so… you want to become a health coach?

Written By Laura Demeri Health Coaching

Many individuals pursue the journey of becoming health and wellness coaches for similar reasons. A common motivation is a profound desire to help others, often stemming from a lifelong passion for health and wellness. Another frequent catalyst is a personal, often traumatic, experience in which they felt misinformed or neglected by those from whom they sought care. Having overcome these challenges, they are now committed to guiding others through similar situations and helping them avoid the pain they once faced.

This deep calling to assist others brings significant meaning and purpose to their lives. However, it is crucial to recognize that many aspiring coaches can be overly eager to help, which sometimes disrupts their clients' processes. This eagerness can lead to confusion and frustration among health coach students, who often question the purpose of their involvement. Many express uncertainty with questions like, "Aren't I supposed to be helping them with something?" The answer is indeed "yes." Health coaches facilitate a process wherein individuals can build trust in themselves and work toward their desired life goals. While this may seem simplistic, the practice of "holding the space" requires time, effort, and consistent practice to master.

By honoring this process, health coaches guide clients to discover their unique paths to wellness and encourage them to believe in their potential. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and patience is essential, as there is always more to learn about oneself. This journey is not a one-time event; it demands continuous effort and growth.

The essence of health coaching lies in recognizing that effective coaching requires ongoing self-reflection and personal development. The fundamental goal of a health coach is to empower clients to become self-sufficient and nurture their ability to coach themselves with self-compassion. The coach’s commitment to developing these skills also leads to the rewarding experience of learning to be one’s own best friend. This is why I say, “Health coaching is a gift that keeps on giving.”

REFLECTION

What’s your why?

Laura Demeri Health Coaching

If you believe in the 10,000 hours theory, I’ve surpassed it twice—once as an educator and again as a health coach.

For more than twenty years, I’ve taught health and wellness topics—first in traditional classrooms and now on Zoom. My teaching style emphasizes community and connection, creating a student-centered environment where everyone feels challenged, respected, heard, and seen.

As a health coach with Kaiser Permanente, I had the privilege of supporting members across the Pacific Northwest. I worked with diverse populations on a wide range of lifestyle topics and contributed to a Randomized Controlled Trial on smartphone-guided self-help for adults with binge eating, under the guidance of Drs. Tim Hillabrand and Rebecca Greif at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This experience strengthened my expertise in supporting individuals with disordered eating and weight loss.

Equally valuable was the opportunity to collaborate daily with nine talented coaches in a shared space. Having constant access to peer consultation and the chance to observe different coaching styles was an invaluable experience—one that has become increasingly rare post-COVID.

That’s why I’m honored and excited to create this platform—a place where coaches can come together to learn, share, and find genuine support. It’s also a co-op for individuals who want to connect with coaches dedicated to continually growing their skills to better meet each person’s unique needs.

https://www.laurademeri.com