The Why It Matters Edition: On Health Coaching & “Influencer” Coaches 1.14.24

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” Roy T. Bennett

Health Coaching is still a newer frontier in the world of wellness, and when it comes to social media, anyone can call themselves a “coach.”  

Anyone can base an entire program around their own lived experience and claim to be able to coach based on this. I see it all the time and I’m sure you do too. 

Don’t fall prey to what I’m calling “Influencer Coaching,” whether that’s through casual scrolling on your social media feeds to a paid coaching relationship. The amount of “followers” is not what counts.  The credentials, quality of content and integrity behind the work do. 

Health Coaching has gained a tremendous amount of credibility through the affiliation with the National Medical Board. As the field expands, it’s just a matter of time before Health Coaching is mainstream in clinics, doctor’s offices and before Board Certified Health Coaches are able to accept insurance–yay! This will be a huge milestone!

I’m in the arduous process of preparing to becoming board certified currently and will sit for this exam in March. Like I did in nursing school, I’m diligently preparing so I can show up with confidence! I’m not the “winging it” type! 

And, I’m not lucky enough to read something once or twice for comprehension. I need to read and reread, to highlight and draw, to color-code and tab, create mnemonics and crafts to get all the info stored! But, I’m doing it…day by day. 

If you’ve been following along with these weekly Coach’s Corner Newsletters, then you are probably starting to get an idea of what Health Coaching is, why it matters and how it can help.  

But today I want to get crystal clear on this topic…

Health Coaching is the missing link between where you are now and where you want to be

It’s the key that unlocks the door, the “Goo Gone” that un-sticks the adhesive patterns of repeated behavior. It’s the link that helps YOU believe in YOU and that helps YOU put yourself on your own to-do list in a loving, guilt-free way.

In my practice, providing compassionate, mindful presence, I work one-one-one with individuals as a behavior change expert. The client in in charge, dictating what we explore throughout the journey. I am a steady, informed companion, gently guiding and empowering each individual in reaching their health and wellness goals. The privilege is ALL mine truly.

As I prepare for the board exam in March, throughout the coming months you can expect to see some very specific Health Coaching related topics that might be of interest to you, including Models of Behavior Change, SMART Goal Setting, Habits & Habit Change, Sleep, Nutrition, Fitness, Stress Management, Meditation & Mindfulness, Mind-Body Tools and more. So, please stay tuned and let me know if there’s a particular topic of interest that you’d like me to cover! I always love a good research project!

As 2024 gets underway, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unsure of how to tackle a looming health related issue or just in need of support, Health Coaching might be just the missing piece to helping you make a bit of forward momentum.

If you have questions, please send the emailthe textmake the call that gets you one step closer to your goals!

Something to Read:

A quick read from Functional Medicine Coaching Academy Inc. covering some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions and how Health Coaches can help!

Five Ways Health Coaches Help New Year’s Resolutions Stick

Something to Try: Learning on the Go

Our days are busy and there are a million distractions! If finding the time to read an article from start to finish is a challenge, it might be time to try a different format, such as a podcast or interview. As a bonus, you can listen on the move–while completing chores, prepping dinner, on a walk.

What the Research Says About Health Coaching: A podcast with Dr. Sandi from Functional Medicine Coaching Academy 

Something to Create:

2024 has just barely kicked off and there’s still plenty of time to create your vision for the year ahead! So, if you’re feeling crafty and inspired, you might take some time to indulge in this process.

From MindbodygreenMindfulness learn why you might want to incorporate this into your planning and how to get started!

As we welcome 2024…May you be brave enough to be still, bold enough to speak up and blessed enough to feel loved.

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