Health Coaching 101
Before finding the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), I had never heard of health coaching. I knew I wanted to find a way to help others on their path to better health and to formalize my passion for all things wellness. IIN offered an opportunity to dive deeper into a wide array of topics in health, which is why I felt like it was the perfect place to start my health education. So what is a health coach exactly?
Now that I have completed my Health Coach Training Program I am excited to work with clients 1-on-1 and in a group setting. I thought it would be helpful to explain what health coaches do and where they fit into the healthcare system.
What A Health Coach Is
Health coaches empower their clients to reach their health goals by helping them set realistic goals and make sustainable lifestyle shifts as well as by providing ongoing support, accountability, and education. Health coaches can help clients with losing weight, reducing stress, managing a diagnosis from a medical doctor, and much more.
While on average doctors only have a few minutes to see each patient, health coaching sessions are typically ~50 minutes and take place weekly or biweekly. This allows the health coach to really get to know the client, their health history, and their hopes for working with a health coach.
Benefits of Health Coaching:
Improved Health Outcomes - Health Coaches can act as a bridge between the doctor’s diagnosis and implementing real change - this leads to better health outcomes in the long run, especially for those managing a new or chronic illness.
Sustainable Change - Health Coaches focus on small, sustainable habits that you can build on over time, rather than bandaid solutions.
Increased Accountability - Regular check-ins mean accountability. Health Coaches will keep track of your progress and make tweaks to help you reach your goals.
A Holistic Perspective - An Integrative Nutrition Health Coach looks at the person as a whole. It’s not just about what you eat and how much you exercise - it’s about incorporating the mental, emotional, and spiritual practices as well.
What A Health Coach Is Not
It’s important to keep in mind the scope of the health coaching profession. A health coach is NOT a licensed medical professional, a dietician, a personal trainer, or a licensed therapist.
While some health coaches may have additional certifications that allow them to help in these areas, in general health coaches are just one part of your team of healthcare providers. Health Coaches can be helpful in encouraging a client to seek help from one of these other professionals for further support.
Is a Health Coach For Me?
If you think you could benefit from working with a health coach to reach your health and wellness goals please reach out. I offer a free, 50 minute introductory session to determine if we would be a good fit to work together. I’d love to be your guide in creating lasting change.