How to Become a Health Coach
Many registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN) already practice the art of counseling. When it comes to counseling, there are so many ways to enhance a client’s success. A lot of RDNs are choosing to get further education and experience in counseling by obtaining additional certificates such as a Health Coach.
Health coaches defined
Health Coaches are “wellness authorities and supportive mentors who educate clients through lifestyle and behavior adjustments,” according to Institute for Integrative Nutrition. In the past 10 years, the field of health coaches has tripled and big names such as Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of Integrative Medicine, Dr. David Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University, and Deepak Chopra, world leader in mind-body medicine, are leading the field.
What a health coach does
You may already work with clients one-on-one or run group programs and workshops. By gaining the additional education of a health coach, you can better assist your clients to identify their roadblocks, break through their barriers, and help them reach their goals. Learning how to coach and listen to the clients with a passionate and patient demeanor can result in empowering the client to implement long-lasting positive change in one’s wellness. Coaches work with clients to establish goals versus just telling a client what to do and hope the client goes home and follows what you said. Coaching is a trained art and proper coaching programs can provide you with the necessary tools you need to better fit your client’s success.
How to get trained as a health coach
Many schools are available for training. Most of these schools also offer marketing and private practice education within their programs in order to teach you how to promote your services and run a successful business. You can find schools online or in your area. Here is a list of 4 of the most common health coaching programs in alphabetical order:
ACE Fitness: online health coach program
Duke Integrative Medicine: in-person health coach program at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Sears Wellness Institute: online health coach program
Institute for Integrative Nutrition: online health coach program
Inspire and motivate your clients to their ultimate success. Integrate a health coaching certification with your nutrition training and you’ll take your client’s accomplishments to the next level.
Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach at Eating Free, an online adult weight management program. She also provides in-person nutrition coaching at a private practice, MV Nutrition, in San Francisco, CA, where she specializes in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.