- A health and wellness coach is a personal guide who helps people make lifestyle changes to improve their health. They can help with physical activity, nutrition, weight management, stress, and more.
- What they do is Help clients reach their goals, Support clients in making lifestyle changes, Help clients stay accountable, Work with clients to improve their vitality and well-being, and Help clients prevent disease.
- Where they work, they May work in a private practice, work with clients virtually or in person, run workshops, facilitate wellness programs, or create online products.
Certifications
- May need to be certified to work as a wellness coach
- May need a certification, degree, or license if their coaching involves regulated health practices
- May get certified from accredited organizations like the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
When to work with a health coach
- You might find a health coach in the community in a private practice
- Your primary care provider may suggest working with a health coach
- You might sign up for health coaching through a workplace wellness program
Patient/Client referral to a health coach
A doctor or other healthcare provider can refer a cancer patient to a health coach. Health coaches can help with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer. [1, 2, 3, 4]
How can a health coach help? [1]
- Emotional support: Provide a safe space to express feelings, fears, and concerns [1]
- Medical information: Help understand medical jargon and treatment options [4]
- Lifestyle changes: Help manage physical and emotional side effects [4]
- Referrals: Connect patients with local services like counselors, therapists, and physical therapists [5]
- Personalized care: Help personalize care and coaching to meet the patient's needs [5]
Other cancer support resources: [6, 7]
- Support groups
- Counseling services from organizations like the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation
Cancer patients can experience a range of challenges, including physical symptoms, emotional distress, and financial concerns. Health coaches can help patients navigate these challenges and improve their quality of life. [1, 4, 5, 8]
References:
[1] https://oncologyrecovery.com.au/health-coaching-for-cancer-patients/
[2] https://www.curetoday.com/view/searching-for-a-cancer-coach
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9662252/
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-cancer-coach-how-know-its-time-work-one-catherine-schopfer-7zyfe
[5] https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/blog/cancer-coaching-for-patients-and-survivors
[6] https://www.lls.org/support-resources/other-helpful-organizations/patient-and-caregiver-support-and-counseling/mental
[7] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/support-groups
[8] https://cancercoach.co/