In this modern Age of Information, it seems like there is a “coach” for everything. With the popularity and reach of social media, there’s always someone out there claiming to have all of the answers you’re looking for. Struggling with your finances? There’s a money mindset coach. Having a difficult time in your relationship? Hire an intimacy coach. Can’t seem to get out of your own way in life? Take your pick of life coaches.
The information is out there, and yeah, some people may have more experience in certain fields than you do. But the constant messaging you’re receiving from those trying to sell you their services is this: Someone else knows better than you do, and that’s why you should pay them to help you fix your problems.
So then, what makes a Health and Wellness Coach any different?
Isn’t it just somebody telling me what I’m doing wrong and what I could be doing better to be healthier? Well, actually, no.
Even though we use the same title of “Coach,” the basic foundation of health and wellness coaching is inherently different than other types of coaching. Because “health” is so bio-individual and looks different for everyone, Health and Wellness Coaches know that the only expert on the client’s health is the client. Acknowledging and honoring that fact builds a productive client-coach relationship and improves the success of client outcomes.
When it comes to health and wellness, it’s our habits – around eating, exercising, resting, de-stressing, etc – that define what success looks like. And since no two people are exactly alike, different habits work – or don’t – for different people. What helped one person quit smoking may not be the thing that helps someone else. Waking up at 5 am to get a workout in might be a great use of time for one person, and for someone else, that could be a literal waking nightmare.
The only person qualified to make a decision about what is or is not working for their health is THAT person.
If I’m the expert and have all of the answers, why do I need a coach?
If it was as simple as information = application, then you wouldn’t.
But unfortunately, that’s not how the human brain works. Just because you know that smoking is bad for you, doesn’t automatically help you to quit. Setting your alarm for 5 am may give you more hours in the day, but doesn’t mean that you spring out of bed at the sound of your alarm.
National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) are formally trained in human behavior change and motivational interviewing.
What this means is that, although we aren’t experts in YOU, we are trained experts in helping to identify behavior patterns that may not be serving you. We ask carefully worded questions designed to help you figure out how to mold those behaviors into something that will benefit you – an answer that only you have.
So, what is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)?
The internet is flooded with self-proclaimed health coaches, wellness coaches, and fitness coaches. Most of these are people who have achieved your desired results (i.e. weight loss, medication cessation, improved hormone health, etc.) and decided to teach others how to achieve those same results using the methods that worked for them.
And although that may work for some, oftentimes the results are not sustainable, and then it’s on to the next program or “fad” to fix your wellness woes. The reason these generic programs often don’t work is that they disregard the concept of bio-individuality mentioned earlier. Bottom line: These programs aren’t personalized to YOU.
In May 2016, the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching (ICHWC) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) established the credentialing for National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC).
As of 2025, there are fewer than 11,000 health coaches who hold this credential.
This is currently the highest standard for health and wellness coaches and maintains strict requirements for those who qualify for the credentialing. At Sarana Health, we understand the importance of hiring health and wellness coaches who meet the highest standards of knowledge, skill, and ethical conduct to protect our clients, promote effective and safe practices, and enhance the credibility of the profession (NBHWC).
How do I find an NBC-HWC? What should I look for?
Just like other coaches have different specialities, so too do Health and Wellness Coaches. The most effective Health and Wellness Coaches understand and respect the scope of practice for an NBC-HWC, which means we have to stick to what we’re trained in – behavior change and lifestyle modifications.
If you’re looking for specific assistance, finding a Health and Wellness Coach who has other formal training or certifications (expanding their scope) or who works in conjunction with other practitioners, such as Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) or even physicians (MDs, NDs, DOs, etc) can help round-out the quality of care that you are receiving, and can expedite your healing journey. Always look for proof of credentials, specifically the NBC-HWC accreditation or seal:
At Sarana Health, we value the time and training that goes into being an expert in your field. When it comes to nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior modifications, we’re the best of the best.
Want to see what we’re all about? Our Health Coaches offer free 30-minute Health Talks meant to explore your goals and start building the client-coach relationship. Schedule yours today and experience the difference!
