This year, the National Board of Medical Examiners (the organization that is an essential part of the physician licensing process) joined forces to help set up a certification examination for coaches who work with patients in the field of health and wellness. Their partner in this effort is the National Consortium for Credentialing Health and Wellness Coaches (NCCHWC). This effort is an acknowledgement that coaching is increasingly seen as part of comprehensive health management, and that the profession needs to be held to standards of training, skills, and education.
This development may be of interest to individuals with keratoconus who have considered adding a coach to their team.
It is not unusual for a KC patient to have an ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, and contact lens specialist managing different aspects of their vision care. A life coach or a health and wellness coach brings a different set of skills to address non-medical issues.
Chronic conditions like keratoconus impact life plans and life goals. Unlike someone who can quit smoking and improve health, or adopt healthy eating habits to manage diabetes, an individual with KC can’t simply change diet to improve vision. However, goal setting and adjusting attitudes can lead to improved quality of life. For some people, a coach provides the tools to address and overcome the challenges that accompany life with KC.
Wellness coaches are not medical professionals; they empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals. Most employ a variety of techniques from recognized authorities and resources to create action plans. While a coach is nonjudgmental and supportive, a coach is also there to hold the patient accountable for the change desired.
Charlotte Terwolbeck, a coach in Carlsbad, CA, focuses on life coaching. Her style is to bring movement into a life that may seem stuck. “My perspective is that you have to be aware that you are the one who will travel. The coach guides you, but doesn’t do the work for you.”
There is no constant in how the coaching process occurs. Some maintain on-line contact, while others meet in person. Coaching may take place for a concentrated period, or may extend over time with ‘homework’ assignments that keep the change process ongoing. Terwolbeck notes that selecting the right coach is personal. “I would say choose a coach where you feel a connection and take a good look at the methods and programs he/she offers.”
Some may argue that a medical understanding of the disease is important for the coach, while others rely on training related to interventions and self-discovery tools. Terwolbeck agrees with the latter view. “Knowledge about the (medical) condition shouldn’t be necessary I would say. Understanding and respect are more important.” She concluded, “Keep in mind that a good coach creates awareness and moves you out of your comfort zone since that is where your growth happens.”
Many life coaches have accreditation from groups like the International Coach Federation. The soon to be certification offered by the NCCHWC will focus on individuals whose work focuses on health issues.
Have you worked with a life coach? If you have experience working with a coach for KC-related issues, let us know what you think.
Visit ICF at CoachFederation.org and NCCHWC for information about coaching credentials.
To learn more about Charlotte Terwolbeck’s coaching philosophy, visit her website, On Board Seminars.
