What is Health Coaching?

Website Reference: http://www.deathtodiabetes.com/Diabetes_Health_Coaching.html

Health coaching is a method of guiding others to address their health and, if need be, make behavioral changes to improve their health. Like traditional coaching, health coaches utilize goal setting, identification of obstacles, and use of personal support systems. The relationship between the coach and coachee (patient) is an accountability partnership focused on the overall health outcome goals as defined by healthcare practitioners and the patient/coachee.

Health coaching is a collaborative and personalized program that focuses on improving health and wellness. Health coaching builds an individual’s capacity to achieve short- and long-term health and fitness goals. Participants in a health coaching program interact one-on-one with their health coach by telephone, instant messenger, email and online journal.

Unlike personal training or counseling, you, the client, are the expert when working with a health coach. Whether you're working toward general wellness or a more specific health-related issue, a health coach will focus on enhancing your quality of life. Most health coaches guide, motivate, provide customized resources, and help clients to set achievable goals. In general, health coaches do not diagnose, prescribe, or give advice – but, because of the growing needs of diabetics and others, the role of the health coach has continues to grow and expand beyond the traditional responsibilities.

The role of a health coach is unique. A health coach will not just ask you if you have eaten the right foods for the day unless that is what you want your health coach to do. Instead, the health coach is there to help you identify and achieve whatever goals you set for improved vitality by coordinating the many resources available to you.

Health coaches are high-level, seasoned professionals, experienced in behavioral change and in serving moderate-risk and sedentary, high-risk and high-stress populations. Many health coaches hold degrees in Exercise Science, Health Education, Exercise Physiology, Counseling and Health Education, Counseling and Education, and some have a bachelor’s degree.

Author's Perspective: As previously mentioned, I have met many health coaches who are good at what they do, but they're not making any money. Why? Because they were not taught how to market their services and be a health coach at the same time. Consequently, most health coaches fail to develop a strong customer base and a consistent flow of revenue.