What is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach?  

According to DSWI, A Certified Health Coach helps others achieve their health and wellness goals by providing science-based, trusted information, positive encouragement, and continual motivation.”  –DSWI (Dr. Sears Wellness Institute) 

There are some products on the market who are using the title “Health Coach” or “Wellness Coach” for their reps who sell their products.  This title is used loosely within the ranks of these representatives without any certification whatsoever. From doctors offices offering weight loss solutions to multilevel marketing companies who sell pills, potions, patches, promises.

This rampant use of the title is confusing to people, which is why the International Consortium of Health and Wellness Coaches was established.  Soon there will be restricted use of the title and we who are truly certified as health coaches will be using it correctly and with honor. This is why when I introduce myself and what I do, I use my complete title as a Certified Health Coach.  I earned it.  I paid for it.  I am proud of it.

I am currently in the Master Certification Program and Advanced Nutrition Courses.   I love what I do so much that I want to move up to the next level in my certification – that of Master Certified Health Coach.  I have been working on it this cert since October and will finish this April. The schooling has been intense, and added to my full schedule has been a bit overwhelming, but like anything worthwhile, it is challenging me to grow. 

Definition of Master Certified Health Coach = Professionals from diverse backgrounds and education who work with individuals and groups in a client-centered process to facilitate and empower their client to achieve self-determined goals related to health and wellness. Successful coaching takes place when coaches apply clearly define knowledge and skills that clients mobilize internal strength and external resources for sustainable change.”  ICHWC (International Consortium of Health and Wellness Coaches)

What does a Health Coach Do?

I can’t answer for other coaches, but this is a bit of what I do.  I offer a 1-3 phase approach depending on the need of my client.  Here is what I do in each phase.

Phase 1 is my Education Phase.  It is nutrition 101 with a coach at your side to see you through.   You learn the WHAT of a healthy eating program, and the WHEN.  All good information to lay the foundation for your future healthier self!  If you completed that phase but didn’t move on to Phase 2, then it is really something to consider.  I am now into my third year as a full time Certified Health Coach.  I am pleased to have helped over 100 clients through my Individual Coaching Program and many more through my Nutrition Essentials and Prime Time Health classes and many children through my Healthy Kids Camps.  I have learned a good deal since the early days, because I continue to improve my approach, and my program.  Call me and let’s talk about the 6 sessions of Phase 2 and see if it is right for you.

Phase 2 is my Knowledge Phase. This is where you begin to learn about the body’s systems and how they work with the foods you offer.  We talk about prevention and correction of illness and disease with the use of real, whole food.  I call it the knowledge phase because here you are putting your education from Phase 1 to work for you and now you are know HOW it all works together!  It all comes alive in Phase 2.

Phase 3 is my Wisdom Phase.  AKA the maintenance phase.  Together we explore and discover the path for continued success.  These fabulous 4 sessions are filled with self-awareness activities like agenda mapping, health and wellness wheel, balance sheets, and more.  All sessions are designed to help you make health your hobby through Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition. 

Change is difficult and sometimes knowing what to do and actually doing it are as far apart as the north pole is from the south pole.  I hear people tell me all the time, “I know what to do.  I just don’t do it.”  Then, where is the disconnect?  If we all know what to do, yet we are not doing it, then are we satisfied with where we are?  Are we okay with our current state?  If yes, then stop reading now.  If no, then why not see if there could be something that you don’t know that you may need to know?  If you find that you do know it, and truly just are not doing it, then let’s find out what is holding you back! 

Quote: Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.  – Albert Einstein

I’m the CERTIFIED Coach In Your Corner,  Stephanie Wolfe