What is Wellness Coaching?
Health and Wellness Coaching is a relatively new field, and I think very misunderstood. A search online will give you many definitions, most of them unclear (and even a little 'fluffy'). Below is my take on what coaching is all about.
I understand that no-one can ‘make’ you change.
If you want to change a habit, you will often have just as many good reasons not to - you can get stuck in what we call ambivalence. Part of you wants to change, and part of you isn’t so sure. To change, the 'for' needs to outweigh the 'against'. For example:
Maybe you wake up every morning tired and can't get started without several strong coffees. You know you should go to bed earlier (and you know that will make you feel better), BUT you really enjoy sitting up late and watching TV - as it feels like it's the only time in a busy day you actually get to stop. You don't want to go to bed earlier, as it feels like then you've had no 'me' time, and won't unwind.
That is a pretty compelling 'for' and 'against'.
What happens during a coaching session?
Coaching is different to counselling. Rather than spending time talking about the past, it’s about talking about where you are today and where is it that you want to be in the future.
During a coaching session, I will help you explore the (very valid) reasons for and against changing your behaviour. It's my role as coach to create the conditions to find your motivation.
I use a series of tools, many taken from psychology to talk through and figure out how you might (as in the example above) be able to satisfy both sets of wants, but in other ways. Sometimes, as a result of a session or sessions, you'll literally choose to 'throw out' a habit replacing it with a newer and more helpful one.
You’ll identify the key steps and the information you need to get from ‘here to there’.
The responsibility for change is on you.
You can literally talk yourself into changing as we walk through a session, as many long-held beliefs are challenged. Sometimes, as a result of coaching, you will decide that some of the changes aren't actually as important as you thought, and you'll find a different focus (maybe it's not the morning coffee that's the problem, but the sugary breakfast that goes with it?).
Why use a Wellness Coach?
I can help you understand how each habit fits together to help or hinder your wellness goals. As a qualified nutritionist, personal trainer and functional health coach, I can provide information and advice (if asked) on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
I can keep you accountable if you'd like - someone to check in with on a regular basis improves adherence ('stickability') as you are learning new skills and introducing new habits. Change is a mix of art and science. You won't get it right the first time, every time. Coaching sessions might involve looking at what didn't work so well and identifying another approach to try.
Most importantly, I'll teach you simple, practical tools for all things wellness - meaning success can be repeated time after time.
My purpose is to coach people, well. Using research-backed diet, lifestyle, and change strategies, I teach my clients how to take control of their health and create better habits.
