Successfully make healthy behavior changes.

So what exactly is health coaching?

In a health coaching session, the coach walks the client through a series of open-ended, thought-provoking questions intended to stimulate change and form a sustainable action plan. A technique called motivational interviewing drives much of the health coaching experience. A client might expect to hear questions like:

“How do you imagine yourself in your best state of health? What does that look like? What are you able to do and enjoy in that state of health?”

“What do you anticipate your life will look like a year from now if you make this change? What might it look like if you continue without making changes?”

“How would you rate your confidence about making this change? What would it take to bump your confidence up just a little more?”

“What obstacles do you anticipate as you think about putting your plan into place? What would be a good backup plan in case one of these obstacles arises?”

How can I trust that health coaching is a reputable practice?

This is a fair question, as the name “health coach” is not yet regulated, and the concept is relatively new. Someone claiming the title of a health coach may know little beyond having taken a weekend crash course or selling a supplement. Coaches with the designation “National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach,” or NBC-HWC, have met the gold standard for quality in health coaching.

The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (nbhwc.org) requires that prospective coaches meet rigorous criteria, including attending an approved training program, logging a set number of practice coaching hours, and passing a four-hour exam. The NBHWC developed this exam in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners, the same credentialing body that tests physicians for medical licensure.

Peer-reviewed medical articles attest to the effectiveness of health coaching. Experience the power of health coaching for yourself as the key that leads to sustainable behavior change and positive habit formation.

What if I want to see a coach about eating better? Doesn’t a dietitian do the same thing?

Health coaches have a unique scope of practice that differs from that of physicians, dietitians, personal trainers, and other types of healthcare professionals. Coaches are the experts in the process of health behavior change and positive habit formation. In terms of nutrition specifically, while coaches may provide general information about healthy nutrition, the coach does not provide individual dietary recommendations, a role that would be reserved for a registered dietitian, taking the patient’s personal medical needs into consideration.

A health coach would be the one to help the patient put nutrition goals or recommendations into practice on a consistent basis. As your coach, I would meet with you regularly over the course of six months to help you implement the dietary changes you’d like to make. We can identify the challenges specific to your life circumstances and create tailored, actionable steps that work for you. With motivational interviewing as the central coaching technique, I’m also there to answer questions, share resources, provide accountability, help you course-correct as needed, and to cheer you on and celebrate with you in your progress.

Why is health coaching so valuable?

Health coaches help you reach your health goals by helping you stick with the health behaviors required to get there. This is a critical component of success because many well-intentioned people start strong but eventually fall off the wagon. (Consider how many people have abandoned their new year’s resolutions by February!) Furthermore, health coaches can help you avoid wasting time and money on approaches that aren’t grounded in science. As you become healthier, you can potentially save a great deal of money on medications, medical procedures, and doctor’s visits.

I’m interested to learn more! What health coaching options do you offer?

There are three great coaching package options that work for most budgets. All packages take place over the course of six months, with varying degrees of support according to your needs.

Frequent Outcomes of Health Coaching

• Increased self-awareness and knowledge
• Increased personal responsibility
• Acquisition of new knowledge and skills
• Attainment of personal and professional goals
• Sustainable behavior change
• Enhanced life satisfaction
• Increased confidence in your ability to achieve goals
• Developed sense of purpose and meaning
• Becoming one’s best self

Moore, M., Jackson, E., & Tschannen-Moran, B. (2016).Coaching Psychology Manual (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Effectiveness of Health Coaching

• Coaches spend time exploring what is most important to you in your health and allow you to choose your course of action.
• Coaches guide you through a process to maximize the possibility of your success.
• The client and coach partner together to identify obstacles and create strategies for moving forward toward your goals.
• Coaches support you in tracking your weekly progress and hold you accountable for your commitments.
• Coaches provide additional resources for making healthy behavior changes.