What wellness coaching actually offers
Holistic care matters for everyone, and mental health is finally getting the open discussion and understanding it deserves. When people hear “wellness coaching,” the first reaction is often that it's costly, or simply “not for me.” But most of us have been in a season where life felt like it was in crisis and we didn't know how to handle it, some worked through it, others are still figuring it out.
A wellness coach helps clients make positive changes that affect their health, typically starting with physical health and letting mental health improvements follow naturally. Coaches help clients set goals, build a healthy mindset, and form healthy habits, encouraging them every step of the way. The goal of the coaching process is to empower the client to reach self-determined goals related to health and wellness.
Where physical therapy comes in
Physical therapists already provide patient education and prescribe physical activity and lifestyle changes to help manage the burden of disease. The nature of physical therapy practice, regular sessions, ongoing relationships, creates natural opportunities for coaching that promotes health well beyond the original injury or condition.
Emotional support and a plan to reach your goals
Life gets overwhelming, and stress is a major factor in acquiring disease and illness. A wellness coach makes things easier by offering the support and emotional help needed to get through hard times. They also help you build a detailed plan to reach your goals, including the parts of your day devoted to your health, so you're waking up with clear intent rather than drifting through the day.
Unbiased input, and a focus on you
The people closest to us often soften the truth so as not to hurt our feelings, or even hide our mistakes to spare us. Growth requires someone willing to call out our shortcomings, and a wellness coach can give that unbiased input. They also give you something rare: dedicated time to focus on yourself, when work, family, and friends leave little room for it. Physical therapists certified in wellness coaching are trained to assess your needs and build an individualized, self-directed plan for both your health and your well-being.
Your health and well-being should be a top priority, and your health team is there to help you get there.