Things To Remember When Searching For A Health And Wellness Coach

By Harold West


Every year, many people lose their lives to illnesses and accidents. What medical statisticians often fail to tabulate is the number of people dying or suffering from illnesses that are entirely preventable. If you want to live a long life, you should start by adopting a healthy lifestyle. In essence, this starts with choosing a good health and wellness coach.

Not all people who claim to be health coaches are who they say they are. Some are wannabes just out to make a quick buck. To be on the safe side, it is imperative that you adhere to due diligence and only work with an individual who has the right expertise for the job. The following are some of the things you need to look at as you search for one.

Credentials are the first thing to look at. A good coach is one who has both the training and certification for the profession. Credentials that can be vouched for are always indicative of a high level of professionalism. Ensure you closely examine the certificates presented so as to ensure they are from reputable institutions. Also remember to check if the person has the relevant licenses.

Picking out a good professional from a field that is already crowded is no different from choosing the right medical practitioner for a specific condition. For instance, an individual suffering from a tooth problem would be best served by a dentist as opposed to an optician. With coaching, you need someone with a general style that suits your goals and personality. If you are looking for an overhaul of your present lifestyle, it would be beneficial to hire someone with expertise in lifestyle change.

Your specific need is what should ultimately guide you in your decision making. Most coaches would be happy to refer their clients in the event their needs do not match their style. As most coaches know their peers and how to find them, it should not take long to get one who fits the bill in case you opt for referrals.

Some people often go ahead and hire their coaches without finding out what their programs are like beforehand. It is possible to find a coach specializing in onetime sessions and another specializing in multiple interactive sessions. For the best experience, work out your own schedule beforehand. This way, you will know exactly how to plan your coaching sessions with the person you hire.

Another crucial aspect to bear in mind is cost. Personal sessions tend to be more expensive than onetime group sessions. The saving grace, however, is that they give one enough time to fit in all the recommended lifestyle changes and get valuable advice on the go. The main drawback of group sessions is that one does not get as much personalized attention as he would hope for. Regardless of your choice, ensure it falls within your goals, budget and schedule.

Lastly, focus on hiring someone who is a good listener. Avoid the loud and authoritative types. A true professional is one who lets you talk first then asks questions and gives suggestions based on the information that he has gathered. It is only through listening that meaningful dialogue takes place.




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