What is health coaching?
Health coaching is a rapidly growing field of study that is gaining recognition due to its positive and wide-ranging effects demonstrated through research. The increasing evidence for the effectiveness of health coaching in addressing a variety of health and wellness issues is leading to its incorporation into healthcare systems across the nation. Although there is no universally agreed-upon definition in the literature, the definition of health coaching put forward by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) is concise and comprehensive:
- “Health & wellness coaches support clients in activating internal strengths and external resources to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle behavior changes. Health coaches use a client-centered approach wherein clients decide their goals, engage in self-discovery or active learning processes, and self-monitor behaviors to increase accountability, all within the context of an interpersonal relationship with a health coach.”
Health coaches use a variety of techniques found in the behavioral sciences to promote behavior change. One of the most prominent techniques is motivational interviewing, which is an evidence-based approach that aims to enhance motivation and strengthen commitment to behavior change. Other techniques that may be employed by health coaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness-based interventions. These techniques help health coaches create a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in a safe and collaborative setting.
A health coaching session typically involves a one-on-one meeting between the client and the coach. These meetings can take place in-person, via phone call, or virtually, depending on the client's preference and convenience. The frequency and number of sessions are determined by the client and may vary from multiple times a week to monthly. This flexibility allows health coaches to work with their clients to create a personalized and effective plan that fits their unique needs and goals.