Health coaching is an increasingly popular way for individuals to receive support and guidance in their health and wellbeing journey. I’d like to address some of the criticisms of the industry. Health coaching has such potential, provided it uses safe, effective, and evidence-based approaches. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common criticisms of health coaching and what can be done to address them.
- Lack of formal training and certification
One of the biggest criticisms of the health coaching industry is the lack of formal training and certification requirements. There is potential for inconsistent quality and unreliable advice.
I absolutely agree with this.
I respect that others have different opinions and offer different services. Personally, I would not use a medical intuitive coach, for example, but others might. The health coaches that I work with are accredited health and fitness professionals. For example, I’m a Registered Nurse with many years frontline experience. I work with Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists, Functional Medicine GPs, Dietitians, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers to name a few.
We are trained and educationally supported, by an internationally recognised body using a unique combination of technology and education. The courses we do are recognised by several professional bodies for yearly professional development/education points.
- Lack of medical expertise
Health coaches are not necessarily medical professionals. Some can lack the knowledge and expertise to diagnose or treat medical conditions. This should be a concern for clients with chronic health conditions who need medical care.
Ouch!
As I mentioned above – I am an RN with extensive experience. As a health coach, I work closely with other medical professionals to ensure that clients receive the best possible care. I attend weekly training to keep my knowledge sharp and regularly update my certification so I can provide informed and safe advice to clients.
- Emphasis on unproven techniques
Some health coaches promote unproven techniques or remedies that lack scientific evidence. This can be misleading and potentially harmful to clients.
It absolutely can and that’s why I use evidence-based approaches that are supported by scientific research to ensure that clients receive reliable and safe advice that can help them achieve their health and wellbeing goals.
- Limited scope of practice
Health coaching is a relatively new field and is not yet recognized as a distinct profession in many countries. This limits the scope of practice for health coaches and can make it difficult for them to work within the healthcare system.
Recognition and regulation of health coaching will come in time to ensure that health coaching is a safe and effective approach to promoting health and wellbeing. Until then, if you’re seeking a health coach, I would rely on those with primary qualifications in the health, wellbeing and fitness areas.
Potential conflict of interest
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a world where people only did what was genuinely the best for others all the time… Some health coaches have financial relationships with companies that sell products or services related to health and wellbeing. This can lead to a conflict of interest and potentially biased advice for clients.
Health coaches should be transparent about their relationships and disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Clients need unbiased and trustworthy advice that is in their best interest without any pressured sales tactics. It is always the client’s decision to pursue though.
Health coaching is a valuable and promising approach to promoting health and wellbeing. The current medical model is reactive – once you have symptoms, you seek treatment. What I really enjoy about what I do, is being proactive – preventing the problem. The effectiveness of the approach can only be appreciated over time that will see generations improving their health and wellbeing. I often wonder what the world will be like if we could eliminate lifestyle diseases instead of accepting their inevitability and treating them once they develop.
Do you have an interest in this area?
Would you like to know more?
Get in contact with me and let’s explore what epigenetic health coaching can do for you. https://calendly.com/michele-scherr/15min
