When someone asks you, "What is a health coach?" how would you describe this role?
If you are unsure about it. The answer is simple:
✅ We are your partner on your health and wellness journey.
✅ We offer support towards a joyful, healthy life.
In this article, my focus as a health coach is to clarify my role as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and the potential impact NBC-HWCs can have on society.
Below, I've explained:
My Unique Health Coach Role
16 Health Coach Facts
Overlooked Health Coach Benefits
My 6 Holistic Health Approaches
10 Health Coach Myths
Success Stories
Health Coaching's Future
After reading, you will understand health coaching by a NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach) and its connection to wellbeing.
Table Of Contents
What Makes My Role As A Health Coach Unique?
A health coach listens to your wants and needs and supports you in finding a solution that works for your unique situation. The National Institutes of Health study emphasizes the importance of health coaching in integrated, patient-centered primary care.
To explain what it looks like, here’s what I do as a health coach.
Holistic approach
When I say holistic, it is not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. I believe in empowering you with the tools to learn and grow throughout our health coaching process.
Personalized guidance
Because I understand that every client is unique and requires different ways to health, and this personalization sets me apart from other health professionals.
Active listening
My role as a health coach is mainly about listening to you as a client. With this client-centric approach, I often let you lead the conversation to shape our discussion and the goals you need to achieve.
Creating action plans
We create action plans, like the following:
Set achievable health targets
Develop strategies to reach those targets
Offer support during the whole process
Effective communication
Effective communication, I believe, is key to constructing a good relationship with you and fostering a safe place for open talk.
Non-judgmental approach
I create a safe space for you by maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic approach. So you feel comfortable opening up about your challenges without fearing judgment.
Long-term emphasis
I focus on sustainable and long-term changes rather than quick fixes to help you build healthier, maintainable habits over time.
Empowering clients
I empower you to be the CEO of your stress, life, and health by developing a deeper understanding of your body and emotions and recognizing your strengths and resources.
Continued education
I stay up-to-date by regularly participating in continuing education programs to ensure I can provide the latest evidence-based information and techniques.
Collaborative environment
I work with other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to your health and well-being.
16 Facts About Health Coaches
Health coaching has positively changed many lives, mine included. Now, look at 16 noteworthy facts about health coaching:
Flexible time
Health coaches typically offer flexible programs and can meet clients more frequently, even weekly.
Collaborative partnership
Health coaches form an active partnership while respecting your autonomy in health improvement.
There's no need to stick to old traditions
I heard a common myth that health coaches promote and follow a customary or "caveman" way of life. However, that's not the case.
My clients are not required to follow a traditional lifestyle or any lifestyle that doesn't work for them and their schedules.
Clinically relevant improvements
Gains from health coaching reveal a positive impact.
Available to everyone
Health coaching isn't exclusive to the rich and famous.
Evidence-based guidelines
Quality health coaching relies on evidence-based behavior change methodologies.
Here are some techniques in health coaching:
Appreciative Inquiry
Non-Violent Communication
Motivational interviewing
Positive psychology
It's not about quick fixes
Unlike some wellness trends, it's about helping you make sustainable, long-term changes to improve your health.
Specialized coaching
Health coaching doesn't have a single approach; there are specific coaches for diverse health concerns and groups.
For example:
Diabetes health coaches
Mental health recovery coaches
Senior health coaches
Telehealth is a growing domain
With the rise in virtual health care due to COVID-19, many health coaches now provide services remotely.
Not the same as therapists or doctors
Health coaching focuses on helping you to make lifestyle/ behavioral changes to enhance your well-being and not addressing specific conditions, diagnosing or perscribing like therapists or doctors do.
Applicable to corporate settings
Some companies are now embracing corporate health coaches to uplift the productivity and morale of their employees.
Promotes self-reflection
Health coaching encourages self-reflection to identify your health goals, understand your motives and help idendify your strengths.
Inclusive of family and community
A health coach can help create a supportive environment reinforcing positive lifestyle behaviors.
Utilizes the right tools
Health coaches often use tools to support you in tracking your progress and stay in touch such as
Wearables (smartwatches and fitness trackers)
Mobile health applications (Quenza, Healthie, and Glo).
Online platforms (CoachAccountable and Nudge Coach)
Recognition and accreditation
Health coaching is increasingly becoming recognized, with organizations offering health coaching credentialing programs, like:
The International Coach Federation (ICF)
Adaptive methodology
Health coaches select suitable strategies, including.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Goal-setting
Stress management techniques
Evidence-based behavior change techniques
Success Stories
Health coach tasks include handling common health concerns like stress, poor physical activity, and untreated mental health. Individual-focused health coaching can manage these.
Check out these success stories that prove the worth of health coaching.
Video Testimonials
What To Do Next?
If you're aiming for better physical health, managing stress, or seeking balance in your lifestyle, I am here to help you be the CEO of your health.
As technology advances and health coaching gains favor, now is the optimal time to seek its benefits.
I've helped many clients become healthier and witnessed impressive positive effects.
So, think about it – perhaps it's time to team up with me. After all, we all strive for a healthier, happier life, and you don't have to chase it alone.
Book a call with me through this link!
With Gratitude,
Alexa Hanshaw
About the Author
Alexa Hanshaw
Alexa Hanshaw is a national board-certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC). She is also a stress management coach who helps women be the CEO of their stress. She empowers her clients to push past the confusion of the health and wellness industry to create lifestyle habits that bring them energy and work with their bodies instead of against it.
Join her free Facebook group, Be the CEO of Your Stress, and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube for quick, easy & healthy tips on stress, health, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and how to stay mindful!
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