What is a health coach?​

 

A health coach is a trained professional who supports individuals in identifying, setting and achieving their health and wellness goals. They support individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Health coaches work with clients to develop personalised strategies that encompass multiple aspects of well-being.​​

 

 

What happens during a health coaching session?

 

During a health coaching session with me you can expect open and supportive conversations. I will actively listen to your concerns, ask questions to understand your goals and challenges, and help you explore solutions. Together, we will create actionable steps and strategies to move closer to your desired outcomes. I may also provide some further educational resources, tools, and techniques to support your progress.​

 

​

How is a health coach different from a personal trainer or nutritionist? ​

 

While nutritionists and personal trainers focus on particular areas of health, often providing specific advice and prescriptive plans, a health coach takes a holistic approach, addressing various aspects of well-being. Health coaches primarily work on behaviour change, goal setting, and providing support. Whilst some coaches say that they provide accountability, I prefer to help you find your own intrinsic motivation so  that you no longer need to feel accountable in order to maintain habits and achieve your goals. Of course having our prearranged sessions in place might induce a sense of accountability in you to act on what we have previously discussed, but this is not the specific intention.​​

 

 

What can you help me with?

 

I can help across many areas, too many to list here! Sometimes your goal might be very broad such as "be healthier", or "be happier", or more focussed such as "improve my perimenopause symptoms", "reduce my IBS symptoms", "lose weight" or "help reverse my diabetes". If you're not sure I suggest booking a free consultation to see if we can work well together.​​

 

 

Is there anything you can't help me with?

 

I am aware of and understand my own limitations and may at times suggest that you seek advice from an allied health specialist, such as a physiotherapist, psychologist, personal trainer or nutritionist. In most cases, however, I am able to provide sufficient support for you to achieve real change without need for further specialist input.​

 

At the moment I am not providing diagnostic or treatment services in my role as The Whole Health Medic, so please don't see me about symptoms that haven't previously been investigated.​​

 

 

Is there anyone that you can't or won't work with?

 

I am happy to work with you, even if your health history is complex, so long as you understand that this is a process that requires input and effort on your part. Sustainable health change does not result from being given a pill or prescription, nor being told what to do. If that were the case my job as a doctor would be a lot easier, and as a health coach unnecessary! Please talk to me if you are uncertain.​​

 

 

How often can I expect to speak with you?

 

The frequency of our meetings may vary based on your needs and the coaching programme you choose. It could be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on your preferences and the level of support required. Initially I normally recommend that we meet fortnightly as this allows time for action and reflection without stagnation.

 

 

​​How many sessions do I need?

 

The duration of a health coaching programme varies depending on your goals, preferences, and progress. One off sessions can sometimes be helpful if you have a very specific barrier to overcome, but usually a number of sessions are required to achieve real change. This is why I generally recommend a minimum of 6 sessions. For 1:1 coaching sessions I can usually tailor a solution unique to you and your requirements. ​​

 

 

Do you offer virtual coaching sessions?​

 

Yes, most of my coaching sessions are conducted remotely via secure video conferencing platforms, allowing you to receive the same high-quality support from the comfort of your home. For clients who live near to Cheltenham I am happy to discuss arranging a face to face consultation during our discovery call.

 

 

​​Do you provide corporate health solutions?

 

Absolutely! I can speak or facilitate health and wellbeing workshops in a business setting as either stand alone sessions or as part of an ongoing wellbeing programme. I am also happy to work with any employee who might benefit from health coaching support on behalf of their employer, but the content of our coaching sessions would remain strictly confidential.​​

 

Please contact me for further details.