Health Coaching is Different.

There’s a revolution happening in healthcare, particularly for women. It’s all over social media. Women are tired of being quiet about their experiences in doctors’ offices. Empathetic doctors in women’s healthcare are speaking out about the disparity in care between men and women. I, myself, experienced a dismissive attitude and medical gaslighting before finally getting the help I needed from functional medicine practitioners.

So what’s the difference between health coaching and the current model of mainstream medicine? One word: partnership.

Let me tell you a little secret. Nobody knows everything. Even the most educated, most experienced, smartest doctor in the world can not possibly know everything. So when I hear story after story of women being told their symptoms are “all in their head,” or “just stress” or “not real,” what I interpret that to mean is their doctor isn’t knowledgeable about women’s health (or that specific condition in women’s health). Instead of admitting that and working with their patient to uncover new knowledge, they prefer to put the burden back on the patient.

Does this sound familiar?

If so, I’m sorry. I know what that feels like. Having gone through this process myself, I can tell you there is a world of difference between “Your labs are normal, so … take a Tums” (real life quote from my doctor’s visit!) and “I’m not sure why you’re having all these symptoms, but we’ll investigate and figure it out together” (another real life quote, but from a better doctor!)

As a health coach, I don’t pretend to know everything. Yes, I’ve spent years studying autoimmune symptoms and treatments. Yes, I’ve been through it myself. But your body is not my body, or another client’s body, or anyone else’s in the world. Your life experiences, genetic makeup, outlook on life: all unique!

So the vow I make is to partner with you, using my knowledge and curiosity. The commitment I ask you to make is to bring your own curiosity, your optimism and willingness to try something new in the quest for a better life.

I can’t promise we’ll find a cure for every symptom you have. Healing isn’t linear, it doesn’t always move as fast as you’d like, and it certainly isn’t guaranteed. But together, we can try.

Disclaimer: This blog isn’t meant to be taken as medical advice. It’s for educational purposes only.