There are very few things that can't be done online these days: you can study, you can work, you can have fun, you can date, shop and you can socialise. So what about our health? Can we improve our health over the internet?
Certainly many people use the internet to self diagnose their health conditions, but ultimately there is still no replacement for seeing a medical professional, even if you arrive there thinking you know what is wrong with you.
So if this is the case, does it apply to online health and weight loss coaching too, where coaching professionals work with you to achieve your goals. Weight loss coaching online is on the rise as a new and dynamic way to improve your health, but can it really work? If coaching is about a relationship between two people, one guiding the other to achieve their goals, how can it work if they've never met?
If you are searching on the internet, it can sometimes seem very confusing to know where to start, and even more importantly, to know whom you can trust. The important thing, when it comes to your health is taking time for a bit of research and planning.
When you move to a new area, you would usually ask around for recommendations for Drs' surgeries, dentists and other health practitioners. In the same way, if you find someone that interests you on the internet, read their testimonials, look in to their credentials, 'Google' the person's name, review the websites of the institutions where diplomas have been issued, and review the free material offered. Most health professionals will offer a free initial consultation, so take advantage of this and see how it suits you.
Any relationship is built on a mutual understanding and you can achieve this by having confidence in their professionalism. Once you have this, you will begin to feel you can trust this person and, whether you have met them or not, you will be able to work with them to identify what you value most, what your ultimate health goals are and, identify your priorities.
Ultimately a coaching relationship is about communicating with each other and working together to build a personalized plan of action, and as long as the trust and communication are there, the face to face ingredient is not necessary.
The online coaching platforms available today provide access to your coach and coaching program 24 hours a day. Some of these programs enhance the coaching experience by offering one simple secure login from any computer in the world at any time of day, so you can access your file, additional resources, 'my journal', appointment reminders, questionnaires, payment plans, coach feedback forms, your coach's calender for making and changing appointments by yourself, important documents and inspirational exercises. This technology enhances and streamlines your program, also gives the client important boosts to the coaching program in between sessions.
Online coaching has another advantage, and that is in respecting how each of us organizes our precious time. A scheduled phone call may be influenced by a hectic day, or questions that need some thought might not get the attention they deserve in the call. Some online programs are a question-and-answer format with homework exercises for the client, and this work can be completed at a time convenient to the client, possibly in the evening or on weekends. Answers or brief essays can be re-read and re-written as many times as desirable and are available for viewing at any time.
Typically, an online/on phone coaching program is a combination of communication techniques with state-of-the-art technology, so that the change process is being fully addressed. Work is done by thinking and planning, by goal setting and taking action, by adjustment and improvement of the program over time, by learning and reflecting, by researching when necessary.
Health and weight loss coaching online is a growing way to ensure a personalized, effective, and private program. The trusting relationship with the professional coach provides a safe place where personal discovery and growth can happen. The healthy habits program is designed around the individual, rather than the individual trying to organize his life to adapt to a one-size-fits-all program. Adjustments are a built in dynamic!
Tatiana Abend is a trained and certified Health and Wellness coach and the founder/owner of BodyVision SL company. She is the co-host of the popular 'wellness coaches' radio show and the director of the health coaching department at the USP Clinica Palmaplanas hospital. All information is available at http://www.bodyvisionsl.com
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