Become a Certified Wellness Coach
Health coaches help clients adopt habits and behaviors that can dramatically improve their health. Here’s what you need to know.
Just like sports coaches help athletes excel at soccer or swimming, health coaches help people excel at their health. Whether it is relieving a chronic medical condition or incorporating more vegetables into their diet, health coaching can be a game-changer in transforming a person’s life.
According to a recent study, coaching can dramatically improve a person’s cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a wide range of populations [1]. Anecdotally, the results are generally very positive, in that those being coached feel empowered when they take control of their weight loss process or implement healthier eating [2].
Here’s all you need to know about health coaching and how to become a health coach.
What is a health coach?
A health coach is a professional who uses evidence-based conversation and strategies to engage patients (also known as clients) in behavior change that improves their health. As experts on human behavior and motivation, health coaches help clients achieve their health goals and empower them to integrate healthy habits into their lifestyles. In health coaching, the coach and the client talk about health issues. Together, they devise goals and strategies for achieving them. A health coach might help a client with:
Chronic disease or illness management
Nutrition (diet and exercise)
Stress reduction
Sleep
Time management
Weight loss
Smoking
Addiction
Dealing with the after-effects of a traumatic health condition, such as a heart attack or accident
Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing techniques, health coaches help their clients process their mental blocks, make time in their schedules for exercise or sleep, and more. A client-centered approach of talk therapy, questions, and positive psychology empower them to make incremental decisions that benefit their health.
To become a health coach, you’ll need to gain some experience. A certification, though not necessary, can give you credibility and a strong foundation as you embark on this journey. Salary can vary depending on where you decide to work.