Getting started
What health coaching is, and what it isn't
2 min read
“Health coaching” means different things to different people, so it's worth being clear about what it is and, just as importantly, what it isn't.
What it is
Coaching is regular, structured support to work out what you'd like to change, what's realistic for you at the moment, and how to keep going when life gets in the way. We look at nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, energy and habits, whichever of those matter most to you.
Much of the value is in the accountability. Not the stern kind, but having someone in your corner who knows what you're working on and adjusts with you when things change.
What it isn't
Coaching isn't medical care. I don't diagnose, prescribe, change medication or treat illness, and coaching doesn't replace the care you get from your GP or specialist. If something needs medical attention, I'll say so and encourage you to go back to your healthcare team.
It also isn't a meal plan, a set of rules or a programme you have to be perfect at. There are no weigh-ins and no shame.
Where it fits
For a lot of women, the gap isn't information. It's support to apply it in a life that's already full. That's the gap coaching is meant to fill.
If you're not sure whether it's right for you, that's a perfectly good reason to have a conversation rather than a reason to wait.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you’re unwell or unsure about a symptom, please speak to your GP or specialist.