What is A Health CoacH?
It's Not a Passing fad or trend. Health and wellness coaching is an evidence-based Approach using proven, effective practices and techniques.
You are the CEO of your life, health and wellness. But perhaps you aren't where you want to be. A health and wellness coach can help you get there. Health and wellness coaching is an evidenced-based approach that facilitates long- lasting and sustainable behavior change through proven, effective practices and techniques which include motivational interviewing, positive psychology, mindfulness, and stages of change (Transtheoretical Model) to cite just a few. What you get with a well-trained health coach goes beyond fads and trends and is grounded in research.
A Health and Wellness Coach is:
A Professional
Health coaches have different backgrounds and know what is within their scope of practice. While they have specific training in guiding you to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes, they can also work in partnership with your healthcare team, and make referrals when needed, as you move towards a healthier you. Certified health coaches are credentialed members of the healthcare industry who have additional training in the science of health behavior change. Not all coaches are certified and may have different levels of training, so it is wise to check for credentialing from the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching ( NBC-HWC ) or for completion of an approved health and wellness coaching program.
A Partner
A health coach is a partner in an individual's behavior change process. This process involves supporting the patient or client as they set goals, unearth values & strengths, and access intrinsic motivations to encourage the development of sustainable healthy behaviors and attitudes. A health coach knows that the client or patient knows themselves best and fosters autonomy where the patient or client is "in charge" of the process.
An Active Listener
Health coaches listen to you and help you discover your optimal vision. They help you discover the optimal "you" that you wish to be and what it will take to get there. Maybe it's healthier eating, moving more, better sleep, or improved daily rhythms and life balance. It isn't just about eating and exercise - though it can be - it is so much more . A coach is a facilitator and partner, supporting you in your journey to whatever YOUR optimal vision for health and wellness might be.
A Connector with Healthcare Professionals
A health coach can serve as a connector between you and your healthcare provider and help you understand a diagnosis and recommended treatment. A health coach refers when needed.
You're always in charge. A health coach is there for the journey.
Why work with a health coach?
If you can relate to any of the statements below, working with a health coach may be of benefit to you.
- I am not the person used to be. I'm tired, have no energy, and my zest for life is gone.
- I have tried to make changes in my health habits so many times and I stick with it for a while, but then go right back to my old habits.
- I know I want to feel better, but don't have any idea where to get started.
- Getting started on making needed changes in my life is really overwhelming.
- I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and want to better manage my condition.
- I struggle following through with my doctor or healthcare provider's recommendations and need some help.
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Are all health coaches the same?
Not all health coaches are the same. Anyone can call themselves a health coach as it is not a licensed profession. The industry does have certifications and a certification is a great way to know whether or not a health coach has been properly trained and is competent to serve in the role of a health and wellness coach.
What is a National Board-Certified Health Coach? Certified Health Coaches are credentialed members of the healthcare industry who have additional training in the science of health behavior change. Health coaches add coaching skills to their health care expertise to help patients better manage a variety of chronic medical conditions, such as: metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and chronic pain.