A wellbeing coach is a professional coach who takes a holistic approach to helping their clients live healthy and fulfilled lives. Rather than concentrate on one problem, they work with their clients to identify difficulties or issues in all areas of their life (Rosser, J. 2021).
Ryff and Singer (2008) tell that wellbeing includes aspects of subjective wellbeing, such as happiness, life satisfaction (Diener, 1984) as well personal matters such as self-acceptance, purpose in life, environmental mastery, positive relationships, personal growth and autonomy.
The holistic approach that they use considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. It focuses on the bigger picture and interconnectedness rather than merely on individual parts of a person’s life.
Each person comes to a wellbeing coach with a different set of needs and it’s the coach’s role to ensure that they use a person-centred approach. A person with mental health issues will have a different requirement from the coach than someone who would like to improve their physical fitness.
Wellbeing coaching takes a structured approach and is predominantly future focused and goal-oriented, so participants have a clear vision of what they are working towards. Wellbeing coaching also takes a non-directive approach meaning that the person’s views are listened to and considered on their journey to better wellbeing.
As explained in Co-Active Coaching “The coach and coachee have equal, though different, roles. They are co-active in the relationship, so they are collaborators, working together for the benefit of the coachee” (Kimsey-House et al., 2018).
A wellbeing coach may use signposting, when appropriate, as they know local services that may be helpful to the person that they are working with. They may also offer suggestions of book recommendations; a link to a website, podcast, or video; therapy; or a referral to another practitioner for specialist support.
What are the benefits of wellbeing coaching?
There are many potential benefits to working with a wellbeing coach.
These include:
1. Improved mental and emotional health
Wellbeing coaching can help people identify and address underlying issues impacting their mental and emotional wellbeing. This can lead to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and improved overall mental health.
2. Better physical health
Wellbeing coaching can improve a person’s physical health. This may involve developing healthy habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
3. Increased self-awareness
Wellbeing coaching can help someone become more self-aware, and gain better understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can lead to improved self-esteem and confidence, as well as better relationships with others.
4. Improved goal-setting and achievement
Wellbeing coaching can help a person set realistic and achievable goals and develop strategies to achieve those goals. This can help them make progress in areas of life where they may have previously struggled.
5. Improve overall quality of life
Ultimately, the goal of wellbeing coaching is to help someone achieve optimal levels of wellbeing in all areas of their life.
References:
Kimsey-House, H. et al. (2018) Co-active coaching: Changing Business, Transforming lives. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Rosser, J. (2021) What is a wellbeing coach?, Success Stream. Available at: https://www.success-stream.co.uk/what-is-a-wellbeing-coach (Accessed: 25 September 2024).
Ryff, C. and Singer, B. (2008) ‘Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being’, Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), pp.13-39. DOI: 10.1007/s10902-006-9019-0.
What is a holistic approach? (2024) Principles for effective support. Available at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/principles/Pages/holistic.asp (Accessed: 25 September 2024).
What is wellbeing coaching? an easy guide (2024) RSS. Available https://www.bravobenefits.co.uk/blog/what-is-wellbeing-coaching-an-easy-guide (Accessed: 26 September 2024).
ERA wellbeing 