Todays article is just a quick one. You may have heard about health coaching but don’t know what it involves. So, my aim for todays article is to answer the question ‘how can health coaching help me’.
I have written a bit about the differences between coaching and supervision in another post. This post discussed the importance of both when it comes to professional growth.
I have also written an article about seeking therapy (for social workers) which you can read here. But for the purpose of todays article, I want to talk about how health coaching can help your overall wellbeing. You can engage in health coaching on it’s own, or in addition to another service (e.g. seeing a GP or dietician to improve physical health or seeing a therapist to improve mental health).
What is a Health Coach?
Let’s start with outlining what a Health Coach actually is. Coaching (generally) according to the International Coaching Federation (which is the ‘gold standard’ for coaching accreditation worldwide) is about “Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential”.
Coaching is a safe space where you can talk about things you want to improve in your life. So, with regard to health coaching specifically, you may be noticing something is off with your health. This could be your sleeping, eating, physical habits, mental health or just overall wellbeing.
Health coaching, as defined by Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA) involves –
“Positive psychology, behaviour change, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle medicine”. Health coaching is “a journey of self discovery, leading to setting goals, a level of self responsibility and positive self-determination”. “Self-awareness motivates you to bridge the gap between intention and action”.
Health coaches are not counsellors, you (usually) can’t receive a Medicare rebate for seeing one and they (usually) can’t give you a meal plan like a dietician. But, before you stop reading and think ‘what’s the point then?’…the point is, health coaching can be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Health coaching can really help you to create new habits (and stick to them) and address underlying reasons you haven’t been able to stick to them in the past.
Why should I hire a health coach?
There are so many reasons to hire a health coach. But, if you don’t know where to start, here are a few reasons why.
personalised guidance and support
Health coaches provide personalised support tailored to your specific needs, goals, and health conditions. Health coaches take the time to understand your unique situation and can offer guidance that is specific to you. This personalised approach increases the likelihood of success in achieving and maintaining your health objectives.
A health coach will help you to understand why it has been so hard for you to stop eating so much chocolate or why you don’t feel ready to see a therapist. Understanding the why behind your actions will help you to know what gets in the way when you try to ‘get healthy’. Being supported in navigating your unique road blocks is crucial when it comes to you being successful.
accountability and motivation
Health coaches serve as a source of accountability and motivation. Regular check-ins and goal-setting with a coach can help keep you on track and motivated to make positive changes. Knowing that someone is there to support and encourage you can significantly enhance your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
This is different to seeing a doctor for 12 minutes and going back to them in 3 months time for an update on how you’ve progressed. Having a coach provides an accountability partner for you. Someone that will have check ins to see how your ‘smaller goals’ are coming along.
real behaviour change
Health coaches are trained in behavioural psychology and change management. They can help you identify and overcome barriers to change, establish realistic goals, and develop sustainable habits. By deep diving into what barriers you have to effective change, a health coach can help you to set realistic and achievable goals.
How many times have you seen a health professional who has told you to ‘eat healthier’ or ‘exercise more’? We tend to try it out for a couple of weeks, then life gets in the way and we stop. Having a coach will help you to set more realistic and measurable goals.
education and empowerment
Health coaches help you to feel empowered to make informed decisions about your health. They can provide education about nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other relevant topics. By understanding the principles behind healthy choices, you gain the tools to make sustainable changes and take control of your well-being.
We all know that we ‘should’ eat healthy. But so many things get in the way of that. Like, what does eating healthy actually mean, and how does that fit with my busy social schedule of eating at restaraunts? It’s never as simple as ‘I’ll just order a salad’. Why deprive yourself from experiencing joy from food? Why set yourself a goal that is totally unrealistic and then be mad at yourself because you don’t achieve it?
holistic approach
This is THE reason why I chose to become a health coach. Unlike some other health professionals who may focus on specific aspects of health, health coaches often take a holistic approach. Now please know that I am not bad mouthing other health professionals. I AM a health professional, with degrees in Psychology and Social Work. There is nothing wrong with the help you can receive from these professions. What I have noticed though, is how health coaching allows space for a more holistic approach.
For example, a counsellor may focus on your mental health in terms of what you think and feel. But a health coach might consider various factors that impact your mental health such as your nutrition, gut health, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social relationships and much more. It isn’t only about a CBT approach, it is a whole self approach. This comprehensive perspective can lead to a more well-rounded and lasting improvement in your health.
Who should I ask about health coaching?
Hi there! You can ask me, if you want to learn more about how health coaching could help you. Send me an email at rebecca@theorchardrose.com. Or, book in an online session here.
