Wellbeing coaches: common myths debunked

You may have some sense of what wellbeing coaches might do, but would you be able to define their role precisely? A wellbeing coach is essentially a professional who works with an individual or organisation to improve general health and wellbeing through developing the right habits and setting personal goals for making positive lifestyle changes.

Areas their work encompasses include things like physical and mental health, nutrition, stress management, self-esteem and confidence. They develop personalised plans, offer constant support and guidance and focus firmly on behavioural change, ultimately, allowing people to have autonomy over their own wellbeing. In some cases, they may signpost clients to other services, from social prescribing to self-help groups.

Their role is very much one of facilitator as someone works towards leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Yet, as with so many things, wellbeing coaches’ work is often surrounded by a number of myths about what they do. Here, we aim to debunk some of them:

·       **They have no wellbeing concerns themselves – they’re perfect!**

Often, coaches have experienced the same struggles as their clients, indeed they may still be working on them. This empathy makes for a strong coaching relationship based on a lived understanding of what you’re going through. Something that has worked for them personally may well work for you, too.

·       **Won’t they judge me on my lifestyle on weight?**

Well, if they do, they’re certainly not doing their job properly. As mentioned above, many work in this field to use their own understanding of the issues involved to help others to become healthier and happier, in a completely non-judgemental way.

·       **It’s all about ‘alternative’ therapies rather than conventional medicine**

Again, not so. Alternative medicine is certainly not their primary focus. True, some coaches may incorporate some elements of these therapies into their practice. But their main goal is always to help people to improve their overall health and wellbeing via targeted goals and lifestyle and behavioural changes. Wellbeing coaches certainly appreciate the key importance of conventional medicine in all our lives.

·       **Don’t they eat nothing but kale – and won’t they make me do the same?**

These are more myths. Wellbeing coaching is about helping clients to work out what foods and habits make them feel their best, so it’s about progress and not perfection, and making small and realistic yet effective changes which lead to good, lasting habits. No coach will make you count every last calorie, follow the newest dietary fad or rush out to buy whatever has been billed as the latest superfood.

·       **They’re too expensive and won’t be able to help me anyway**

Both of these are yet further myths. Clearly, as with anything else, there can be no guarantees. You’ll need commitment and an open mind. But put in the effort yourself and you will see results. After all, how often can you spend an hour talking to someone who is really, actively listening? The simple act of opening up in a safe space can itself make a huge difference.

And, as for the cost, that’s likely to be less than you may have thought. And we’re all quick to spend on clothes or things like takeaways or going out, without questioning the cost. But surely you should be your own best investment?