What is a health coach?

What do health coaches do?

Health coaches provide guidance, support, and education to their clients. They help their clients achieve desired health and wellness goals. When clients are struggling, they encourage and empower them to follow through and make changes. Health coaches guide clients to implement sustainable change into their diet and lifestyle, helping to transform their health. If a client is having trouble or doubting themselves, a health coach uses powerful questioning to steer the client toward success. Health coaches are skilled in health education, active listening, intuitive questioning, and leadership skills. Coaches work with clients one-on-one or in groups. Their work can usually be done in person, online, or over the phone.

How are they certified?

There are a number of institutions, many online, that have health coach certification programs. Most of these programs last somewhere from 6 months to 2 years and help give students the skills needed to be a successful health coach. They are trained in subjects such as nutrition, dietary theories, bio-individuality, crowding out, finding balance, basic business skills, and more. They then graduate their training program as a health or wellness coach. There are further tests and education available that coaches can utilize to have more certifications if desired. Some coaches opt to further their education in a related field, or others may already have a degree in a similar field before even beginning to health coach. Each health coach is unique in their perspective and expertise.

How can having a health coach help me?

Health coaches can help you in many ways! If you’re trying to lose weight or build healthier eating habits, a health coach is perfect! They can usually help with any aspect of nutrition, health, wellness, spirituality, etc. Some health coaches specialize in certain topics such as autoimmune disorders, sleep, stress, weight loss, toxin removal, dieting, diabetes, adrenal fatigue, eating patterns, thyroid health, etc. Like mentioned, health coaches can differ widely in their knowledge and skills. It is best to visit their website or talk directly with them to see if they can help you achieve your goals, or possibly refer you to someone who is a better fit. Get really specific about what you want to achieve on your wellness journey, and you can find the right professional to guide you there.

How do they differ from other health practitioners?

A health coach is not the same thing as a doctor, a therapist, a dietitian, a chiropractor, or a naturopath. All of these health practitioners differ in their focuses, methods, and training. Having a team of wellness professionals that support and guide you is your best option for tackling whatever health struggles you have in your life. A health coach is more holistic than a nutritionist or dietitian. Health coaches discuss much more than simply what you eat. They may cover topics like your career, relationships, stress levels, exercise routine, and more. Health coaches help to educate and support you. Typical doctors may not have the time or training to do things like this. Talking to a health professional can help you decide what kind of coach or practitioner you should see for guidance.

If you’re interested in working with a health coach, I would love to talk with you! We can set up a call to dicuss what your struggles and goals are and how I might able to support you while you make big changes to your health. I specialize in helping women in their 20s and 30s, but I may venture outside this realm for the right client. If you have worked with a health coach in the past, and have loved your results, share your experience with us in the comments!

Health coaches are just what we need right now when our society continues to compromise their wellness and the population’s health continues to decline. If you’re interested in becoming a health coach and helping others reach their goals, I would also love to hear from you! I can share with you how I was educated and trained, and give you some pointers in the right direction for starting your new career!

Email me at nourishmentwithnicole@gmail.com!