What is a health coach?

When I first started my health coach journey and began telling people about my studies, I was constantly asked ‘but what does a health coach do?’

It’s a fair question. As a society, it’s not a profession we’re that familiar with.

We’re more used to healthcare being associated with western GPs and medicine and whenever the term ‘coach’ gets thrown around, people often assume it’s a life coach.

Health coaching vs life coaching

Life coach isn’t too far off and many health coaches do also cover this area of coaching as the two often come hand-in-hand.

The key difference is a life coach mostly focuses on supporting you to reach key goals in your day-to-day life – whether these are financial, career or relationship oriented. It’s about you reaching your full potential.

Health coaching is pretty similar but the focus is really on your health. This is very much from a holistic point of view so other aspects of your life will come into play but the end goal is health.

Alternative health

What’s amazing for both those in professions like health coaching but also for the general population is how alternative health and complimentary medicine is finally starting to get some more recognition in western worlds.

Practices such as acupuncture, coaching, Chinese medicine and homeopathy are growing and there’s a reason these traditional practices have been around for years in more Eastern countries – people see the benefits!

How health coaching works

Their are three main reasons why health coaching works so well for so many.

1. The level of support you receive
   The whole point of a coach is that they’re involved. If you have a good coach, you should feel as though they’re your little cheerleader who’s actually there to, well, cheer you on rather than handing over a programme and leaving it at that.
   
2. You’re included in the process
   Another sign of a good coach is that they ask your opinion.
   We may have the health expertise, but you’re the true expert on you.
   
3. All aspects or your health and life are considered
   It’s said time and time again but health coaching really is a holistic practice.
   You’d be surprised how many health issues can be linked to things you would never have thought of.
   Like the acne you suffer today actually being linked to antibiotic use years ago. Or your PMS this month may be worsened by how you ate, drank and slept three months ago.
   So much of health and wellbeing is interlinked which is why we need a full picture.

Is health coaching right for me?

Obviously I’m going to say everyone needs a health coach! There are so many health coaches out there covering so many fields who often offer free consultations so you can get a flavour of whether it’s for you.

Essentially, our goal is to get people living healthier lives and I believe everyone should be striving for the same.