Are you frustrated because you aren’t seeing the results you want from your health and wellness program? Overwhelmed with how to prioritize your health? Tired of starting new programs to just wind up back at square one after a few weeks or months? You may benefit from working with a Health and Wellness Coach.
So how did we get to this point? Health and Wellness Coaching began to take off in the 1990s when we become aware of the benefits of positive psychology. This led to a growing field that focused on the client’s present and future. The sessions were centered around motivational interviewing and fruitful conversation where the client felt supported and heard.
So here we are, 30 years later. The power of coaching has helped people stop smoking, lose weight, decrease stress, and overall achieve self-efficacy. It is an exciting time where you have Health and Wellness Coaches with a variety of backgrounds. We help you bridge that gap between just learning how to be healthy and truly thriving.
What is a Health and Wellness Coach?
Health and Wellness Coaches assist clients reach their best selves. In a nutshell we help our clients to develop and implement personal wellness plans. This is done through collaborating with clients and meeting them where they are at that day. There is an array of backgrounds with Health and Wellness Coaches.
I gravitated towards it because it helped me to work with clients who were “not ready to start working out”. I created the space and opportunity to explore other areas of health that they felt comfortable working on. These areas include making time for healthy meal planning, implementing habits to increase stress relief and creating plans to help move them towards starting a fitness plan.
3 Benefits of Working With a Health and Wellness Coach
1. Having Someone Who Truly Listens
It may seem like a given, but how often have you worked with a trainer or nutritionist who simply told you what to do, rather than listened to what you need? A health and wellness coach does more than give instructions—we create space for you to reflect, express your concerns, and process your own thoughts. This not only helps you feel heard but also allows you to uncover deeper motivations, frustrations, and roadblocks. When someone truly listens, it shifts the dynamic from being “told what to do” to being actively supported in a way that empowers you to take meaningful action.
2. Asking the Tough Questions
A good coach doesn’t just hand you a plan—we challenge you to think critically about what’s working, what’s not, and why. We help you uncover your true priorities, recognize patterns that might be holding you back, and guide you toward making shifts that align with your values. That also means we ask the hard questions, like “Why didn’t you follow through on that goal?” Not as a judgment, but as a way to help you reflect and gain clarity. These conversations often reveal deeper struggles—whether it’s fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of confidence—that, once addressed, can completely change your approach to health.
3. A True Partnership in Your Health
Unlike one-size-fits-all fitness and nutrition programs, coaching is a collaborative process. Instead of being told exactly what to do, you and your coach work together to create a wellness plan that fits your lifestyle, values, and long-term vision. This co-creation process makes your goals feel more achievable and personal, increasing the likelihood of long-term success. When you take ownership of your health in partnership with a coach, you gain more than just a plan—you gain the confidence and skills to sustain it.
How to Choose the Right Health and Wellness Coach for You
There are a variety of backgrounds with Health and Wellness Coaches. Nurses, doctors, personal trainers, dietitians, and social workers make up a portion of an extensive list of professionals who go on to add Health and Wellness Coach to their repertoire. With that being said, choosing the right one comes down to a few things.
What are the skills that may come into play with your background and goals? If you are struggling with health issues then you may benefit from a coach that has the expertise of doctor or nurse. If you are someone who battles with a specific area of your wellness journey such as food, it may be more beneficial to have a coach with a nutrition coaching or dietitian background. Lastly, finding a coach that you feel comfortable with is by far the most important part. You are going to build a relationship with them and work closely together so make sure that you explore that aspect when speaking to prospective coaches.
The Value of Investing in Your Health
There are so many tools out there to help you with your health and wellness. We like to think of Health and Wellness Coaches as the engine in the car, the key ingredient to the recipe. Without a clear vision and plan along with support, everything else is just “stuff”. Hence people purchase workout programs and meal plans but never implement them. It’s not because of lack of trying, it may very well be because that individual needs more support in how to execute. I hope you can find the right path to find you that is thriving as we like to say in health and wellness!
If you’re looking for a smarter, more sustainable way to approach fitness, let’s talk! I offer a 30-minute Fitness Roadmap Call where we’ll break down what’s missing in your training, nutrition, and recovery—so you can stop guessing and start making real progress. Book your call today!
