What Is Health Coaching?
Health and wellness coaching is the process of facilitating behavior change to help clients achieve their health goals. We help you eliminate barriers to change. Our approach is client-centered and goal-oriented. During your sessions, we provide support and motivation using scientifically backed techniques to help our clients make lasting changes. Health coaching can be used for different areas of your life where you may feel stuck or want to make lifestyle changes.
Health coaching is not providing a meal or diet plan. Health coaches generally do not prescribe an exercise routine unless they are certified and specifically trained in that specialty area. Health coaching provides support and helps clients eliminate barriers to change for a goal they identify. Health coaches help clients reach goals they never thought possible or may have attempted to reach. Whether it is losing weight, saving money, learning how to manage stress, prioritizing yourself, or balancing a full life. Health coaches help you identify where you feel stuck and then help you take control of the changes you want to make.
Health coaches can work with you to address topics like the following:
Nutrition and exercise
Chronic disease management
Stress reduction
Behavior modification
Sleep
Weight loss
Smoking and tobacco use
Healthier eating and cooking
Discovering the art of living well
Health coaches play a vital role in facilitating clients' journeys toward better health and wellness. They connect weekly with clients to discuss desired changes and identify obstacles that may hinder goal achievement. Health coaching is not only beneficial for individual health management but has also garnered attention in corporate wellness programs. According to a Forbes 2022 article, health coaches can assist in managing and potentially reversing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. This capability has led some organizations to view health coaching as an investment in employee wellness, helping with both retention and recruitment strategies.
When selecting a health coach, it's important to ask about their qualifications during the onboarding process. Understanding their training and education can provide insights into their approach and expertise. Ideally, your health coach should be certified or in the process of certification by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), this is the established certifying body that oversees and enhances health coach training and certification.
Health coaching is an investment in yourself that can yield significant benefits in various aspects of your life. By working with a health coach, you gain personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. This relationship fosters accountability, encouraging you to stay committed to your wellness journey.
One of the primary rewards of health coaching is the establishment of sustainable habits. Coaches help you identify unhealthy patterns and replace them with healthier alternatives, leading to improved physical and mental well-being. This transformation often results in increased energy levels, better mood stability, and reduced stress, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Furthermore, health coaching provides valuable education on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, encouraging greater self-efficacy. As you gain confidence in your abilities, you may find yourself making better choices that positively impact not only your health but also your relationships, work performance, and personal satisfaction.
Ultimately, investing in health coaching is about prioritizing your well-being and committing to a healthier future. The skills and insights gained through this process can lead to long-lasting changes and a more fulfilling life. The rewards of this investment can far exceed the initial costs, creating a pathway toward optimal health and happiness.
