The Health And Wellness Coaching Guide

Why You Want A Board Certified Coach

Health and wellness coaching has taken off as people have taken a more proactive approach to health and wellbeing. The health benefits of stress management, lifestyle management, and behavior change are widely understood now.

People are choosing to take action into their own hands for living long, healthy lives. The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching seeks to advance the profession of health & wellness coaching.

Shortly after forming in 2012, the organization established the framework for the National Board Certification Exam, and the training and education standards that programs adhere to when applying for NBHWC approval. In 2016, the organization began working with the National Board of Medical Examiners to establish a board certification exam.

The National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaching community is composed of trained, educated coaches, who are passionate about working with clients for better health outcomes. I am a proud holder of The National Board Certification credential (NBC-HWC) which represents the profession’s highest standard.

In this article, you will learn what health and wellness are and how it is applied in a coaching relationship for you to find joy in being physically active again and finally be able to lose weight and gain muscle sustainably.

What Does Health And Wellness Mean

Are health and wellness the same thing? When you think about wellness versus health it helps to define the two first. Health is the state of your mental and physical condition, in other words, where you are now.

On the other hand, wellness is the process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence. In other words, wellness is living your life consciously in ways that enhance your health and well-being. They work together!

The Aspects Of Wellness

I find that it often helps to visualize things to completely understand them. Each area on this wheel represents an aspect of wellness in your life.

Look at your life as a whole and how each area overlaps and intersects with each other. Do you notice any areas that need attention?

I use a similar wheel in my coaching sessions to help my clients assess where they currently are and choose areas to focus on for their future.

It's such a powerful tool to get you started, revisit over time to review progress, and reassess your future satisfaction with your life and what may need attention then.

What Health And Wellness Coaching Is Not

Health and wellness coaches do not try and diagnose you or treat you for anything. We see you as a whole and complete person. We do not explore your past or try to heal it from trauma. We focus on what's possible for your future. 

We will not try to prescribe you any drugs, specific diets, or workout regimens. Instead, together we will explore what you most align with to achieve your goals in a way that you choose.

What Is Health And Wellness Coaching

Health and wellness coaching is an alliance between a professional coach and a person who, through the benefit of that relationship, seeks lasting, lifestyle behavioral change. A wellness coach will walk alongside you to create your wellness vision for the future that you want to strive for.

They will help you link that to what your real motivation is by exploring what you find interesting and enjoyable that aligns with your values and beliefs. Coaches are trained professionals that will help you create a map to get to your vision and guide you to plan the step-by-step process of how to achieve your goals.

We are experienced in helping you weigh the pros and cons, overcome challenges, and brainstorm new possibilities for your future. I will help you explore what strengths you already have to help you achieve these goals as well as the new learning you need to be successful.

A health coach will support and guide you, and be respectful of your choices and priorities, while being compassionate, understanding, and holding a judgment-free relationship.

Why Health And Wellness Is Important

When you take the time and effort to focus on your health and wellness, you will likely feel more connected to your true self, healthier, happier, and more energized! Looking at your life as a whole interconnected network of wellness, you will start to notice how improving one area overflows into others. Committing to your health and wellness is a commitment to a lifelong pursuit of thriving and living your best life.

Health Coach Kennys Approach

As your National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, I will support you in activating internal strengths and external resources to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle behavior changes.

I use a personalized client-centered approach in our 1-on-1 coaching sessions. We will partner in your self-discovery (values, purpose, strengths, beliefs, vision), and you will choose your goals while self-monitoring new behaviors to increase accountability.

Whatever goals you set, I will ensure that they are supported until the desired outcome is achieved. I display unconditional positive regard for my clients and will walk alongside you on your path to your healthiest self.

How To Choose The Right Coach For You

5 Questions To Ask Your Coach

1. How long are your sessions?
   Our sessions will start with a 60-minute foundation call with ongoing 30-minute weekly follow-up calls to allow us a comprehensive amount of time.

2. Are your sessions driven by an agenda or program?
   Our sessions are client-led. You will decide the agenda for our calls and we will personalize every session to meet your chosen goals.

3. What are your credentials? What coaching models are you using during your sessions?
   I'm a National Board Certified Health And Wellness Coach NBC-HWC. I use an assortment of different coaching techniques such as The Transtheoretical Model, Motivational Interviewing, Self- Determination Theory, Positive Psychology, Non-Violent Communication, and Appreciative Inquiry.

4. How will you help me track my progress?
   Not only will we review your commitments that we agreed upon at the beginning of every follow-up call but you will also have access to daily text support through chat, journaling, and goal tracking through my HIPAA-compliant coaching app.

5. Additional to 1-on-1 coaching, what other resources will I have access to while working with you?
   I have created and accumulated resourceful forms, workbooks, lists, tools, books, exercises, and a referral network that I can share and use during our calls. The sustainable physical activity workbook, the wheel of life, the list of 100 physically active hobbies list, and more will provide you with all the tools you need to be successful.

Get Started!

Are you feeling ready to start working with a board-certified health coach who will help you lose fat and gain muscle by guiding you to find physical activities that you enjoy?

This FREE coaching consultation is not a coaching session. Instead, it's intended for you to find out if coaching is the right next step on your path. The call will allow you to share your goals and objectives for coaching, learn more about the coaching process, ask all your questions, and work out if I am the right coach for you. 

I look forward to talking to you soon!