What is a health coach and should you get one?

Is a health coach the missing link you need to help you reach your wellness goals?

Have you ever tried to make a change in regards to your health? Like many people, you most likely found it to be a challenge, maybe difficult. I shared some of my setbacks during my experience learning how to be a healthier eater.

Fortunately, I was able to find ways to improve my fitness and nutrition that worked best for my lifestyle. It took some time and a lot of trial and error, but I have been able to maintain those changes for the past four years.

If you have made multiple attempts to improve your wellness without success, it is not because you are not destined for a healthier life. Simply, you have not found what works best for your lifestyle yet.

Assuming that you still want to create and maintain the healthy lifestyle of your dreams, consider hiring a health coach to make your dreams into a reality!

What health coaching is

A health coach helps guide individuals toward a healthier lifestyle through awareness and ability for change. They provide a support system, accountability and relevant information to assist clients with their wellness goals.

All certified health coaches are trained to work with individuals of all cultural and wellness backgrounds. The basis of health coaching is client-centered, as individuals already know their bodies, what is most important to them and what works best.

What health coaching is NOT

Health coaches do not prescribe or provide medical care, unless they are certified to do so. Rather, they work alongside specialists such as physicians, dietitians and psychologists to implement change.

Additionally, health coaches do not impose their thoughts and ideas on what and how something should be done. Instead, coaches use a technique called motivational interviewing to help clients discover their reasons for change and how they would like to move forward.

What are the benefits of health coaching?

Some of the benefits are:

• Reliable source of knowledge
• Provides unbiased support and accountability
• Assists with overcoming common obstacles to change
• Creates personalized behavior change plan based on your unique goals

Would I benefit from health coaching?

While anyone can benefit from health coaching, individuals with the following circumstances would greatly benefit from this service:

• Recently diagnosed with a chronic condition (e.g.diabetes) and need to make changes
• Currently managing a chronic condition and needs extra support
• Wanting to undergo a lifestyle change such as:
  • Weight loss
  • Stress reduction
  • Improving diet and exercise
  • Tobacco cessation
  • Addiction

Where do I find a health coach?

Before you start your search, it may help have a general idea of what your goals are. This will help narrow your focus on coaches that specifically work with those clients. It is also okay if you are not entirely sure what your goals are.

For your initial search start with your physicians office, gyms, wellness centers and even social media for recommendations. For more options, try this website.

After your initial search, take the time to review the coach’s qualifications and testimonials from previous and current clients. I first recommend looking for a certified coach with the proper experience and training.

How do I know if my health coach is qualified?

Since health coaching is a relatively new field and currently unregulated, anyone can claim to be a health coach. Additionally, there is no clear definition of what health coaching truly is.

However, there are several high quality institutions that offer health coaching certifications including American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Society of Health Coaching, Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, Duke Integrative Medicine, and Wellcoaches Schools of Coaching. I received my certification from ACE.

What is the length of a coaching session? How many would I need?

Typically, a coaching session would be about 45 minutes to an hour. After the first meeting to establish rapport and goals, coaching programs range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the goal and progress. You would meet with your coach on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

How much does health coaching cost?

The price depends on your location, experience and niche of your coach. Newly established coaches charge from $50-75 per session while more experienced ones charge from $100-200.

Some coaches bundle their sessions into a package instead of individual sessions. If your coach is a specialist in working with a particular population (e.g. cancer), expect to pay more.

Summary

A health coach is a wellness professional who assists clients with making changes in their wellness routine based on individual goals, values and strengths while providing support and accountability.

If you are ready to make a change in your wellness routine and think health coaching would benefit you, click the button to get started!