What is Health Coaching?

With a health and wellness coach, you can take on your health goals and succeed.

Trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle? Good news: You’re not alone. And with the right support, making positive health changes becomes easier and less daunting.

Whether you’ve decided to start eating healthier, become more physically active, quit smoking or want some extra support to build sustainable healthy habits, a health and wellness coach can help.

What is health coaching?

Health coaching involves partnering and working one on one with a health and wellness coach to achieve long-lasting, positive changes to your health.

“Just like an athletic coach helps athletes develop skills and excel at their sport, a health and wellness coach can help you improve your health and overall well-being,” explains Hilary Steich, director of health services operations at Geisinger.

In this partnership, the coach supports, assists and educates you on your journey toward better health.

“Our clients really lead the process,” adds Steich. “Many people know where they want to go, and we help them get there.”

Who can benefit from health coaching?

If you’d like to improve any aspect of your health and well-being, you can benefit from health coaching.

Health and wellness coaches can help you:

Achieve a weight-loss goal
Eat a more balanced diet
Manage stress
Quit smoking or tobacco use
Get regular physical activity
Start a new exercise routine
Manage (or reduce the risk of developing) a chronic health condition, including heart disease and diabetes

“We also offer support for anyone who wants to make lifestyle changes before gastric bypass surgery and help with recovery after,” adds Steich.

What to expect from health coaching

Whether you’re seeking short-term support to kick-start your fitness routine or more long-term coaching for better overall well-being, the health coaching process is truly tailored to you and your goals.

To start, your health and wellness coach will focus on getting to know you and understanding your personal goals.

“In the first sessions, you’ll identify your priorities,” Steich explains. “Then, we’ll partner together to build a plan that includes realistic, actionable steps to help support your goals.”

In the following sessions, held each week, month or every few months, you’ll work with your coach to review your progress, explore and resolve any barriers or issues and set a goal (or goals) for your next session.

“Everyone has ups and downs. We’re here to celebrate the small wins and deliver encouragement, no matter where you are in your journey,” says Steich.

Health coaching at Geisinger

Think health coaching may be right for you? Geisinger certified health and wellness coaches are ready to help you meet your goals. What to know:

Coaching services are available at no cost for most Geisinger Health Plan members* and Geisinger patients.
Your initial session may be up to 60 minutes long. After that, most coaching sessions are 30 minutes long, but they can be tailored to your needs.
There’s no limit or number of sessions you must complete.

If you have questions about health coaching, or if you’d like to set up a session, call us at 866-415-7138.

*Dependent on your health plan. Check with our wellness specialists to see if you’re eligible to receive health coaching.