A health coach is an expert on human behavior, motivation, and health who helps you set and achieve your health goals. They are catalysts for lifestyle changes and building new habits to improve your physical, and often times emotional, health. You can think of them as your personal health cheerleader, guide and partner.
A Health Coach is an ally in your individual, unique behavior change process. This process involves supporting you as you work collaboratively with the coach to set goals, unearth values & strengths, and access intrinsic motivations to encourage the development of sustainable healthy behaviors and attitudes.
Health coaches assist you with sorting out where to start and making small changes that grow over time. It’s about self-discovery. A health coach leads you in putting the pieces together and figuring out how to make the changes that work for your life. A health coach gets you “unstuck” by helping you figure out what’s keeping you from reaching your health goals.
The most common obstacle people face is their own thoughts about themselves and about change. Through motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, health coaches aid you in working through your thoughts. Health coaches will work with you to find out what’s blocking you from following through with the changes you’d like to see.
Health coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do. It’s someone who’s respecting your terms and your reasons for wanting — or not wanting — to change. A health coach shows up for you in whatever way you need.
An increasing number of Americans are turning to these wellness champions to help them ditch bad habits and adopt new, healthier ones.
In Summary:
- Coaches help people discover the “why” behind their desired health change
- They empower people as the experts on their own bodies, minds, and circumstances
- They help people identify challenges and blind spots that are preventing change
- They provide support and accountability
- They use their broad knowledge of health and wellness to help people navigate a variety of health concerns
No other health profession has this unique skill set. That is why health coaching fills a critical gap in our healthcare system and why health coaches are increasingly in demand.
MN Health and Wellness Coaching 