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“Combining a whole-life focus with scientifically validated techniques to change your mind is the work of well-trained, certified health and wellness coaches.” — Margaret Moore, CNN Health, How a wellness coach changes your mind
In an article for CNN Health, health coach and CEO of Wellcoaches Corp, Margaret Moore, writes about the powerful impact that coaching can have on overall health.
Citing a CDC study which found that less than 10% of people believe their lives are ideal, Moore notes, “We can’t improve health when we are in a stressed-out state. Instead, cultivating a thriving mind is necessary to attain a healthy body.”
Helping to cultivate the thriving mind is where health coaches come in.
Dive Deeper: Behavior Change: The Path Towards Health Transformation
Finding the power to change
Great coaches empower people to change their behavior and take ownership of their own health. Why? Because better health is only achieved when people realize that they alone have the power to improve their own health.
Want to learn how health coaching empowered patient Frank Garcia to lose 40 pounds? Read his story here.
Transtheoretical model of change
At Vera, health coaches—and providers—are trained to utilize the transtheoretical model of change. This model breaks down behavior change into five key stages:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
Coaches employ empathetic listening practices to identify which stage of behavior change a person is in and then use specific goals to empower them to reach the next stage.
Because Vera providers and health coaches are trained using the transtheoretical model, the benefits of coaching are embedded into every interaction a patient has at an on-site care center.
This common language allows collaboration and coordination between provider, patients, and health coaches. Working together, patients and their dedicated care teams can focus on improving health through clearly identified, achievable goals.
Want to learn more? Check out our FREE guide to learn the science of behavior change and why it’s essential to helping patients, an explanation of the barriers that prevent providers from helping patients achieve behavior change, and a new model of primary care that makes it possible again.
