Aspects To Take Into Consideration When Searching For A Health And Wellness Coach

By Harold West


Each year, accidents and illnesses claim the lives of millions of individuals. However, the mortality statistics do little to highlight the contribution of avoidable ailments to mortality rates. Some people die of ailments that might have been avoided by living healthy lifestyles. The road to adopting good lifestyle choices starts with consulting a competent 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.

First and foremost, you must look at credentials. The person you choose must have undergone good training besides having a valid certificate issued by an institution that can be vouched for. Certification is always a pointer towards professionalism. Only settle for someone who has undergone training at a reputable institution. While at it, ensure he has a valid license issued by the concerned authorities.

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.

Finally, go for someone with good listening skills. If you can, avoid those who are loud and authoritative. True professionals always give suggestions only after getting some input from their clients. Listening is one of the important precursors to meaningful dialogue.




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