What exactly is a wellness coach?

A wellness coach has one agenda: Keep you well or get you moving toward a state of wellness. Coaching gives you a positive, supportive connection that empowers you to make change. It helps you draw on your own resources and strengths to create a plan that works. Your coach is your champion throughout your journey and having that makes a world of difference.

I compare my work to that of hiring a mountain-climbing guide. Sure, you could try to climb that mountain all on your own, but will you get there? Or will you make numerous attempts that end in failure and leave you frustrated and ready to give up? If you want to complete something like a climb — or getting well — you want a seasoned, experienced person who knows the ropes by your side. That’s me. I’ve climbed that mountain already. I know the pitfalls; I know the ways to get to the top. As a bonus, I can make it seem more effortless and more fun than you would have imagined.

So are you like a personal trainer/nutritionist/therapist?

No.

How are you different?

Personal trainers, nutritionists, etc. work on only one area of wellness. Now that doesn’t mean what they do isn’t needed; they are great resources. But I look at your wellness as a whole, not just one slice of it.

It’s like this: You walk into a doctor’s office and are told you have a health problem and you need to make changes. You know now; they send you home.

Now what?

A nutritionist prepares a plan for what you should eat or not eat to be healthy.

But now what?

Your holistic health practitioner gives you advice and suggestions to help you get well.

But what happens after that appointment?

This is where I fit it. I am the bridge between doctors, between nutritionists, between other valuable resources in your life. I will help you find answers, consistency, motivation, and, sometimes, I will be the one to be brutally honest with you when no one else in your life will.

Will I need to buy specialized food or supplements?

No. I am not trying to sell you some “special, magical product” that you have to take or use for the rest of your life. I teach you how to live well on your own terms. We may start with training wheels as you learn, but my aim is to see you remove those and ride off on your own, not needing me or any other single product in order to continue your new, healthy life.

Some coaches don’t offer shorter programs because they think change doesn’t happen quickly. Why do you?

I agree — change doesn’t happen overnight. Still, sometimes one call can get you rolling and motivated to change your life. Maybe you’ve never tried coaching and want to give it a shot, but you aren’t sure if it will work for you or not. Maybe you want to be sure this is a program you can embrace and enjoy, and that you fit well with me and what I do. You are a grown up; you have to make these sort of decisions. That is what I am all about: learning about what works for you and what doesn’t, and making decisions accordingly. When you get a taste of success, you’ll be encouraged to keep working on your health, and that’s a good start. In addition, to help you sort it out, I offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee during your first month. (See details: Join the Revolution.)

I usually go to someone’s office and meet with them in person; why do we work together over the phone (or by e-mail)?

You don’t have to drive somewhere; you can wear comfy clothes; you can relax. That saves you time, money and effort, all of which can be better placed on you getting well. On the phone, my clients feel comfortable to just be themselves.

Previously, in my public relations business, I did a lot of interviews for the publications I created. Most of these were conducted in person, but, over time, I began to do some over the phone. I realized then that people opened up more over the phone and were generally more relaxed and honest.

Just as with that experience, this method makes scheduling so much easier for you. If you are traveling for business or family reasons, for example, your work with me can continue. That means the priority is placed on you getting well.

How do I know how long of a plan I need?

If you are pretty healthy most of the time but need — or want — some minor adjustments or you feel like your health is beginning to go downhill, go with a shorter plan. If you are struggling with how you feel, choose a longer plan and commit to reclaiming your health. Either choice is fine. Just make the decision to get started.

F.A.Q.

• Wellness Revolution •

Copyright 2011 Living in Rhyme