Wellness Coaching
What is a Wellness Coach?
A wellness coach helps clients look at the big picture and partner with them to develop a program that fits their needs,
values, and vision while helping them overcome barriers that prevent them from reaching their wellness goals.
Through thoughtful assessment and inquiry, collaborative problem-solving and goal-setting, and safe, open, and honest
dialogue, coaches help their clients become clearer on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.
Clients feel accountable to themselves and their coaches. They make and honor their commitments to reaching their goals,
accomplishing more than they believed possible when they began.
Reasons to work with a wellness coach include an interest in:
The Process
I work in partnership with my clients to help them achieve their health and wellness goals.
1. Well-being Assessment: Clients complete a questionnaire including key information about medical issues and
personal goals. This information is kept strictly confidential. Miri uses this information to help you develop a wellness plan.
2. First Coaching Session: This session can take 60-90 minutes. In this discussion Miri partners with clients to identify
their priorities and develop a personal wellness plan including a vision, three month goals, and the first steps.
3. Subsequent Weekly Sessions: Subsequent sessions are 30-40 minutes. Miri and the client review the progress
toward vision and goals, explore and resolve the most pressing issues, and agree on a set of goals for the following week.
4. Three Month Check-In: Every three months, Miri and the client celebrate progress toward achieving the three-month
goals, set new goals, and repeat the process.
What is the difference between a Personal Trainer, Therapist, and Wellness Coach?
Miri McDonald is not a licensed psychologist, physician, dietitian or exercise physiologist.
Program recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals.
A wellness coach helps clients look at the big picture and partner with them to develop a program that fits their needs,
values, and vision while helping them overcome barriers that prevent them from reaching their wellness goals.
Through thoughtful assessment and inquiry, collaborative problem-solving and goal-setting, and safe, open, and honest
dialogue, coaches help their clients become clearer on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.
Clients feel accountable to themselves and their coaches. They make and honor their commitments to reaching their goals,
accomplishing more than they believed possible when they began.
Reasons to work with a wellness coach include an interest in:
- losing weight
- making healthier food choices
- managing stress
- increasing physical activity
- improving a health issue such as cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.
- smoking cessation
The Process
I work in partnership with my clients to help them achieve their health and wellness goals.
1. Well-being Assessment: Clients complete a questionnaire including key information about medical issues and
personal goals. This information is kept strictly confidential. Miri uses this information to help you develop a wellness plan.
2. First Coaching Session: This session can take 60-90 minutes. In this discussion Miri partners with clients to identify
their priorities and develop a personal wellness plan including a vision, three month goals, and the first steps.
3. Subsequent Weekly Sessions: Subsequent sessions are 30-40 minutes. Miri and the client review the progress
toward vision and goals, explore and resolve the most pressing issues, and agree on a set of goals for the following week.
4. Three Month Check-In: Every three months, Miri and the client celebrate progress toward achieving the three-month
goals, set new goals, and repeat the process.
What is the difference between a Personal Trainer, Therapist, and Wellness Coach?
- Personal trainers design exercise programs and teach physical exercises to clients.
- Psychologists and therapists work with clients to focus on feelings and explore them to attain insight and healing
around old and current pain, wounds and issues. The focus is often in the past. - Coaching emphasizes and encourages action to facilitate the client's achievement of goals and living his/her values.
The focus is the future. Coaches do not make diagnoses and may recommend that clients seek a psychologist or
therapist for treatment, if appropriate.
Miri McDonald is not a licensed psychologist, physician, dietitian or exercise physiologist.
Program recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals.