FAQs

A health coach is a professional who supports clients in making lifestyle changes to improve their health and overall well-being. Health coaches provide personalized guidance and support, working collaboratively with their clients to understand their unique challenges and utilize strategies that will lead to long-term success. Health coaching has a primary focus on physical health but also addresses mental and emotional factors as these are often intertwined and become relevant when making lifestyle changes.

A health coach is not a therapist or a medical professional. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Many health coaches are certified through an institution but this is not required to work independently as a health or wellness coach. There is also a national board certification for health and wellness coaching, which is often required for coaches who work as corporate employees. Additionally, some health coaches choose to specialize and have multiple certifications related to their area of interest. Health coaches can also come from a medical or body work background and may have additional qualifications as doctors, nurses, nutritionists, fitness coaches, massage therapists, or other specialties, but are choosing to work as a coach.

The primary skill of a health coach is in providing guidance and support to the client as they make lifestyle changes that will improve their health. They provide encouragement, support, and accountability to help clients stay on track and overcome obstacles.

Health coaching does not replace the care of medical professionals. It is complementary to whatever medical care the client receives from conventional, naturopathic, functional, or other alternative systems. A health coach is not a therapist or a medical professional and they do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. The role of a health coach is to work with the client as an individual and support them to achieve their health and wellness goals. This generally happens through lifestyle changes but also supports the client to view their own health from a holistic perspective in order to meet their needs.

Health coaching is meant to be complementary, not contradictory, to medical care. You can absolutely choose to have a health coach, even when you have active cancer. Working with a health coach is likely to open your awareness to additional ways you can support your health and recovery. If you are actively receiving treatment for cancer, you should speak with your medical provider anytime you have any concerns or want to ensure that lifestyle changes you are making are suitable for your current situation.

The length of time varies with different coaching programs. Three months is a usual minimum in order for a client to discuss their needs, implement lifestyle changes, and begin to see results. It is not uncommon to work with a health coach for a year or two as you work through a series of changes to overcome complex or long-term challenges.

All certified health coaches are trained in the areas of nutrition, fitness, and stress reduction; however, each coach is unique in their skills, expertise, and personality. You would want find a coach whose unique specialty matches with your interests and the current health situation you want to resolve. Many coaches offer a free initial consultation or they have resources on their website that will help you know enough about their expertise and personality to make a decision.