What is Health Coaching? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Its Benefits

by Bethany Peterson March 12, 2025

Prioritizing health and well-being can be a challenge. Many of us have goals like losing weight, eating healthier, managing stress, or improving fitness, but we often feel burnt out, overwhelmed and struggle to make lasting changes. That’s where health coaching comes into play.

If you’re interested in health coaching in Kansas City, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meg at Well + Core today. Our health coaching package includes seven sessions (One hour-long introduction with six 20-minute follow-ups). Not in Kansas City? That’s okay! All appointments are virtual.

Defining health coaching

Health coaching is a collaborative process where a certified, trained professional helps you make lasting changes in your health and lifestyle behaviors. It’s not just about advice or quick fixes; it’s about building a relationship that empowers you to take control of your own health journey and get to the “why” behind your goals.

Your Well + Core health coach’s credentials

At Well + Core, our health coaching is led by Dr. Meg Schwartz, PT, DPT, who brings a unique blend of expertise in both physical therapy and functional medicine. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas and is a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach through the Functional Med Coaching Academy. Her background allows her to take a whole-body approach to wellness, helping clients bridge the gap between physical health, lifestyle choices, and long-term well-being.

Dr. Meg is trained to support you in achieving your personal health goals by addressing key lifestyle factors such as nutrition, movement, stress management, and sleep. Whether you're recovering from an injury, looking to improve your energy levels, or striving for overall better health, our coaching is designed to provide personalized, evidence-based guidance tailored to your needs.

Your Well Core Physical Therapy health coach, Dr. Meg Schwartz, PT, DPT

The role of a health coach

The role of a health coach goes beyond just offering advice. A health coach is a guide, a motivator, and a partner in your wellness journey. Here are some key functions of a health coach:

Goal Setting: Health coaches work with clients to identify their specific health/wellness goals. These goals are usually personalized and tailored to the individual’s needs, whether it’s weight management, managing chronic illness, improving fitness, or simply living a more harmonious life.

Developing Strategies: Once goals are set, a health coach helps develop realistic and sustainable strategies to achieve them. This might include dietary changes, new exercise routines, stress management techniques, and more.

Accountability and Motivation: One of the biggest challenges in any health journey is staying motivated and committed. A health coach provides regular check-ins, support, and encouragement, ensuring you stay on track and overcome any obstacles. The “I just need to make it a priority” mentally isn’t going to cut it when we’re wanting to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Emotional Support: Health coaches often offer emotional support as clients navigate their health challenges. By helping you deal with stress, setbacks, or negative thoughts, a health coach fosters a positive mindset toward health and well-being.

Education and Resources: Coaches also provide valuable information on health-related topics, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental wellness. They often share resources, tools, and techniques that empower clients to make informed decisions.

A woman preparing a healthy meal in the kitchen for the benefit of her overall health.

What can a health coach help with?

Health coaches work with individuals on a wide range of topics related to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some of the areas they typically focus on include:

Nutrition: Health coaches help clients develop healthier eating habits, understand portion control, and stick to meal plans that align with their health goals.
Fitness: Coaches assist in following through on personalized fitness routines, whether it's for weight loss, strength training, or simply improving overall health.
Stress Management: With the increasing pressures of modern life, health coaches teach stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and time management.
Sleep: Poor sleep can affect every aspect of health. A health coach can guide clients in improving their sleep patterns for better rest and recovery.
Chronic Disease Management: For clients with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, health coaches can work alongside medical professionals to develop strategies for managing these conditions through lifestyle changes.
Behavioral Change: Whether it’s quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, or breaking unhealthy habits, a health coach supports clients through the process of adopting and maintaining healthier behaviors.

Why should you work with a health coach?

There are many benefits to working with a health coach, and it’s not just about achieving specific health goals. Here’s why health coaching might be right for you:

Personalized Guidance: Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, health coaching tailors the approach to your individual needs, goals, and lifestyle. Addressing your unique obstacles and tailoring your habits to fit your real life demands.

Accountability: Having someone to check in with and celebrate small wins can make a big difference in sticking to your health goals. Always coming back to WHY you have these goals.

Support and Encouragement: A health coach offers a non-judgmental space where you can discuss challenges, setbacks, and progress without fear of criticism.

Long-Term Results: Health coaching focuses on building sustainable habits that last, leading to long-term health improvements rather than temporary fixes.

Holistic Approach: Health coaches consider all aspects of your life—physical, mental, and emotional—ensuring that changes are harmonious and sustainable.

A person holding their hands on their belly in the shape of a heart.

Who can benefit from health coaching?

Health coaching is for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. Whether you’re struggling with a chronic health condition or simply want to live a more harmonious life, a health coach can help you create a roadmap to success. Some people who commonly seek health coaching include:

Individuals looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
People with chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases)
Those wanting to improve their diet or nutrition habits
Individuals looking to reduce stress and improve mental well-being
Anyone aiming to improve their overall fitness and lifestyle
Those who feel like they’ve tried everything and can’t seem to stick with or follow through on their goals

How to get started with health coaching

If you’re considering working with a health coach, the first step is to find a certified and experienced professional who aligns with your goals and values. Many coaches offer a free initial consultation to assess your needs and determine if it’s a good fit.

If you’re looking for a health coach in the Kansas City area, we have you covered. Dr. Meg at Well + Core is currently taking new health coaching patients. Sign up for a free 15-minute consultation to find out if health coaching is a good fit for you, or schedule your first appointment.

Before starting, take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Whether it’s weight loss, better sleep, or a more balanced life, having a clear idea of your goals will make the coaching process more effective.

Health coaching is an empowering process that helps individuals take charge of their health. By providing personalized guidance, support, and motivation, health coaches assist in making lasting changes that improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, reduce stress, or manage a chronic illness, health coaching can help you achieve your goals and lead a healthier, happier life.

If you're ready to take the next step in your health journey, a health coach may be just the support you need!