What Does a Health Coach Do?
A health coach focuses on behavior change, guiding clients to make healthier choices that support their overall well-being. They can also work with clients with a wide range of medical conditions, from stress to cancer and heart disease.
Unlike nutritionists, dietitians and personal trainers, who focus on a specific dietary approach or exercise program, health coaches are not trained to diagnose, treat, or prescribe individualized treatment plans for their clients. Instead, they support clients in creating small, sustainable shifts in their lifestyle that are both effective and enduring, says Jessica Pilin, an associate clinical psychologist at Duke Integrative Medicine.
The best health coaches have a working knowledge of diet, lifestyle and nutrition, which allows them to understand how these contributors to health affect their clients. They also have a background in psychology, which helps them motivate their clients to create and maintain healthy habits.
In addition to coaching, health coaches can also offer counseling services and connect clients with social service programs or resources that can support them in their journey to improved health. They can use a variety of strategies, including positive psychology, which can increase motivation to achieve health goals and decrease barriers to change.
The job of a health coach can be rewarding and challenging. It requires that you be passionate about health and wellness, and it may take up a lot of your time, depending on your schedule and the size of your coaching practice. It’s important to brush up on professional development and continue to learn new skills in the field to stay competitive.
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