What is a Health Coach?

Health Coach Defined by the NBC-HWC

Health and wellness coaches engage individuals and groups in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals.

Coaches assist clients in using their own insight, personal strengths, and resources to set goals, commit to action steps, and establish accountability in building an envisioned healthy lifestyle. In this way, coaches empower clients through encouragement, exploration, the mobilization of internal strengths, the identification and utilization of external resources, and through the support and development of self-management strategies for executing sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes.

The coach’s role is one of accountability partner, not director, in navigating behavioral change and exploring opportunities for growth and development. As facilitators of the behavior change process, health and wellness coaches support clients to achieve self-directed goals and behavioral changes consistent with the client’s vision for health and wellbeing, informed by any treatment plans prescribed by the client’s professional healthcare team.

Coaches do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.

Do you have a standard structure for each person?

Absolutely not! This focuses on you and your goals because your menopause experience is unique. You decide what you can and want to do, and I will meet you right where you are.

What if I have already developed a chronic disease before or during your transition?

Working with a health coach, as directed by your doctor, adds value to your care plan when managing an illness or chronic disease. Health coaches provide personalized support and help you make sustainable lifestyle changes that align with your medical treatment.

They focus on areas like nutrition, stress management, and exercise, helping you improve your overall well-being. This partnership empowers you to better manage symptoms and maintain a healthier lifestyle while following your doctor’s guidance.

Are you affiliated with any specific medical provider or institution?

I am not. I am uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between you and your healthcare professional. I guide you through behavioral changes that help prevent and manage lifestyle-related diseases. Affiliation with your physician isn’t necessary. However, you must involve your doctor in any wellness changes during your coaching program.

Do you take medical insurance for health coaching services?

Insurance companies haven’t embraced health coaching yet, but that will change. The medical community has started advocating for us. The good news is that some flexible spending programs already cover health and wellness coaching.

Should I tell my doctor before I start working with you?

Absolutely! Your doctor is part of your health journey. Before we work together, you will be expected to complete a health discovery packet that I encourage you to complete with your physician.

Where did you get your health and wellness education?

I trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. (IIN). At IIN, I learned how Bio-individuality (your health needs will be unique to you), Primary Food (everything off your plate that has the potential to impact your health), and Multidimensional Health (how relationships, career, social life, finances, and environment are integral to your overall well-being).

I learned to build strong coach-client relationships by creating safe, supportive spaces tailored to you. I developed a toolkit for purposeful, direct communication to foster meaningful and personalized dialogue to meet you where you are now. I learned evidence-based strategies for behavior change to support you in tracking your progress and providing accountability and motivation. As a coach, I also mastered inspiring action and driving change while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Why is the program six months?

A six-month coaching program builds sustainable habits by allowing gradual progress and addressing challenges over time. This timeframe supports experimenting with strategies and refining them. It ensures changes become lasting habits rather than temporary fixes.

Consistent support and accountability over six months help clients navigate life’s ups and downs while staying on track. Clients can test and adjust their habits across different situations for long-term success. This foundation empowers them to maintain progress well beyond the program.

How do we meet?

I’ve found that most people appreciate the convenience of online sessions in these busy times. If you’re not local, have family commitments, or simply want to stay in your PJs, online sessions work well.

I also offer in-person coaching in the Denver, Colorado metro area. When possible, we can meet in a beautiful Colorado park to set the tone for a holistic and nurturing session.

Currently, most sessions are available in the evenings and on weekends, which also appears to work for busy professionals.

Where can I find more about the program?

Head over to Transform Your Transition & Master Your Menopause where you’ll find information about the coaching program and costs. Trust begins with transparency.

How do I contact you to get started?

You may contact me by sending an e-mail to jennifer@jenniferheldinc.com.

If you are ready to get on my calendar for your free 90-minute discovery session, head here.

Every person has the right to discover their infinite value, beginning with loving their body, mind, and soul.