What does the coaching process look like and what can I expect?
My process is very intentional and designed to maximize our relationship. During the health coaching relationship, you’ll have the chance to explore what you want most for your health and then receive the support to bring your vision to life. This relationship is likely different from relationships you may have had with other healthcare providers. While health coaches do know a lot about health, their greatest expertise is in the process of sustainable behavior change. That translates as how to make changes that fit into your life and that will last over time. As your coach, I’m not here to advise you, prescribe a plan, or tell you what to do. Instead, my goal is to help you explore many different options and work with you on a plan to implement those options.
You truly are the expert of your life, and you can say better than anyone what is important to you, what you are interested in, and what you are willing to try to make healthy changes. I will ask you important questions and expect you to share your honest feedback. The coaching partnership works best when you can voice your opinions, thoughts, and feelings clearly. My job is to listen with deep curiosity and without judgment, demonstrating respect for your autonomy. The change process allows you to gain knowledge when you are ready for it, skills as you practice new things, and confidence to make lasting changes. Along the way, I’ll work with you to clarify the details of how you would like to be supported on this journey.
I have found that coaching works best when you commit to at least 8 sessions of coaching over a period of 3 months. Depending on your needs, you may wish to add more sessions or change the frequency of meetings. This span of time is short enough to inspire a sense of urgency, yet long enough to have many iterations of action steps where you can walk away with major learnings and/or larger results for your health.
Every session will take place in a virtual setting where a specific structure and flow will be followed. Over time, you will begin to sense the patterns and generally know what to expect coming into each session. Here is a snapshot of what you can expect across your 8 sessions with me:
Initial Health Coaching Session #1 will last about 60-90 minutes and will include the following:
A description of health coaching
Discussion of your hopes and expectations regarding your coaching experience
Exploration of your assessment of your current health
Description and creation of your wellness vision
Health Coaching Session #2 will be approximately 30-60 minutes and will include the following:
Creation of your 3–6 month goals
Coaching around a topic of choice related to your health goals
Setting action steps for the following two weeks (or until the next session)
Health Coaching Sessions #3-7 will be approximately 30-45 minutes including the following:
Review of successes regarding action steps from the previous session
Exploration of obstacles or challenges regarding previous action steps
Coaching around a topic of choice related to your health goals
Setting new action steps
Closing Health Coaching Session #8 will be 30-60 minutes and will include the following:
Review of successes regarding action steps from the previous session
Exploration of obstacles or challenges regarding previous action steps
Optional coaching around a topic of choice related to your health goals
Discussion of your progress in coaching
Creation of a health maintenance plan
Celebrating growth and learning
Through our time together, you can expect me to be fully present with you and consistently provide an empathetic space where you are free to be honest and open. I will often ask you questions, reflect what I’m hearing and seeing, and acknowledge your efforts. Together, we may use problem-solving or brainstorming to work through challenging situations or areas of stuckness. There may be times that I offer education or the opportunity to engage in an experiential activity if you’re open to it. In all this important work, what we discuss will remain confidential unless you provide a written release of information to other healthcare providers on your team.
My biggest hopes are that you leave the coaching process and the relationship feeling confident in your knowledge and abilities, empowered to construct your life, and optimistic about the future. By the end of coaching, I envision any number of changes for you including:
Outcomes such as improved biometrics (e.g. blood pressure, A1c, LDL)
Consistent behaviors like engaging in walks in nature 3 times/week for 30 minutes each
Qualitative reports such as improved energy or a sense of meaning in their lives.
At the conclusion of the coaching process, I like to explore all of the progress made and discuss plans for maintaining the positive changes and continuing the momentum created. Beyond these changes, I want you to come away with a deep connection to your authentic self and be able to show up for yourself and the ones you love.
If you’re ready to begin the journey of creating a healthier life for yourself, schedule your free discovery call to start the conversation. I can’t wait to connect and hear your story!
