What is health coaching?

Health coaching is now recognized as the foremost way to improve the future of healthcare and reverse chronic disease [1][2]. Respected medical institutions like Mayo Clinic get it; they now include coaches as an essential component of their care team. So why all the buzz? Health coaching works. Simply, people don’t like to be told what to do! Your doctor gives you their expert advice, and your family tells you their opinions. But a health coach listens to you and recognizes that you are the most knowledgeable person of your body (you have been living with it for decades)! When a health coach partners with you, they bring their knowledge in health, behavior change, and motivation. When this expertise is combined with your knowledge of you, then goals can be co-created based on your values and needs with the coach outlining manageable action steps. You, the client, will then be able to experiment and try different ways of breaking old bad habits, creating new healthy ones, while the coach holds you accountable. Through this process you will be supported no matter where you are at, and you will become empowered to become a better you! People that work with health coaches develop skills that provide them work-life balance, better relationships, and greater happiness in their lives! They often become role models to those same friends and families that were trying to tell them what to do in the first place!

Why a functional health coach?

Functional health principles are based on scientific research and living a lifestyle that considers our biology. Wellness is viewed holistically with sleep, stress, diet, and movement as central aspects with importance also placed on social connection, having fun, and connecting with nature. As an ADAPT certified functional health coach, I have training in all these aforementioned areas of health and can support clients in finding the best information to support their health journey. In addition, I am certified through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.

What you get when working with a health coach…

  • Nonjudgemental support—someone that meets you where you are at with your health.
  • A coach that will listen to not only what you say, but also the meaning behind your words.
  • Help developing long-term goals and manageable short-term goals that support your values.
  • Self-confidence that you can achieve and maintain goals.
  • Tools to break bad habits and learn new healthy ones.
  • An accountability partner and someone that can teach you how to hold yourself accountable.
  • Expertise on how to optimize your lifestyle for health through sleep, diet, movement, and stress reduction.
  • The latest health information based on science with easy to follow handouts.
  • Someone trained in empathetic communication that can help you understand the needs behind your feelings and provide you tools for self-compassion and better communication with friends, families, and coworkers!

Jenny brought focus at a time when I needed direction. I think I’ve always been resistant to self-help, but I was desperately in need of self-care. Jenny helped me to realign some behaviors, become more mindful, and gave me real tools to unlock happiness and achieve goals.

Staci P.

I have worked with Jenny for 6 months. In that time, I have established life-changing habits that are enhancing my life with autoimmune disorders. She has been instrumental in my success, always showing me kindness and acceptance as well as accountability. I have ADHD,  so on my own, I have challenges with follow-up and staying on track. Jenny is gentle, kind, and a joy to talk with.

Leslie R

How could a conversation change your life? Talking weekly with Jenny has done just that. She’s smart, reliable and has a great understanding of gut microbiome research. She also keeps me focused on my goals.

Lizzy K.

I’ve struggled for years with having healthy boundaries, too often finding myself pouring my energy into work and neglecting self-care. I have been working with Jenny for a few months now, and I must say I’ve witnessed a change in myself. Through Jenny‘s coaching sessions and because of her helpful, thought-provoking encouragement, I am now limiting my hours in the office and finally focusing on my health. I look forward to seeing what the future holds with these new-found skills!

Candice B.