Frequently Asked Questions

What is health & wellness coaching?

The premise of coaching is that we all have the potential and wisdom to make positive changes for ourselves. The formal definition of Health & Wellness Coaching is: "a client-led, collaborative process that aims to promote self-management, self-empowerment and equip an individual to adapt positively to their internal and external environment to create a state of resilience through the pursuit of activities and a lifestyle that cultivates their whole-health continuum." (UK & International Health Coaching Association)

What does that mean in practice? Health & Wellness Coaching (or Health Coaching for short) puts individuals in the 'driver's seat' so they can steer their health and wellness behaviours in a direction that supports them to live life to the full!

Unlike traditional coaching which is non-directive, Health & Wellness Coaching does include mentoring. In other words, if the client would like information and advice on specific topics, the health coach can provide this, as long as it falls within the scope of practice (see below). For more information about Health Coaching visit The UK & International Health Coaching Association website: What is a UKIHCA Health Coach?

How does coaching differ from therapy and what are the limits?

Coaching involves personalized sessions focusing on providing you with the resources to develop the mindset, knowledge, and behaviour change skills to achieve your health and wellbeing goals. Unlike therapy or counselling, which may explore the past and how that is impacting on you today, coaching is present and future-focused. That said, emotions are welcome in a coaching session! In fact, coaching can evoke strong emotions, and I will hold the space for you if your sessions bring up emotions. However, you feel 'stuck' or overwhelmed by an issue, then I will recommend that you seek specific therapeutic support so that you have the professional guidance you require.

Health coaching has a limited scope of practice which does not extend to diagnosis or treatment. We do not act as a doctor, nutritionist, therapist, exercise specialist etc. Where appropriate, I will signpost or refer to a relevant provider during the coaching process. It is possible to have coaching alongside other treatments or modalities, as long as that is in the best interest of the client.

Who can benefit from Health & Wellness Coaching?

Anyone who wishes to prioritise and improve their wellness can benefit from Health Coaching. It is best suited to those who feel ready to make changes, and it helps to enter coaching with a willingness to be curious and reflective. But even if your self-belief is low, the coaching process itself will build your sense of self-efficacy, i.e. your belief in your capabilities. Coaching offers a safety net when your motivation and commitment levels fluctuate, so you won't feel alone when challenges arise.

Health coaching is holistic, and looks at your life in the round. It is effective for short, medium and long term goals, ranging from training for a physically challenging event like a marathon, through to long term weight loss and management. People often come to coaching as they transition through different life stages, e.g. adapting to parenthood, peri-/menopause or retirement, as well as key 'crossroads' moments such as re-evaluating your career, relationships and wider life priorities.

Health coaching is a process where the client or ‘coachee’ is supported by a health coach to identify and work towards health and wellness goals they would like to achieve. Working a coach who listens and gives us space to think allows us to articulate what is and isn’t supporting our health. Through coaching we identify solutions and how to work towards these, as well as barriers and ways to overcome them. Through conversations and tools, the coachee becomes resourceful and better equipped to make his/her desired changes a reality.

What is the coaching process?

How long are sessions?

Typically, a sessions typically lasts about 60-75 minutes. This allows us time to settle in using a grounding exercise, check-in on your wellbeing and progress, identify your goal, and conduct the coaching session. I will work within your time constraints so if you require a shorter session, we will adapt accordingly.

Grounding practices are optional, but highly encouraged. If you are unfamiliar, grounding practices are simply soothing strategies that allow you to connect with the present and to feel settled and safe in your body. When you feel grounded, you are calm, and you can think more clearly with a more resourceful mindset. Examples of grounding include observing the space around you, breathing exercises or short guided meditations or body scans. These can be tailored to your preferences.

After each coaching session, you'll have a clear goal to be working towards, so in that sense, committing to the actions you have agreed is your follow-up. Having an accountability partner makes it more likely you will follow-through with your actions, and I can offer this in-between sessions if you wish.

However, don't worry about whether you are doing 'good enough'. As your coach, I will gently challenge you, but fundamentally coaching is a non-judgemental process. Whether you've stayed on track or if life has gotten in the way, we will cultivate self-compassion, reflecting in each session on how things are going, and how you can re-calibrate to get back on track. I'll prompt you before your upcoming session to spend a few minutes reflecting on what has worked and what you'd like to focus on next.

If you'd like to use the programme for further growth and self-development, I can provide you with additional tools and resources, which you can use during and after the programme. These resources are optional. Everyone has differing levels of time and energy available to devote to their programme, so I will ask you what your preferences are, and we will agree on what type of follow-up works best for you.

Is there homework or support in-between sessions?