What is wellness coaching?
Wellness coaching is a specialized subset of life coaching; it is a fun and active way of creating solutions that help you achieve your desired state of well-being. Although everyone's definition of wellness is unique, many people choose to work on reducing their stress, improving their satisfaction and happiness, making time to exercise, eating to lose weight, improving their nutrition, boosting energy levels, and finding a balance between their work and family life. All of the parts of your life are interconnected and as you make improvements in one area you reap the benefits in other areas as well.
As a sports coach helps athletes achieve greater results by mapping out a plan, helping them discover better ways to improve, and providing support while pushing them, I do the same for you but in your personal arena of health and wellness.
Who is an ideal client?
My ideal clients are men and women who have had a wake up call (such as squeezing into clothing, getting lab results which could be improved, or realizing you are too tired to enjoy life) and are now ready to make lasting lifestyle changes so they can fine tune some health and wellness issues to lead the life they want. They may want help making time for exercise, taking time for themselves, or rearranging their priorities and daily schedule so they feel less stressed and happier. Often they know what to do, but do not do it consistently and seek the support and accountability of working with a professional. My clients are ready to experience success like never before!
What is expected of me?
You are expected to keep our scheduled sessions, to work hard in meeting your goals, to be open to trying new ideas, have a sincere commitment, and be ready to make changes.
What can I expect of you as my coach?
I will keep our scheduled calls, and maintain professionalism and confidentiality. I will really listen to you and point out when I hear your behaviors not matching your stated values. I will listen non-judgmentally and openly. I will support and encourage you.
As a nurse, educator, and coach I will help you understand the conflicting medical information available so you can make the best choice for you.
What is the difference between a coach and a therapist?
Coaching is not therapy. Coaching is proactive, forward looking, and solution focused. We look at where you are, where you want to be, and the steps needed to get you there. The goal of coaching is to let you experience the success of meeting your goals while you learn the steps needed to continue making and meeting good goals, and establishing new habits. Therapy tends to look to the past to fix why things did not work out; coaching looks to the future to create solutions and see that you get there.
A great way to distinguish a coach from an educator and therapist is in the following analogy of someone trying to learn to ride a bike. A therapist would talk about your fears and past failures at riding a bike and try to fix them. An educator would show you a bike and make sure you understand the parts of the bike and the concept of how to balance and pedal. A coach would run along with you supporting you until you mastered riding.
How do I know if I will like being coached?
Most people who are truly ready to make meaningful changes enjoy the support and attention of a coach. You get inspiration and accountability, as well as goals designed specifically for you! Coaching is all about you, but you do need to find a coach you trust and with whom you enjoy working. If you are interested in being coached we will schedule a free call to see if you and I are a good fit as client and coach.
What does it cost?
Coaching is very affordable for those who are truly committed to prioritizing their needs, working hard, and making changes. When considering the cost of coaching think in terms of the powerful changes you will make and how you will grow. Coaching is not something you can easily compare prices or time spent being coached. The coach with whom you feel a connection is the one who can inspire you to make transformations you haven't been able to make alone. If you believe you are a good candidate for coaching please contact me so we can discuss it further.
Can I buy just a session or 2 to try it out?
No. I sell coaching packages because creating new habits takes time. In one or 2 sessions you might feel like you solved a problem by getting information, but coaching goes deeper than that and it takes time to fully understand and utilize the coaching relationship and push yourself to new frontiers. Knowing what to do happens long before actually doing it. You need to allow yourself several weeks to undo old habits and establish new ones.
Will I need to purchase anything else?
No. I sell no products. I promote changing your attitude toward food and exercise, creating solutions, discovering what works for you, and creating healthy new habits. I do not encourage people to go "on" a diet because that implies that at some point you are done dieting and you go "off" the diet and right back to your old habits. I believe in permanently changing your habits and lifestyle to one that supports your definition of being healthy and well.
If you choose to hire a personal trainer or nutritionist I work with you to ensure you utilize their benefits.
How does coaching work?
Through coaching you experience a series of successes and make gradual lifestyle changes. As you set goals we look for motivators and potential obstacles, create backup plans, and celebrate your successes. We map out the road from where you are now to where you want to be.
Individual coaching is done over the phone and online. Most new clients start with a 3 month package. After you complete my wellness questionnaire we begin our sessions.
Group coaching can be done in person (only available in the Pittsburgh area) or by phone with 5 - 8 participants. My educational coaching groups include Make Time to Exercise, Eat to Lose Weight, Life with Less Stress, and a holiday program called Thriving the Holidays. Each session starts with a short presentation of information but most of the time is devoted to applying the information.