Becker Wellness Coaching

 

 

How is Health & Wellness Coaching different from counseling or therapy? 

Health & Wellness coaches along with counselors and therapists all work with facilitating behavior change in their clients.  While there are areas of overlap, there are significant distinctions between the two fields.  Health & Wellness coaching is based on the foundations of evidence-based coaching, client-centered psychology, positive psychology, adult learning theory, motivational interviewing, and new findings in neuroscience.  Counseling and therapy focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.  Therapy is usually a long-term process in which the therapist diagnoses the patient and works with them to resolve their problems, often by focusing on past experiences, emotions, and beliefs to help a patient work through and ultimately change dysfunctional behavior in the present.  Therapists tend to focus on the why of the unconscious realm, while a coach focuses on the how of the conscious mind. 

The goal of coaching is not to diagnose, in fact, it is not within a coaches realm of expertise to offer clients diagnoses. Instead, a wellness coach assists a client in identifying goals as well as the obstacles that are keeping them from reaching those goals. A wellness coach works with you where you are in the present to help you get to where you want to be in the future.    

Will you help me to lose weight and get in shape? 

Yes! If that’s what you desire. Based on your Wellness Vision and Priority Wellness Goals, I will work with you by being a mindful listener to explore your ambitions and motivations to facilitate lifestyle change through conversation.  

As we work through your wellness goals we will use a holistic approach to nutrition and physical activity to improve your quality of life. I will work with you to develop a way of eating that is nutritious and works for your body.  Changing your eating habits so that you are getting the nutrients you need, and helping you overcome your cravings, will result in losing weight and keeping it off. We’ll also figure out how you can make these changes part of your life so that it continues beyond our work together. 

As a result of changing your eating habits you will find you have more energy to exercise. We will develop an approach to incorporate physical activity that is enjoyable for you and fits into your routine.  As a result you will find yourself meeting your fitness goals. 

However, I am not a dietician, nutritionist, personal trainer, or sports coach.  Therefore, I will not be designing a specific diet or exercise workout plan for you.   

Will you work with my doctor to coordinate care? 

Yes! With your consent I will coordinate the development of lifestyle changes with your doctor that will promote health and wellness. 

Do you take medical insurance? 

I do not accept medical insurance reimbursement as a form of payment.  Please check with your individual health insurance company to see if health & wellness coaching is covered under your plan.  If so, I can provide you with a receipt for your own insurance reimbursement. Some people’s employee assistance programs at work will help cover the cost of wellness coaching.  Check with your employer’s benefits program.