HEALTH COACHING FAQs
What is a health coach?
A health coach is a professionally trained expert in
behavior change and healthy habit formation. Health coaches work in partnership
with clients to identify their health and wellness related issues. Together
they create goals and action plans for a healthier life. Coaches provide
support, accountability, reflection, insights, resources and more.
Do health coaches collaborate with other healthcare providers?
Yes. While a health coach never replaces a doctor or
other practitioner, they do provide a bridge between medical recommendations
and the patient’s actions toward healthier behaviors. In fact, a 2014 Medscape
report showed that while physicians are spending more time with patients, the
majority spend less than 20 minutes per visit. And doctor visits are typically
not on a regular basis. Health coaches can help fill the gap by spending more
time with patients and supporting them in making and sustaining the desired
health behavior changes.
Is there research that shows that health coaching actually works?
Yes. An increasing amount of research is being done in
this area. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated positive health outcomes
for individuals who work with health coaches in areas such as chronic disease
management and prevention.
· A study conducted by Edelman et al. using multidimensional
interventions, including health coaching designed to make favorable changes in
patient behavior, concluded that there was a statistically significant
reduction in the 10-year risk of coronary heart disease. [1]
· Research conducted by Wolever et al. (2006) suggests that
integrative health coaching can help patients reduce their risk of diabetes and
stroke. [2]
· Patients with Type 2 diabetes improved medication adherence,
exercise frequency and glycemic control when they received 6 months of health
coaching.[3]
· Patients with Type 2 diabetes improved medication adherence,
exercise frequency and glycemic control when they received 6 months of health
coaching.[4]
Is Health Coaching for Me?
If you answer “yes” to any of the flowing questions, health
coaching may be just what you need:
· Have you tried to adopt new health habits before but haven’t been
successful?
· Has your doctor told you that you need to change your lifestyle in
some way or ways?
· Do you wish you had more energy to do the things you need or want
to do?
· Do you feel stuck? Have you made some changes but still can’t get
to where you want to be or how you want to feel?
· Are you struggling with something in your personal or professional
life and just don’t know how to get around it?
How Many Sessions Does it Take?
It varies, but we usually recommend people commit for a minimum of
three months. This is based on the principles of behavior change and the fact
that it takes about that long for a new behavior to become a “sticky” new
habit.
Is There a Way to Try Health Coaching Without Committing?
Yes. You can have a free 20 minute trial session with Integrative
Health Coach, Jackie Oken. The free trial is a good opportunity to meet Jackie,
to make sure you and she are a good working fit, and to further understand how
coaching might be of help to you. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE
TRIAL SESSION.
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[1] Edelman, D., Oddone, E., Liebowitz, R., Yancy, Jr, W., Olsen,
M., Jeffreys, A., Moon, S., Harris, A., Smith, L., Quillian-Wolever, R., and
Gaudet, T (July 2006). A Multidimensional Integrative Medicine Intervention
to Improve Cardiovascular Risk. Journal of General Internal Medicine,
21(7), 728–734.
[2] Wolever RQ, Webber DM, Meunier JP, Greeson JM, Lausier ER,
Gaudet TW. Modifiable Disease Risk, Readiness to Change, and Psychosocial
Functioning Improve with Integrative Medicine Immersion Model. Altern Ther
Health Med. In Press.
[3] Wolever RQ, Dreusicke M, Fikkan J, et al. Integrative Health
Coaching for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Diabetes Educ. June 9, 2010.
[4] Wolever RQ, Dreusicke M, Fikkan J, et al. Integrative Health
Coaching for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Diabetes Educ. June 9, 2010.