What is health coaching?
Coaching and sustainable change
I see coaching as a process that facilitates sustainable change through the use of various techniques, such as visualization, clear goal setting and accountability, in order to maximize our potential and become the best version of ourselves.
Change isn't easy!
Who hasn't set goals or resolutions for themselves at New Year's... without success?
Don't worry, you're not alone!
Indeed, while we often have many reasons for wanting to change, we also have many reasons for maintaining the status quo.
To be sustainable, change must come from within!
And despite all the good intentions of the people who encourage us on the road to change, it can only happen if it comes from us!
Coaching: a co-creation process
Becoming aware of the gap between our current situation and our aspirations
Coaching is a co-creative alliance that encourages reflection and introspection to help us become aware of the gap that may exist between our current situation and the one we aspire to.
Coaching is based on strengthening self-motivation and self-regulation, enabling us to rely on our internal resources rather than solely on external ones, in order to generate lasting change.
Coach, therapist, mentor, educator: what's the difference?
The table below illustrates the main differences in the objectives of each of these professions, which are equally important:
| Consultation | Diagnose problems and provide advice and expertise to resolve them | In coaching, solutions are generated by the coachee him/herself. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy | Help patients heal their emotional traumas, suffering and/or inner conflicts, which usually stem from their past. | In coaching, the focus is more on the future. A coach is not qualified to treat mental conditions or disorders. |
| Mentoring | Offer advice based on personal experience | In coaching, the focus is on the coachee's experience and objectives. |
| Teaching | Offer a structured learning path based on predetermined curriculum and objectives | Coaching is less structured and objectives are set by the coachee him/herself. |
| Education | Provide information on habits that promote healthy living and prevent disease and other health problems | Although information may be provided by the coach, the emphasis is on developing the coachee's autonomy. |
A coach: an undeniable ally
Although coaching differs from other health-related professions, it can also be an important complementary ally in a person's journey towards lasting change.
Try it and see for yourself!
