Functional Medicine Coaching recognizes that we are not like cars that need to have our parts occasionally repaired or swapped out; we are whole human beings that become well when all the various aspects of our lives are in balance. This includes everything from what we eat to how we move, relax, de-stress, sleep, play, and love. It includes creating spaces where we live and thrive, that support our well-being. It includes finding meaningful occupations and living abundantly within our means. It means knowing who we are, our sense of self, our strengths, our motivations, and our joy. It's the whole deal.
In a coaching relationship, you, the client, are the expert in your own life. You know what you are ready to tackle and when and how! You probably already know what you need to know to make the changes that will help you thrive. But you might not feel too confident, or know how to begin, or what to try next. You might just need someone to keep you on track and help you draw on your resources! That is where a coach comes in!
Together, we will identify your strengths, set some priorities and short- and long-term goals, and build a plan. If you want some resources, I can help you find them. If you need to revise your goals, we can do that! You drive the agenda--every time!
If you are wondering if coaching is right for you, let's have a free "introductory session." You can talk about what you would like to achieve, and I can tell you what I have to offer within my scope of practice. We will talk about fees and schedules and the logistics of coaching. You decide if we are a good fit. (See the form I will invite you to sign.)
Once you decide to work with a coach, we will spend some time gathering information, especially about what motivates you (and what hijacks you), what your long term goals are, and what your strengths are. I have some questionnaires that you might find helpful. (Here is a questionnaire to get you started!) At the end of this conversation, we will have some ideas about where to start together and how we might set things in motion.
After these initial sessions, you decide how often you want to meet (usually every one to two weeks), for how long each session (20 minutes to an hour), and for how many weeks (4 to 6 months is optimal, as some effective change takes time and commitment). But of course, you can change this plan if and when you need to. We are flexible.
When you feel you can continue the changes you have made, we can switch to maintenance mode: we check in once a month. Again, at any time, we can make adjustments to the schedule.
Lasting healthy change takes time to become habitual. It has taken you a long time to get where you are now, so be patient with yourself and give yourself time. I will be beside you as long as you need me.
Rest assured that all of our communication has a double layer of privacy built in. This G-Suite account is HIPAA compliant, which means that your personal health information is protected. I am bound by law to protect any information you give me. That said, I am also bound by law to report your intentions to harm yourself or others, or if you are being harmed. (Talk to a counselor or therapist if this is something you need to discuss.) You may share any information about our sessions if you like.