Introduction to Health and Wellness Coaching highlights the opportunity for lifestyle change to support health and well-being. But change is often easier said than done, while people may desire to pursue healthier habits, many are simply challenged in doing so. This presentation by Karen Croll and Tiffany Ritter brings awareness to Health and Wellness Coaching and how it can be a vehicle to support members in bridging the gaps between intention and behavior.

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Health and wellness coaching is not just about providing advice—it's about partnering with individuals to support meaningful, sustainable lifestyle changes. During a recent session, GoldCare coaches Tiffany Ritter and Karen Kroll shared their expertise, offering practical insights into how coaching helps bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

Meet the Coaches

• Tiffany Ritter has over 19 years of experience in health and wellness. She began her career as a clinical dietitian, working in hospitals and outpatient care. After missionary work in Southeast Asia, she transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach with additional training in lifestyle medicine.
• Karen Kroll took a different path. After a career unrelated to health, her own health challenges led her to discover the transformative power of coaching. She trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and now serves as chapter president for the Holistic Chamber of Commerce in Hilton Head, focusing on integrative practices and community networking.

The Importance of Lifestyle in Health

Research in lifestyle medicine has shown that over half of what affects your health is determined by lifestyle choices. Common risk factors include:

• Poor nutrition
• Physical inactivity
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep quality
• Lack of social connections

According to the CDC, six in ten adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, and four in ten have two or more. Many of these conditions, often referred to as lifestyle diseases, develop over time due to prolonged exposure to unhealthy habits.

Why Is Changing Behavior So Difficult?

Knowing what to do is one thing—making lasting changes is another. Many people struggle with:

• Maintaining consistency in habits like exercise.
• Adapting to changes that disrupt plans (e.g., bad weather, illness).
• Feeling stuck in repetitive cycles of starting and stopping.

Even with clear health goals, like weight loss or lowering blood pressure, many people are not ready to commit to the behaviors needed to achieve those outcomes. Without proper preparation, jumping into a new routine often leads to burnout and disappointment.

The Role of a Health Coach

Health and wellness coaching offers a supportive partnership that helps individuals make lasting lifestyle changes. Coaches don’t prescribe solutions or demand compliance—they guide clients through a personalized process of discovery, goal setting, and accountability.

What Sets Coaching Apart from Other Support Methods?

Unlike education, mentoring, or consulting, coaching is:

• Client-centered: You set the goals, and the coach supports your journey.
• Non-judgmental: Coaches act as accountability partners, offering support without criticism.
• Empowering: The focus is on helping you tap into your internal motivation and resources.

The Coaching Process

1. Initial Session: Typically an hour long, this session helps develop a vision and focus areas for your health journey.
2. Follow-up Sessions: Usually every two weeks, these 45-minute meetings support goal-setting, address challenges, and build sustainable habits.
3. Behavioral Change Support: Coaches help you identify barriers, such as limiting beliefs or external distractions, and support you in overcoming them.

Coaching vs. Expert Advice

In traditional expert-driven approaches, professionals tell you what to do. Coaching, on the other hand, empowers you to find your own answers. Here’s how coaching differs:

Expert ApproachCoach ApproachAuthority figureEqual partner in your journeyProvides solutionsHelps foster your own possibilitiesFocuses on problemsFocuses on strengthsDefines the agendaYou define your own goalsGives adviceEncourages self-discovery

The Holistic Focus of Coaching

Coaches work with clients on all aspects of well-being, including:

• Nutrition and exercise
• Sleep improvement
• Stress management
• Work-life balance
• Emotional and spiritual well-being

Sometimes, the root of a health issue might lie in unexpected areas—like finances contributing to stress, which then triggers unhealthy eating habits.

When Should You Consider Coaching?

Coaching can help you:

• Implement lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare providers.
• Set and achieve personal health goals.
• Build sustainable habits for long-term health improvements.

You don’t need a medical condition to benefit—coaching also supports prevention and finding meaning and purpose in life.

How Coaching Sessions Work

• Initial Intake: One hour to set goals and build a personalized plan.
• Ongoing Support: Regular sessions (usually 45 minutes) to track progress and adjust strategies.
• Flexibility: Sessions are tailored to your needs, with the goal of supporting sustainable change.

Is Coaching Right for You?

If you’ve struggled to turn knowledge into action or need support sticking to a health plan, health and wellness coaching can help. Coaches provide tools, motivation, and accountability to help you build habits that last.

Final Thoughts from Tiffany and Karen

Tiffany and Karen emphasized that coaching isn’t about giving advice—it’s about helping you unlock your own potential. Whether your goal is weight management, improving sleep, or reducing stress, a coach can be the partner you need to navigate change and live your best life.