When I tell people that I am now a Certified Health Coach, the look on their face is equal parts confusion and curiosity. I think it is challenging to simplify the elevator pitch of an entire career down to a few sentences but I will try!
The title of " Certified Health Coach" comes with more complexities than I originally anticipated. When asked at a party or social setting I will admit that I stumble through my explanation or provide an answer that can be rather vague. I wish that it was cut and dry, or black and white, but it really depends on who you are, what you wish to accomplish, your area of expertise, and your clientele.
What is a Health Coach Not?
To define a health coach I think we should start with what a health coach is not. A health coach is not a doctor, a naturopath, a counselor, or a dietician, but I think a health coach encompasses knowledge and skills from many of these fields.
What is a Health Coach?
A health coach receives nutrition, and wellness education in order to mentor and support clients according to their needs. Our goal is to lead clients through sustainable lifestyle changes to achieve personalized, long-term health goals. To put it concisely, we are in the business of health behavior change. This can range from weight-loss, to sugar cravings, to poor sleep, or chronic inflammation depending on the person. I would say we are also in the business of balance. Finding balance across the chaotic areas of your life generally creates peace, happiness, and better health.
Where does a Health Coach Work?
A health coach can work 1-on-1 with clients privately or in a group setting. This can be in person or through a virtual platform. They can also work in corporate wellness settings, schools, or even partner with other wellness practitioners such as naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, or MDs. To add to the complexity, the role of health coaches continues to change as they are needed in more places. Health coaches exist to fill the gap where standard medicine cannot. Many physicians lack the time, resources, and infrastructure to meet with patients in the way that they need and this is the gap a health coach can fill.
Perhaps you are looking to fill this gap and need the support to make sustainable change. I am glad that you are here, glad that are you are reading this and hope that you will reach out. Bye for now!
Alix, I'm so extremely proud of you for becoming a Certified Health Coach. Health coaches are so vitally important because there are simply not enough healthcare providers like myself to meet the individual, specialized needs of patients. Our healthcare system needs people like you to reinforce and provide additional education that is unable to be performed in an office setting. You are going to make a difference and provide real hand-on experience that will change lives! I'm thankful for that you were driven to take on this role.