What is Health Coaching
Health coaching helps people take charge of their own health. It gives you support to make choices that feel right for you and that last. At its heart, health coaching is a partnership focused on your goals and your wellbeing.
The NHS describes health coaching as helping people gain the knowledge, confidence and skills to take an active role in their own care (NHS, 2021). It recognises that one single approach cannot meet everyone’s needs. Each person has their own lifestyle, challenges and motivations, so a personalised method is essential. With healthcare costs rising and growing awareness of the impact of lifestyle habits, interest in health coaching continues to increase.
How it works
Health coaches are trained in areas such as body systems, nutrition, movement and lifestyle habits. They do not diagnose conditions or hand you strict diet plans. Instead, they use supportive conversations to help you understand what might be getting in the way and what could help you move forward. The focus is always on empowering you to take manageable and meaningful action.
Coaching usually happens over several sessions. Together, you explore what you need, set realistic goals and create a personalised plan that fits your life. It is a collaborative process that keeps you at the centre.
To guide this work, coaches often draw on ideas from positive psychology and behaviour change science.
The Stages of Change model
A well known approach is the Stages of Change model. It describes the different phases people move through when thinking about change. These stages are not linear. You may move forward, circle back or pause, which is completely normal.
Pre-contemplation
You are not yet thinking about change and may not see a reason to.
Contemplation
You start recognising the benefits of change and weighing up the effort involved.
Preparation
You decide to make a change and begin exploring options or trying small steps.Action
You start taking practical steps towards the change you want.
Maintenance
The new behaviour becomes part of your routine and you work to keep it going.
Relapse
You may slip back, which is a natural part of the process. Support helps you return to the change you want.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is another helpful method. It began in addiction therapy but is now used widely to support personal change. The idea is simple: people are more likely to change when they feel heard, understood and involved in the process.
The OARS approach includes:
Open ended questions
Questions that invite reflection rather than a simple yes or no.
Affirmations
Positive feedback that helps you recognise your strengths and progress.
Reflections
The coach listens closely and reflects your thoughts back, helping you see things more clearly.
Summaries
Bringing together key points so you can see the bigger picture and decide on next steps.
Research shows that health coaching supports better health outcomes, lasting behaviour change and progress towards personal goals (Olsen, 2013). Most importantly, it offers a compassionate and practical way to build habits that support your overall wellbeing.
If you are curious about how health coaching could support your own journey, you are welcome to reach out here. Sometimes a small conversation is all it takes to find the clarity and confidence to begin.