Frequently Asked Questions About Health Coaching and Stress Management

Q1. What is health coaching and stress management?

Health coaching provides a confidential, non-judgmental, interactive relationship where clients can work on

• what is most troubling to them about their health and stress levels
• what they most want to change
• what support they have or need

Q2. What is the role of the health coach?

We are there

• to ask questions
• clarify issues
• encourage self discovery and
• keep the client on track.

We are not there to teach, advise, counsel or diagnose health issues.

Q3. Does a health coach need a professional qualification?

Yes, we are trained professionally, and adhere to a Code of Ethics for professional practice and conduct.

Q4. Is the work confidential?

Yes, all coaching conversations are strictly confidential, with the exception of risk to life.

Q5. What do you mean - "creative"?

Creativity is our life energy, it takes many forms, and is also an attitude of mind. Every one has creativity within them in some form, it doesn't have to be restricted to art, music, or writing poetry to name a few. Together we can open up all sorts of possibilities that will enhance your life, help you to reduce your stress levels and improve your health creatively.

Q6. What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching starts with 'now' and focuses on moving forward in your life. Coaching empowers the individual by building  on strengths, and aims to quickly identify and support practical solutions. While coaching may occur face to face, typically it is conducted on the telephone or on line.

Therapy explores what happened in the past in order to make sense of the present. Issues from the past may be  affecting daily functioning. Therapy and counselling are normally conducted face to face, number of sessions will vary.

Q7. What is your philosophy for coaching and stress management?

In coaching, we believe each individual is the expert on their personal and professional life, and that every client has the ability to solve most if not all of his/her problems.

Q8. What if I am undergoing medical treatment already?

As part of our professional responsibility, we would ask you to inform your doctor that you are considering some coaching and stress management, to ensure that we support their treatment and recommendations.

Q9. My doctor has given me a list of changes I need to make in my lifestyle, but I don't know where to begin. Would stress management help?

Stress management coaching will enable you to break down each task into small steps, to be taken one at a time, closely following any treatment advice and plans from your doctor.

Q10. So do you tell me what to do and how to do it?

No, it is more powerful and effective for you to come up with your own solutions.

You find the answers that are right for you, through the coaching process.

If you do get stuck, you will be offered suggestions that you can accept, reject or modify.

Q11. I have limited physical abilities - will you be asking me to go to the gym to work out?

Many people are not athletic, but our bodies do need to move. You will be encouraged to engage in activities that you choose and enjoy to benefit your physical health, and reduce your stress levels.

Q12.  What is a stress-related illness?

Our bodies have a natural defence against infections and disease - the immune system. When we experience chronic, long-term stress, as well as major stress events, both good and bad, the body repeatedly releases a chain of chemical reactions in response. Eventually this can damage the immune system, and we develop illnesses as a direct or indirect result.

Q13. What are some examples of stress-related illness?

Stress affects our physical, emotional and mental health. Here are a few examples of stress related illness.

• High blood pressure, stroke, heart disease
• Insomnia
• Digestive disorders
• Anxiety and depression, panic attacks
• Headaches/migraine
• Increase in allergic conditions

Q14. I have some major changes to make in the state of my health, how quickly can I do this?

As tempting as it is to want to rush things, ask yourself how long has the problem taken to develop?

You will start by making achievable steps forward, and building on one small success after another to reach the results you want.

Q15. All my new year resolutions to de-stress come to nothing after a few weeks - to change my diet, take more exercise, practice my yoga, give up smoking, etc. Is it really possible for me to change?

Yes, if you understand the process of change. Too often, we try to leap into action immediately, without realising that we aren't ready. This can result in discouraging failures. We need time to prepare for making changes, so that is one of the first tasks. Where are you now? What do you need to do in this stage to prepare for moving on to the next stage?

Q16. How do I find out  more?

Just send an email, with your contact details and information about your needs or your organisation's. We will arrange a time to answer your questions.

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