In the landscape of today’s healthcare, we are watching a powerful partnership of two healthcare approaches coming together to support and complement each other’s practice. Integrative Medicine bringing together conventional, lifestyle, functional and holistic approaches, meeting the methodology and practicality of health coaching. Together, I feel like we could be reshaping how we support lasting wellness in the future.

Integrative Medicine recognises that true healing extends beyond symptom management and addresses the whole person and the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that influence our health. Yet sometimes for the patient, knowing what supports their own wellbeing and actually implementing sustainable changes, are two very different things! This is where health coaching can be essential.

Health coaches bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and applying this to real life for the patient. Health coaches are trained to empower individuals to translate treatment plans into something achievable. All whilst navigating the sometimes messy complexity of behaviour change with compassion and evidence-based techniques.

Whilst Integrative Medicine provides the framework (nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep optimisation, mind-body practices alongside conventional treatment), health coaching provides the process for those who need a bit more support. This can help people check that their health goals are in alignment with their own personal circumstances and of course help them overcome any barriers stopping them achieving it.

So for instance, where a treatment plan might suggest daily meditation as a means of stress management, coaches help identify realistic practices that fit into a person’s challenging schedule. Dietary changes might have been recommended but health coaches can also help a patient explore what’s really stopping them from eating well in the first place so they can achieve that plan of healthy eating.

And what I love about this partnership is that it honours patient autonomy. Rather than prescribing lifestyle changes, it also helps with self-discovery and personal motivation. Sometimes poor health isn’t enough on its own to drive someone forward to lasting, sustainable changes.

The evidence of course supports this approach. Research shows us that health coaching significantly improves outcomes in chronic disease management, mental wellbeing and preventative health exactly the areas where Integrative Medicine excels.

If you’d like to learn more, our online conference next month is all about health coaching and how it is being integrated into the NHS. This is for health coaches but also people wanting to learn more about health coaching and its possibilities.

NCIM Conference: Health Coaching in the NHS: The Evidence, the Opportunity, the Future – NCIM – National Centre for Integrative Medicine