What is Health Coaching and How does it Differ from Fitness Training?
I saw a funny post about coaching on social media. It was a picture of a woman surrounded by wrappers from Valentine’s candy and she said, “I resisted eating the last one, so I’m pretty sure I am ready to be a life coach now!” It made me chuckle, and it was poignant. This field of coaching is confusing. It’s relatively new and unregulated. This article is to help clarify what is, and what is not Health Coaching and contrast it to other modalities that support health and wellbeing.
A little background
Health Coaching grew from the field of addiction treatment. Research showed that clinicians using Motivational Interviewing, Self-Determination Theory, and Positive Psychology had the best patient outcomes. These strategies were applied to other behavioral health challenges and found excellent results. From there, the field of Health Coaching grew and has become increasingly structured with formalized training programs such as The Integrative Health Coaching Program at the University of Vermont. Licensing oversight from The National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches began in 2012 (www.nbhwc.org This has a searchable database of licensed coaches. )
With 2.8 trillion dollars being spent in the US each year on behavior-related health issues (CDC), we know support for healthy lifestyle changes is an enormous priority. Change, especially around health behaviors is really hard. We need support with health changes and Health Coaches are uniquely positioned to provide support where it is needed most. Health Coaching works with anyone who wants to prevent a lifestyle-related illness or better manage one that has been diagnosed. A few examples include weight management, smoking cessation, reducing cholesterol, blood sugar or managing stress.
What is Health Coaching?
Health Coaching is a growth-oriented partnership between a client and the coach that looks at any and all of the comprehensive aspects of health and well-being, and how those aspects impact each other. We begin by looking at one’s goals, visions of wellness, and personal values. From there, clients choose the more targeted focus and co-creates a sustainable, effective strategy toward success with the coach. Coaches empower clients to achieve the goals that are most important to them using skills and principles from Positive Psychology and Motivational Interviewing. Coaches provide structure for positive, concrete steps with support and accountability. Goals and strategies align with what the client determines is most important. We build motivation, confidence, and ability by continually looking for the right-sized goals and realistic solutions to challenges. There are often mixed feelings about health changes. Good coaches will gently reflect any ambivalence from the client in order to illuminate conflicting priorities. Non-judgmental reflections empower clients to objectively weigh priorities and make important decisions about where to focus their energies. Time frames will vary depending on the client’s wishes and the scope of changes desired. Six to eight sessions over three to four months is a common timeframe.
How coaching can be distinguished from other forms of support
☀️With Fitness training client goals are specific to fitness and or weight management. The trainer’s job is to understand the client’s goals and create a structured strategy based on exercise science. The trainer teaches this strategy and supports the client’s progress.
☀️In Mental Health Counseling, clients are dealing with past trauma and challenges with mood such as anxiety or depression.
Clinician approaches vary and generally focus on resolving past trauma and supporting the client emotionally.
☀️With Training and Education, the client is seeking knowledge and skills. The trainer or instructor establishes the objectives based on an established curriculum.
☀️In Health Coaching clients focus on any goal that relates to their health. The coach uses skills based on Positive Psychology and related fields to partner with the client in developing a specific, actionable strategy toward a positive outcome. The client makes decisions about strategy because strategies that come from the client are the ones that stick.
If you’re interested in learning about Health coaching I am happy to talk with you anytime and you can check out NBHWC.org
