I am sure you have heard the term Holistic Wellness/ Health Coach, yet perhaps you are not sure what this title means and you are intrigued. Maybe you have thought to yourself that working with a Health Coach could be the answer your looking for you on your health journey although you are not clear as to what services and support you would be provided. Let me help you by giving a brief outline of what working with a professional has to offer you and that this could be exactly what you need to take for that next positive step forward.
A Certified Registered Holistic Wellness/Health Coach is a trained practitioner that helps to motivate, mentor and guide, focusing on helping people improve overall lasting change as it relates to health, mind set and behaviours. The goal of the coach is to help empower their clients to create new lifelong habits investigating what they are facing that has prevented change by using a positive and proactive approach. The relationship between that of the health coach and the client is one that gives power to the client. Support is given to the client through positive lifestyle changes by following a coaching protocol that uses motivational interviewing and client- led methods. This motivates clients to make their own positive health choices.
As a certified Holistic Wellness Coach, my role will cover a wellness 360 approach looking at multiple areas of your life that may include;
*self-care
*eating habits
*healthy lifestyle choices
*life purpose
*career exploration
* building healthy relationships
*stress management
*improve sleep and rest
*clarity and goal setting
*motivation to get moving
*financial health
*physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health
Coaching is a relationship between the client and the coach. The coach will encourage the client helping to discover meaningful, effective and lasting solutions. This is a safe space for where the coach can help the client uncover their most inner source of issue, create breakthroughs in their lives and sustain lasting transformations. By discovering these core issues that hold you back from your goals, your coach will be there supporting you to help make the changes you desire.
You may be wondering what is the difference between therapy and coaching? The main difference is the methodology of how the client is supported. Unlike therapists, coaches are not as focused on the past, underlying traumas or even patterns of thinking or behaviour. The goal of coaching is looking at the present and looking to the future. This helps the client figure out what forward steps they want to take to reach their specific goals and also stay committed. Coaching is a two way relationship helping the client feel empowered and motivated from the present moment emphasizing goals, a vision from the present and new habits that help to support the client.
Here is a list of what a health coach does not do:
-practice or give advice outside of their level of education
-practice medicine, mental health therapies, counseling or psychology
-diagnose and prescribe any mental health issues, supplements, foods or other to treat, cure any known or suspected condition, disease or disorder
- diagnose, order or interpret lab tests
-treat a known condition, disease or disorder
-claim or make unproven health claims that any product will cure, prevent or treat a disorder or disease
The above is a general outline of some of the items to give you more of a clear picture. A health coach is not a medical or naturopathic doctor, a mental health counselor, therapist or psychologist, a dietician or nutritionist or a personal trainer or any other specialist that a health coach education and scope of practice does not cover.
A coach serves as a guide so that the client will discover their own answers and actions that they would like to take.
When a person feels ready and able:
- to take responsibility for their actions,
- is highly motivated to make a change and set goals,
- is really interested in taking a proactive role in making those decisions about healthy habits of how they want in their lives,
then coaching would be a great fit.
It is good to remember that coaching is not a substitute for counseling, doctor’s care, or psychotherapy. Coaches are a support for you and a guide. The truth is not everyone is ready for just coaching. Some may feel there is more of a benefit when working in conjunction with other health care practitioners such as therapists, doctors, naturopathic doctors, dieticians, personal trainers and/or other health professionals to help provide support and accountability with treatment plans.
We are all unique and there is no cookie cutter approach to help you on your health journey. Coaches will look at your complete health history, your emotional state and lifestyle habits to assist in discovering your challenges. Wellness coaches want to help empower the client to ‘take the wheel’ in their own health as they have a desire to serve others and be the inspiration for people to embark on a better life journey.
*Did you know that your employer may provide you with an Employee Allowance that allows for health benefits? You can use this coverage towards working with a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach. Companies are providing these funds as a reward for you on your path of being healthy. It does not hurt to ask as many companies want you to feel your best!*
I hope this has helped to clear up any questions you may have about the possibility of working with a Wellness/Health Coach. Just make sure when you are seeking out your coach that he/she is certified by a reputable school and registered through a Health Coach Alliance.
You will find that there are coaches who specialize as well. Personally my path has guided me to work with women going through transitions and changes such as divorce/separation, career, grief, moving, family, fitness journey and overall health. I am here to help, support and guide women to create clarity, manage stress and anxiety and feel empowered again so that they can feel their very best.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. Every day is a new day. This is your path of feeling your best. Remember that it is not weakness as reaching out for help and guidance is a sign of strength. It is a powerful step forward for positive change.
Love, Light & Qi
Jennifer Nocito
Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, RHC HCA, Certified Qigong/Yoga/Pilates/Meditation Teacher
Yoga First and Wellness