A good health coach . .  .

• supports you to help you reach your health goals. 
• is a compassionate listener.
• accepts you where you are right now and helps you get to where you want to be.
• helps clear away the “clutter” to help you focus on what you need to do to be healthier, happier, stronger, clearer, more vibrant and more full of energy.
• offers individualized attention and suggestions, because we are not all the same. 
• helps you break down big goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
• offers lifestyle management support and addresses many aspects of your life such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, relationships, areas of support, and challenges you are facing in meeting your health goals.

What a health coach does NOT do:

• A health coach is not there to tell you what to do.  You drive the focus of the sessions, the pace, and the nature of your goals.
• A health coach does not judge. Judgment does not help people reach their goals.  Guilt and shame are huge “energy sucks” and are never motivating.  Health coaches are there to offer helpful, positive and encouraging support.
• A health coach does not diagnose.  We are not doctors or physicians, although we may work closely with your health care team to support you in your health goals (of course, only with your written permission). Health coaches can help you make the necessary lifestyle or dietary changes after a physician’s diagnosis (for example for lowering your risk of heart disease or managing blood sugar).
• Health coaches are not licensed by the state of California, so it is important to find out about their education, training, referrals and credentials.

What to read more?  Check out this interesting article “Winning the Nutrition Game, With Help From a Coach” from the New York Times about health coaches.