What are the different ways to work with a health coach?
The most traditional way to work with a coach is face to face. But telephonic coaching has increased in popularity, as well, as it is often prohibitive to physically meet in person. Often, telephonic coaching is ideal, as participants might be more willing to share honestly when they are not face to face with the coach. Other avenues include e-mail and Web-based coaching. Ideally, the participant is able to choose the method that works best for that individual.
Whatever the method, it is critical that the coach can guide participants to talk about what is most troubling to them about their conditions, what they most want to change, what support they have to foster change and what obstacles or difficulties must be removed or minimized to promote healthy behaviors. Health coaching focuses on the special issues and concerns unique to each individual that fit into the context of his or her life.
What qualifications are needed to become a health coach?
Health coaches often come from health care or health-related fields. Typically, individuals who value people and who enjoy healing and relationships make excellent health coaches. Health educators, health practitioners, fitness instructors, massage and body work practitioners, yoga and movement teachers, nurses and doctors can become health coaches.
An ideal coach is someone who is seeking to learn how to listen, connect with his or her intuition, help people change and master their emotional wellness. People seeking a high level of wellness for themselves and others, who enjoy self-development, who are proactive planners and evaluators in the service of others also make excellent health coaches.
A health coach:
- Is a facilitator for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth
- Helps guide the individual to achieve a balance between doing and being
- Is an aide in encouraging aspects of the person that are filled with wisdom
- Is a resource for learning about self-care and natural health practices
- Listens for choice-making and truth-seeking
- Is a teacher who promotes higher energy and improved success in the coaching relationship
The health coach helps participants develop a plan for change and provides the support and resources to move toward a more vital, purposeful, enjoyable and satisfying life.
Sally Stephens is president of Spectrum Health Systems. Reach her at (317) 573-7600 or [email protected].
