Is Health Coaching Effective?
I undertook the task of extensive evidence-based research in health coaching and the training involved. By doing so, I could help someone take more control over their own health without the use of medications alone. Discovering Health Coaching and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) allowed me to study and complete my 6 month certification. I learned more about nutrition. I also reinforced what I had learned and experienced with my own lifestyle changes in the last 13 years! Most importantly, I wanted to motivate others to take control of their own health issues. By doing so, reach new healthy goals for the rest of their lives.
Realistic lifestyle changes and goals can be successful with health coaching.
There is evidence that coaching is effective for people managing a variety of health conditions. It has also helped improve a healthier quality of life and reduce hospitial admissions for a number of health conditions.
What is health coaching?
Health coaches can help anyone excel at living their life in many different ways. It involves finding creative solutions to help you attain your goals. Goals such as weight loss, stress reduction and managing chronic conditions. It might also include improving diet and exercise, tobacco cessation, or adjusting to a life-altering health event such as diabetes.
The process of health coaching is similar to talk therapy in that two people discuss ideas and concerns. The big difference, however, is that the person being coached is actually in the driver’s seat. They are creating their goals and the strategies on how to approach these goals successfully.
Coaches and interviewing
The key goal of a coach, is using motivational interviewing. The focus is on questions that will encourage you as a client to explore your own needs. Those questions also help you better understand the reasons for change. For example, I as a health coach would say; “how might your life be different if you lost the weight that you have been trying to lose?” instead of “you need to lose weight”.
As a client you are more likely to embrace lifestyle changes when you are doing it for your own reasons. And on your own terms rather than someone telling you what to do. This technique has proven to be effective and successful in many research studies.
Positive mindset and coaching
People appear to appreciate being able to engage with a health coach that takes time to listen to them. Hear what they are saying and allow them to to come up with their own solutions. The health coach will help you embrace your strengths. It will also help improve the health behaviors and habits you want to change.
Cost and time commitments
The answer to that – it is highly variable. Some coaching services offer a number of sessions in common packages of 3 or 6 months; in some situations, by the month. The time commitment is often dependent on the goals of the individual.
Research studies have proven that making life long changes do not happen overnight. With longer sessions, an average of 6 month’s health coaching will provide successful change in poor health-related habits. It may take longer to address health goals for some individuals. There may be several variables that cause a person not to adhere to the necessary changes. In some cases it is a lack of understanding how certain foods and lifestyle choices can be affected. For example, a lack of understanding in how cravings, mood, thoughts, depressions, or even anxiety affect your health. All these play a role in the success of achieving one’s goals.
Choosing a health coach
It is strongly encouraged that an individual choose a health coach that is certified in health and wellness training. As it is a relatively new field. At this time it is not a regulated field of healthcare. Without proper training and no other medical or healthcare background, the success of health coaching may not be achieved.
My credentials as a registered nurse and my certification as a Health Coach is an important consideration in selecting a health coach. I believe that my 20 plus years of nursing have helped me better understand the health needs of individuals. Those who seek help in reaching their goals successfully. “Nurse health coaching” also has its own system of accreditation and exams in order to be certified and recognized.
The value of a healthy mindset and body is priceless!
The main take away for you today – health coaching can significantly lower your healthcare costs. The cost of medications, doctor’s visits and the time and discomfort due to illnesses, can change your health dramatically. Both physically and mentally.
Health coaching services can help you reduce poor lifestyle habits in a time frame that is reasonable. It can help you succeed in harnessing your goals and becoming the best version of yourself as a healthier person.
Looking for a health coach? I encourage you to take the opportunity to contact me for a free 30 minute consultation with me. This will allow an us an opportunity to see if we are a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!