Why I Became a Health Coach
Have you ever felt like you're addressing the symptoms but not the underlying cause? As a new occupational therapist, I watched patients return to the hospital repeatedly, and I kept asking myself why we were only treating immediate issues. This realization, coupled with my father's struggles with heart disease, led me to a transformative journey from traditional occupational therapy to becoming a health coach.
Working in acute care, I was excited to make a difference in people's lives. However, I soon noticed a pattern: patients returning after being discharged, often due to lifestyle factors that weren't adequately addressed. My father's experience with minimal support for his diabetes and high blood pressure highlighted the gaps in our healthcare system. As both a healthcare professional and a daughter, I saw the need for a more comprehensive approach to chronic disease management.
Determined to find evidence-based interventions, I went back to school for my PhD. I learned to critically analyze research and develop interventions that could make a real difference. However, the path from research to practice was slow, and I realized that people like my dad needed better support immediately.
Through my research, I discovered health coaching, which filled the exact gap I identified in acute care. I enrolled in a comprehensive health coach training program and became a board-certified health and wellness coach. This training was transformative, equipping me with skills to help people implement lasting lifestyle changes.
Today, I work as a health coach, specifically helping people with heart disease and stroke address lifestyle factors that impact their health. I also support other occupational therapists in learning health coaching skills, enabling them to expand their practice and improve patient outcomes.
This journey from frustrated acute care OT to health coach hasn't been straightforward, but it has led me to a place where I can truly address the gaps I identified years ago. I invite you to join me on this journey. Are you a healthcare provider feeling similar frustrations, or have you experienced these gaps in care yourself? Let's connect and explore how we can make a difference together.
