What is a wellness coach?

As a wellness coach, I support people in making positive changes to their lifestyles so they can look and feel their very best.  Wellness coaching may deal with diet, eating habits, exercise and activity, stress management, work-life balance, and spirituality.  It begins with the physical body and often incorporates these other areas since wellness has an emotional, psychological and spiritual component.

Why would I need a wellness coach?  Can’t I make these changes on my own?

While some people are successful on their own, there are many reasons someone may seek expert support.  Sometimes people find health advice confusing and conflicting; they don’t know which advice to follow.  Others have been given general counsel from their doctors such as to lose weight, exercise more, or lower cholesterol.  They may not know exactly what to do to achieve these results.  Still others know what to do, but need someone to hold them accountable until the new behaviors become a habit and part of their lifestyles.  The most important thing is not that someone needs help, but that the person is successful in achieving his or her wellness goals.

What are the credentials of a wellness coach?

I am a certified wellness consultant and lifestyle coach.  I have studied nutrition, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, behavior change, and coaching techniques.  I also have years of experience in supporting people as they lose weight, designing and conducting corporate training programs, and coaching people.

Would I have to give up carbs or other favorite foods if I want to be healthy?

I don’t believe in food restriction or in eliminating entire food groups.  All foods can be enjoyed in moderation.  Often we can find an enjoyable substitute for foods we really like but that may not be best to eat every day.

Do you promote the use of supplements?

Unless a client’s physician has recommended them, I do not endorse supplements, nor do I offer any for sale. I take some basic supplements as directed by my doctor.

What exactly does wellness coaching involve?

The first session is about 90 minutes and begins with a general wellness assessment covering fitness, nutrition, chemical dependency, stress management, personal hygiene, disease prevention, emotional well-being, personal safety, and environmental health.  We also take a brief health history and discuss what issue(s) brought the client to coaching.  Depending on the client’s needs and interests, we may administer any of the following assessments:

Using all this information, we identify the client’s priorities and establish wellness goals.

How are the wellness goals accomplished?

In follow up coaching sessions, we focus on the goals set previously and discuss what went well and any challenges that surfaced.  We celebrate successes and identify strategies for overcoming any obstacles to further achievement.  My job is to encourage clients and hold them accountable, without judging them.  Having dealt with weight management and health issues all my life, I understand how life’s demands can hamper progress.  Periodically we conduct formal reassessment in areas such as BMI and body composition, as appropriate.

How often are coaching sessions held?  How long are they?

Coaching sessions are held as often as the client would like them: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as arranged.  They may be conducted face-to-face, over the telephone, or by email.  In-person sessions are typically an hour and may be held at the client’s home or workplace or, depending on the circumstances, at a public venue such as Starbuck’s.

When is coaching completed?

This depends on the client’s goals and needs.  My goal is to support the client until the new behaviors are second nature.  The timing is very flexible and geared to the client’s success.