sessions
- Track progress against goals