What is a Holistic Health Coach?
Holistic health coaches are experts on integrating all aspects of a person’s life—physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual—to solve health problems and improve wellness.
In this article, we’ll talk about all things holistic health coaches to give you a better understanding of what they are and what they actually do.
Plus I’ll tell a story and give a real life example of what a day is like working with a holistic coach.
What is a Holistic Health Coach?
Holistic health coaching is a personalized approach to health and wellness that considers the whole person.
All 5 components of health: Physical, Menal, Emotional, Social, Spiritual.
Learn 5 habits to incorporate each of the components of health daily in our article here.
Holistic coaches serve as guides and mentors, supporting their patients in
- Preventing health issues before they occur
- Setting achievable goals for current wellness problems
- Providing ongoing accountability and motivation
This style of medicine includes a focus on nutrition, exercise, stress management, spiritual practices, and lifestyle adjustments, to help patients achieve their health goals.
Unlike traditional medical approaches that often focus just on symptoms, holistic health coaches try to uncover the root causes of health issues and empower their students to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
An Example of Holistic Coaching in Action
Sara’s Stress and Indigestion
Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing executive, struggled with chronic stress and digestive issues for years.
Her busy lifestyle and demanding job left her feeling constantly stressed and bloated, affecting both her work performance and personal life.
Frustrated with conventional treatments that provided temporary relief at best, she turned to holistic health coaching for a more sustainable solution.
Initial Meeting
Sarah’s holistic health coach began with a thorough assessment of her lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and emotional well-being.
Through personalized consultations, the coach discovered that Sarah’s high-stress job and irregular eating habits were contributing significantly to her digestive issues.
Stress Management
Together, Sara and her coach found she wasn’t sleeping as much as she could have been and developed a plan to get more quality sleep:
- Darkening her bedroom with blackout curtains
- Using white noise
- Eating no big meals within 2 hours of bedtime
Diet Adjustments
The coach guided Sarah in making dietary adjustments suited to her needs. They focused on incorporating whole, nutrient-dense foods and eliminating some indigestion triggers like processed foods and caffeine.
Sarah noticed she felt feeling lighter and more energetic as she made these changes and was able to get more done at work and at home.
The Results
Over several months of holistic coaching, Sarah experienced significant improvements.
Her digestive issues gradually subsided, and she felt less bloated and more comfortable after meals.
More importantly, Sarah developed resilience to stress and learned some really impactful techniques to keep her energy high long-term.
A Day in My Life Working With a Holistic Health Coach
7:30 AM – Light Breakfast
Thanks to my coach, I’ve learned to create breakfast meals that provide sustained energy.
Today, it’s a green smoothie with protein powder—a quick and light meal to keep my morning energy consistent.
10:00 AM – A Moment of Quiet
Mid-morning, I take a moment for meditation.
It’s a moment of quiet and presentness during a busy, blurry day.
My coach introduced me to meditation as a way to slow down, reduce stress, and improve my energy.
12:00 PM – Lunchtime Movement
After sitting down for lunch, I prioritize movement.
Usually a 15-minute walk.
This habit started after I complained to my coach about the afternoon energy crash I always experienced.
Getting active at midday boosts my mood, limits that crash, and keeps me energized for the afternoon ahead.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Session With My Coach
In our afternoon session, we discuss recent stress and emotional triggers.
While a Doctor may suggest medication or a therapist may suggest behavioral changes, my coach considers all strategies, physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual that could help me navigate these problems effectively.
It’s empowering to confront and manage my emotions with support.
5:00 PM – Unwind
As the day winds down, positive activities that give me joy and energy like lifting weights, spending time with my wife, running, or listening to podcasts.
These rituals are important for my well-being and fill my cup so I can be back to work tomorrow.
My coach holds me accountable to make sure I’m regularly doing things I enjoy to balance mind, body, and spirit.
Types of Holistic Health Coach Meetings
Initial Consultation and Assessment
In an initial consultation with a new client, holistic health coaches conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the client’s health history, current challenges, and goals.
Developing a Personalized Wellness Plan
Based on assessment findings, holistic health coaches collaborate with clients to create personalized wellness plans.
These plans integrate dietary recommendations, exercise routines, stress management techniques, and other holistic practices tailored to the patient’s unique needs and preferences.
Check-Ins and Reassessments
Holistic health coaches conduct regular check-ins with clients to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.
During these sessions, coaches assess adherence to wellness plans, discuss successes and challenges, and adjust strategies as needed.
Reassessments are periodically conducted to evaluate overall effectiveness, celebrate achievements, and set new health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holistic Health Coaching vs. Wellness Coaching
While wellness coaching focuses primarily on physical health and behavior change, holistic health coaching adopts a more integrative approach. It addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
How to Become a Holistic Health Coach
Aspiring holistic health coaches pursue specialized training and certification programs accredited by reputable organizations.
Accredited holistic health coach certification programs offer curriculums covering nutrition, lifestyle interventions, stress management, and coaching techniques.
Certification requirements typically include coursework, practical training, supervised coaching hours, and successful completion of certification exams.
Learn more about the pros and cons of persuing a career in health coaching in a Youtube Video here
Where Do Holistic Health Coaches Work?
Holistic health coaches may establish private practices, work in healthcare settings, corporate wellness programs, or collaborate with holistic health centers. Earning potential varies based on experience, specialization, and client base.
