Ever found yourself navigating the complex health landscape, wondering if there’s a more personalized way forward? A health coach might be the missing piece, turning your aspirations into achievable actions. Learn more here about whether I may be the right coach for you.
How Can A Health Coach Help Me Reach My Health Goals?
Health Coaches Facilitate Self-Directed Behaviour Change
In health coaching, the coach and client talk about the health concerns deemed most important by the client and work together to set goals and strategies for achieving them. Health coaches are skilled at behaviour change and motivation, helping clients achieve their health goals and empowering them to integrate personalized and sustainable lifestyle habits.
- A solid body of evidence-based international research shows that health coaching is remarkably effective.
Health Coaching is expected to be integrated into the conventional medicine system and will help revolutionize patient-centered healthcare:
- The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes, “Health coaching is a collaborative approach to care that informs, engages and activates patients to take a prominent role in managing their health.”
- In January 2020, the AMA approved three Category III codes (temporary codes for emerging services and procedures) for health coaching and is reviewing the feasibility of employing these as Category I codes for insurance reimbursement.
What Is Heather’s Coaching Approach To Fatigue?
Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime,” Lao Tzu.
This saying demonstrates the difference between the “Advisor” approach of conventional treatment models and the “Coach” approach to improving health.
Our everyday choices that align our lifestyle with self-care, our values, needs, and what brings meaning and purpose are crucial for our health and happiness. I recognize that clients are experts in their lives, and empower them to set a clear vision for their health, expand their perspectives and make informed choices toward their health goals. In my coaching relationships, clients develop long-term strategies, tools and skills to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Changes may include integrating healthcare provider recommendations into an overall wellness vision. I also support effective communication and a partnership approach with your healthcare provider that allows you to work through your needs and concerns, which is crucial to getting the care you need.
Through a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social factors, I support clients in setting and achieving sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance their vitality and well-being. By meeting and overcoming challenges, the outcomes experienced are a re-equipped mindset for greater well-being and long-term growth, improved energy levels, and better stress management.
What Is Your Coaching Philosophy?
I believe we are all innately strong, resilient, and know the lifestyle that best suits us for optimal health. Our health is a complex interaction including our mental and emotional states, individual physiology, genes, environment, lifestyle, relationships and stressors. Holistic health is more than just your physical health. Overall well-being requires deep work with a growth mindset towards self-introspection, commitment to action and a healthy dose of compassion. Non-superficial habit and behaviour changes take time, intention and consistent action to wire in new patterns and ways of thinking.
In my programs, we explore key areas impacting our health so we can move forward, making informed decisions that move us toward our health goals and longer health spans. With knowledge, resources and a structured support system, you start to take aligned action to reach your desired health outcomes. My approach is rooted in a holistic view of the person, including mind, body and spirit, and the functional medicine modifiable lifestyle factors of stress, nutrition, exercise, sleep, environment and relationships. We are all at different stages of change, and I support clients where they are in their journey, enabling them to plan and take steps toward a life they love living. It’s You vs You.
What Is Your Coaching Process?
I used evidenced-based coaching theories and strategies to support client motivation and action toward self-determined goals.
- The client drives the coaching agenda and the pace of change.
- Support clients in developing their unique strategies, mindset, tools, and resources that align with their bio-individual needs.
- Provide frameworks for understanding behaviour change and uncovering the root of our behaviours, beliefs or thought patterns that no longer serve the person we will become.
- My programs provide a safe space where you can feel free to be your authentic self, exploring, expressing and experimenting with lifestyle changes that help you meet your health goals.
- Taking action on sustainable change takes time, but quick wins are possible.
- Nothing is wasted. Rolling with life’s unexpected demands and events, advocating for ourselves, and experimenting with changes and setbacks are all part of our journey toward better health.
- Ignite a process of continuous evolution towards greater well-being after the program ends.
- Note: Coaching is not therapy. Coaching is a positive, supportive relationship rooted in the present moment and forward-looking.
“A Journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.” Lao Tzu.
What Evidenced-Based Strategies Do You Use?
My Primary Evidenced-Based Coaching Theories and Strategies:
Positive Psychology: With the belief that individuals can thrive and flourish, I aim to help individuals set a clear and compelling vision for their health, leverage their strengths, cultivate positive emotions, foster positive relationships (with themselves and others) and find greater meaning and purpose in their lives.
Stages of Change Theory: A framework to assist clients in raising awareness to navigate and understand the different stages of change they may experience.
Strengths and Values-based Tools: Support clients in setting their “True North” for overcoming obstacles, building resilience and a positive mindset to achieve their desired outcomes through exploring innate strengths, values, goals and aspirations.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): A collaborative client-centered approach that enhances motivation and commitment to change. MI allows clients to explore ambivalence or feelings of “Stuckness,” clarify their goals, and develop strategies for change.
Mind-Body Practices: Incorporates various techniques and practices that promote integrating the mind and the body to support health and healing. Examples include breathwork, meditation, visualization/ imagery, yoga, tai chi, music or expressive arts therapy, spiritual practices, and laughter.
Health Information Guidelines: I adhere to evidenced-based health information guidelines from relevant authorities to inform and guide clients in healthful lifestyle decisions. However, it is essential to note that I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
All About Me
I am a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Drawing from my health journey overcoming severe fatigue and health coaching training, I offer a unique blend of empathetic, evidence-based, and results-driven coaching for healthcare that complements and supports your healthcare provider(s) treatment plans.
My pivot to health coaching was preceded by a successful 20+ year career as a CPA and senior executive in the banking and hedge fund industry. Shaped by life-altering personal challenges after experiencing severe fatigue, being diagnosed with a chronic condition and moving through a necessary divorce, I wanted to use my experience, struggles and story to empower others to redefine their health narratives and take action toward better health.
My experience in accounting and business leadership has honed my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling me to guide clients in achieving their health goals and integrating wellness strategies into their busy lives.
Wellness Wheel
About the Author
Heather Budd is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, trained by the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She specializes in guiding individuals through lifestyle transformations to manage chronic illness and combat fatigue. With a diverse background in business administration and a profound personal health journey, Heather empowers clients to reclaim their health and extend their health span.