Information and FAQs

Numerous scientific papers have been written that discuss the efficacy of coaching. For more information CLICK HERE.

Health and wellness coaching helps people achieve higher levels of wellbeing. The work happens through a partnership between you and your coach. While you are the expert in your own life, your coach works to help you identify what you want to achieve and, over time, define and implement small changes toward your goals. The ultimate goal of the coaching process is sustainable behavior change(s) that meet or exceed your goals.

It's all about you. We'll talk about what's going on in your life, the work you are doing towards your goals, and what's working and what isn't. Everything from detoxing, to making your environment safe from a food perspective, to what behaviors you want to try and plans for handling stress without food. Some weeks we may talk about your work, others your health, others what habits you want to try out. We'll talk about how you are feeling and what thoughts are holding you back. It's all about you, where you are, and clearing the path so you can get where you want to go.

Yes, board-certified coaches are required to follow HIPAA regulations. If another healthcare professional is involved in your care and coordination is needed, I will work with you to ensure that you sign off and that the appropriate paperwork is in place.

Inner work is a term that relates to the psychological and emotional aspects of ourselves that, in this context, contribute to our challenging relationship with food, weight and other aspects of wellness you may be struggling with. As part of our work together, we'll address the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are impacting your wellbeing. Based on your situation, I may use a number of different evidence-based methods. For example, Immunity to Change (Kegan and Lahey), Narrative Coaching (Drake), Emotional Agility (David), Nonviolent Communication (Rosenberg), Time to Think (Kline), Resilience Factor (Reivich and Shatte) and Internal Family Systems (Schwartz). Internal Family Systems is sometimes called Parts Work.

Coaching focuses on the present and the future, while therapy works to heal the past. It is not consultation or education; it is about helping you get where you want to go by tapping into your own wisdom. Some people have both a coach and a therapist.

Based on their situation, I may work with people on, for example, relationships and boundaries, movement/exercise, organizing and prioritizing, sleep and rest, self-confidence, and/or physical health.

Yes. Sugar, flour, and ultra-processed foods impact the brain's reward centers, and the more you have been eating them, the more you need to detox to heal. Eliminating these foods to reset your brain can be challenging at first. Please expect to be tired for a week or two, and try to take it as easy as possible. You may also have other physical and physiological symptoms, feel irritable, and/or have cravings. It took me 10 days to detox. If these foods are triggering for you, detoxing is a critical step towards your future health. After detoxing, foods like sugar may make you ill or increase cravings. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, don’t eat them. Your body is telling you something. It wants to be healthy.

There’s been a lot written about ultra-processed food and how it negatively impacts health, mood, and weight. In Chris Van Tulleken’s well-researched 2023 book, Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food, he describes a study where just eating ultra-processed food causes people to eat an extra 500 calories daily. Ultra-processed foods are scientifically formulated so that ‘can't eat just one.’ I've learned that none is easier than some. While ultra-processed foods can be inexpensive and convenient, they are also linked to chronic diseases, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. They also contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue due to their impact on blood sugar and neurotransmitters. Emotional eaters typically go to these foods first. Eliminating them may be one of the most important milestones on your journey. It was on mine. Links to articles from The NY Times

Many foods cause people cravings that may not be “ultra-processed” in today’s vernacular but are detrimental to health. This includes sugars and sugar substitutes, including natural sugars, i.e., monk fruit and sugar alcohol (yes, alcohol has sugar too). There is scientific evidence that sugar is more addictive than cocaine. When people eliminate sugar, they typically substitute flour-based foods. In addition, some people are sensitive to, for example, dairy, nuts, and certain fruits. That’s the reason for removing, in addition to ultra-processed food, sugar, flour, and other foods that you can’t just eat one of. A proportion of people can add in alcohol or other foods in limited amounts, after a period of healing, if they are no longer triggering.

Depending on your situation, we may discuss strategies for choosing the right foods, quantities, and preparation. We’ll also identify and address underlying issues, design experiments to try new behaviors, review what worked and what didn’t, and determine the next steps. In addition, we’ll address obstacles and mindfulness. I’ll support you by talking about what’s important to you based on what is going on in your life.