How To Choose a Health and Wellness Coach
Oct 01, 2023 06:00AM ● By Hope Knosher
Embarking on a journey to improve your health and well-being can be daunting, but the process becomes less intimidating with the help of an educated health and wellness coach to help guide and inspire. By taking the time to research and choose a qualified coach, you can feel confident in your investment in your health and wellness journey.
Although many people have specific health issues to address, such as smoking cessation or weight loss, one doesn’t need to have a particular health concern to benefit from health coaching. One might also hire a health coach to help improve one’s overall well-being. But there are many options, so how do you choose the right one for you?
Some of the key factors to consider when selecting a health and wellness coach include:
- Credentials. Look for a coach with training and certifications in their field.
- Experience. Consider the coach’s experience working with clients with similar needs and goals as yours.
- Personal connection. Working with a coach you feel comfortable with and who understands your unique situation is essential.
- Coaching style. Coaches have different styles, so consider the best approach for you.
- Location and availability. These are often important considerations.
- Cost and payment options. It is important to consider your budget and how you intend to pay for the service when choosing a coach.
Credentials
Health coaching is a relatively new field, and the industry is unregulated. Health coaches don’t need any certification to practice. According to the Harvard Medical School, although there can be effective coaches without a certified training program in their resume, looking for a health coach who has completed an accredited health and wellness program is an excellent way to start.
Look for approved certifications from accredited organizations, such as the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) or the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Some approved certification programs include Duke Integrative Medicine, Wellcoaches School of Coaching, the National Society of Health Coaches, Dr. Sears Wellness Institute and Emory University Continuing Education. Although not a necessary step in the evaluation process, some level of training and experience is assured when choosing a certified coach.
Kara Flowers, founder of The Wellness Lane, is pursuing a health coaching certification from Emory Continuing Education. Flowers says doing so provides her with an opportunity to grow professionally in the field of health and wellness—an area she is passionate about. “I want to stay abreast of the changes in our industry. Pursuing the certification provides structured guidelines and helps to ensure I am practicing in an ethical, professional way, providing the highest standards of coaching.”
These approved certification programs also provide training and education to prepare for the National Health and Wellness Certification Exam to become a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Flowers plans to pursue NBHWC certification as well. “Coaching trends and styles have evolved,” she says, “and credentialing will help set me apart by having the knowledge and skills to help clients reach their health and wellness goals. It may also provide opportunities to coach in other settings.”
Since 2016, the NBHWC has collaborated with the National Board of Medical Examiners, which has certified more than 9,400 health and wellness coaches to date. Their credential, the National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches certification (NBC-HWC), represents training, education and assessment standards, allowing the profession to advance in all aspects of health care and wellness.
As mentioned, such certification is not mandatory in the industry. Some consider the NBHWC certification the highest-level professional credential.
Experience
Has the coach had success helping people with your situation or concern? Do they have an expertise that aligns with your needs? What about their credentials and longevity in the field? Do they work one-on-one or in a group coaching setting? Looking at experience can be helpful to find a coach with a successful background and track record of helping others achieve their goals.
Personal Connection
A good coach is someone you feel comfortable talking to and someone who understands your unique goals and challenges. The American Medical Association says that personal connection is important. “A coach should ask clients how they feel about their health concerns and stressors and reflect, validate and confirm their perceptions.” This interaction makes the client feel heard and builds a trusting relationship.
Health coaching is more than an occupation, too. Jennifer Wannen of The Primal Health Coach Institute states, “For the most dedicated, it’s a calling to assist others in living the full measure of their vitality. Health coaching is an opportunity to guide people through what may be one of the most impactful transformations of their lives.”
The bottom line is to look for a coach that resonates with you. It’s important that you feel comfortable confiding in your coach and that you have a feeling of trust.
Coaching Style
Consider whether you prefer a more supportive or directive coach and find one who matches your style. Additionally, consider their experience and approach to coaching. A good coach should be collaborative, supportive and focused on helping you achieve your unique goals.
It is also a good idea to have a screening call to gauge their style and approach before making a long-term commitment.
Location and Availability
Consider the coach’s availability and location before committing to a program. Do you want to meet in person or remotely? With virtual platforms, location is less of an issue and can offer additional flexibility. Ensure your coach is available and willing to work with your schedule.
Cost and Payment Options
While cost shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s important to find a coach whose fees are reasonable and within your budget. Also, what are the payment options? These can be helpful factors to consider for the long run.
No matter which resource you choose, finding a qualified health and wellness coach can help you improve your overall well-being and achieve your health goals. ❧
HELPFUL RESOURCES TO FIND HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHES
ONLINE DIRECTORIES
- National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching's Directory of Certified Coaches: bit.ly/naa-nbhwc
- ICF's Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF): bit.ly/naa-icf
WORD OF MOUTH
Someone who has successfully worked with a health coach can provide valuable information and insights that can help you make an informed decision when choosing a health coach. Recommendations can help save valuable time.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
A local doctor or healthcare provider might also help recommend a qualified health coach. More and more, healthcare providers are partnering with health coaches, and they might be able to provide referrals that are specific to your needs. ❧
This article is one of three in a special section on health coaching. Here are the other two stories.
More Articles on Health Coaching
What is Health and Wellness Coaching?
WebMD reports that health coaching helps patients control high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, lower waist circumference, lose weight and become more physically active. Read More »
Top Six Reasons People Seek Health Coaching
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