12/04/2024
Kia ora,
Jess here, the health coach who has “recently” joined healthcare team at Hauora Health Centre.
A bit about me:
I am a (retired) wilderness horseback guide, nature enthusiast, and mother of three once- wild Kaimanawa ponies. During my time as a wilderness guide, I noticed the transformations people experienced through the process of stepping outside of their comfort zones and doing something new- while facing their fears and self-limiting beliefs. Nowadays, my “office” looks quite different, but my passion for helping people remains.
When I am not working I am outside exploring the mountains, on the water or with animals. Nature is where I feel most alive. Golden Bay is my home but I am originally from the USA and am closely connected to my family, despite the physical distance between us.
In relation to my educational background- I hold a bachelor's degree of science in Biology, minor in Anthropology and am a certified Health Coach through FMCA and Health Literacy NZ
What is involved in a coaching session with me?
As a coach, I find joy in helping people discover what's important to them and understand why prioritizing their health matters to them. I can offer support through having engaging conversations, helping them identify their motivations (their "why"), providing general lifestyle guidance and information (stress management, healthy eating habits, exercise, sleep, spiritual/community/whānau connections), linking them to resources (community based and within the PHO), and celebrating their progress and wins. I value the use of non-judgemental active listening to create a space where individuals feel heard and validated, and employ a strength-based approach for people to identify and leverage their strengths and skills while moving towards their desired wellness outcomes. My intention is to create a warm, engaging and collaborative environment, where people feel aligned with, and enthusiastic about their health and wellbeing goals and aspirations.
Who can be refered to a health coach?
Anyone who is looking to make lifestyle changes for their health or is in need of additional support in receiving/navigating their healthcare (community support role) can see me. The question is less about who I can see and more about what my scope of practice is. I am not a health professional, which means I cannot diagnose, treat or recommend. I work alongside health professionals (GP’s/HIPs/Dietitians etc) in order to provide additional ongoing support to the client/patient.
Some common reasons a person is referred to a health coach are:
Helping to manage a specific condition such as:
Diabetes/ pre-diabetes
High blood pressure
Chronic conditions/ pain / autoimmune diseases
Improving overall health and wellbeing:
Healthy eating habits
Managing stress/anxiety
Improving sleep
Becoming smoke free
Connecting with whānau
Connecting with community support
Community support role:
Connection to relevant community support/services
Navigation of funding option; winz, fifeshire etc
