What is a health coach?

A health coach helps clients deal with barriers to good health outcomes using lifestyle treatment plans co-created by the client, us and their supports (Gp's, Therapists,Physios etc). Combining health related information (like nutrition, public health) and science around behaviour change we provide a no judgement space to really figure things out with a client, our only goal is for the client to not need us!

What is a nutrition coach? and mental health coach?

These are specialised roles in that more education has been undertaken in nutrition and effects on health and/or mental health that a standard health coach may not have. They can provide more knowledge & support in the form of counselling, nutrition plan guidance etc. Not a Clinical Dietician or Clinical Psychologist. (although a qualified Dietician or Psychologist may offer a separate coaching service themselves)

What is the process like?

Its Confidential! and the process fully depends on what you actually need so its very flexible and completely customised.
A typical health coaching regime for a long term health issue would start with 1 weekly session for a couple/few weeks then move to 2 weeks apart then monthly, 6monthly.
There would be revisions of goals, progress tracking & for a longer health issue I would typically provide summaries every few months or if a milestone reached.

What I expect from clients?
To be as open as you can be and honest with yourself and where you are on the states of change timeline, don't be shy about your goals and don't be embarrassed if you simply aren't ready. When discussing health imbalances; us not talking about lifestyle aspects like nutrition isn't going to serve you it can be a very vulnerable position to be in but my role is to help you be in control of your health. Now this can go in loads of different ways with my scope of practice, I can provide nutrition coaching & fitness advice but sometimes you will need to be directed to a specialist like a Physio or Dietician.

How long do sessions take?
Depending on purpose between 20-60mins

Do I need a regular GP?
Often yes, I've had clients with fantastic GP services and others without. I encourage clients to use data, getting metrics and take away the guesswork! the anxiety, what ifs, doubts, face the facts head on. Having a good Dr in your corner can really help and I am aware that is becoming difficult in not just Aotearoa but the world over, so often we can discuss how to make things work!

What do health coaches study?
All health coaches will have different backgrounds some based in medicine and others outside of that. At prekure we are taught nutrition, behaviour change, fitness, public health, mental health, basic health science from top experts in those fields. We must also complete at least 20hrs of real health coaching outside of our labs along with one recorded session where we are to be assessed on.
We also have to achieve a minimum of continued education points to maintain our health/nutrition coach registration.
My background before nutrition coaching was in dental nursing & fitness.

Do I have to have multiple sessions?
Not at all, depending on where you are at with your health will determine how many sessions you need. Someone that has a really good team around them may only need a one off to sort of focus or regroup and may decide from that they can manage themselves. A client that is less supported or has a few separate health issues to sort out may need a few weekly then move to bi weekly & monthly. Something a bit more chronic or based around addiction may benefit from long term check in's. Everyone's situation is different and those things are always discussed with clients in our sessions.

What to look for in a health coach?
-Registrations like Hacnza, ICF any organisation that oversees lifestyle medicine, health & wellness in the country you reside in. -Vibe checks, I'm well aware that my style of coaching will simply not suit some people- so feel free to contact any health coach and have a quick chat to see if they will suit you.
-Coaches that aren't there to 'fix' you or judge you. -Look for coaches that have actual coaching practice min 20hrs of real client work as part of their assessment, some courses don't have any practical lessons and health professionals are often able to skip this part taking a more condensed course (often a few days). -Clear scope of practice! this means that the health coach make it very clear what role they are practicing in as a Dr who is offering a health coach service will be operating differently to their Dr role, same for fitness, physio & mental health professionals.

Is there any ACC rebate? Do you take insurance?
Not right now due to the complexity of the various insurance policies & admin to service that. As of today for NZ ACC doesn't offer any rebate but that may change. I make my rates affordable and prefer to make a sliding scale for lower income clients. For anyone in NZ if you have a community services card for example you will be charged less than a client who does not (Australia has a concession card too)