How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Health Coach?
I graduated from medical school in 1999 and OB/GYN residency in 2003. I have always been interested in health, especially women’s health. I was a history major at Bates College and wrote my senior thesis on OB/GYN in 19th century America.
Understanding medicine-anatomy and physiology- is not the same as understanding health. Traditional medicine is only recently coming around to the importance of healthy living. There is virtually no training on lifestyle medicine in medical school and residency.
What makes people healthy is different from treating active disease. Even more importantly understanding psychology and behavior is essential for a coach. I learned a lot about the biology of disease in medical school, my education regarding health and behavioral psychology is also substantial and ongoing.
I have been practicing medicine for almost 20 years which gives me an excellent foundation of knowledge and understanding, but a doctor is not a coach. A doctor provides expertise but not much accountability or follow through. As I learn more about how to be healthy and live well, I am also learning how to change behavior. In part because I needed to figure out how to change my own behavior.
If knowing what to do was all you needed, everyone would be a billionaire with six-pack abs. I had a powerful motivator in a cancer diagnosis, and yet sometimes it’s still hard to do the things I know I should be doing. I created a system, a mindset, and an approach to changing behavior. One that I can repeat over and over with any new behavior. And I’d love to help you do the same.
Who are your clients exactly?
Smart, motivated busy women who want to live their lives fully and completely. Not leave anything behind. Women who have tried to make healthy change happen in the past but something always happens or gets in your way and sooner or later you find yourself right where you started. You’re done with all the fad diet and exercise plans out there. You want to be healthy and well, to feel awesome in your own skin without a lot of gimmicks. I work exceptionally well with cancer survivors, women dealing with chronic illness as well as perimenopausal and menopausal women. Anyone who has found their body altered and not responding to your current strategies.
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
I work with extraordinary people like you, who are ready to be all you can be. People who are prepared to make permanent, sustainable, healthy change happen in their lives. I’ll help you realize your health hopes and dreams. I’ll teach you the skills you need to finally break through and successfully establish the healthy lifestyle you have been yearning for.
How are you different from other Health Coaches?
Together we will design a program that fits your needs, schedule, and preferences. There are lots of different ways to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately the trick is finding the way that works for you. People often get bogged down in the choices. Should I start running or join a gym? Should I try Paleo or vegan? And then end up doing nothing. Best of all I will teach you how to approach behavior change which is a skill you can continue to use for the rest of your life. Never again will you be left wanting to achieve a goal but unable to make the change it requires.
I don’t believe in any one way as the best way. We won’t know the best way for you until we start working toward your goals. The best way for you may be very different from the best way for me or you someone you know. I will work with you as a unique individual, and together we will hone in on where you are now and how to get you to the next level.
For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?
Please know that I am selective about who I work with. Not everyone is at a point in their life where coaching is what you need. Coaching will not work for someone who is not willing to do the work or for someone who always has an excuse for why they can’t do it. Everyone is busy; everyone deals with injuries and time constraints. You are not committed to making change if you keep coming up with excuses for why you are not able to do the work. It just might not be the right time. If your life is so chaotic that you cannot spare even 10-15 minutes/day, then you will not benefit from coaching. Let me know when your life settles down some. Start by downloading my wellness checklist. Think about the various areas of your life that contribute to wellness. It’s not just diet and exercise.
Coaching is not an easy process. You do the work. I hold you accountable, which is often the hardest part. So often when it comes to our health, we have great intentions, but intentions often fizzle when the going gets tough. I’ll help you figure out a way around or through the tough stuff. So you can be all you can be! You can feel amazing. Shed extra pounds. Enjoy your life. That’s what it’s all about.
Will this work for me?
Yes! That being said, there are no guarantees in life. If you are willing and able to do the hard work behavior change requires then you will see the results you desire. I’ll give you the help you need to break through and make change.
How quickly can I expect results?
Obviously, it depends. Sustainable behavior change takes time. At first, your results will likely not come as quickly as you want. But we will work together on establishing realistic goals that over time will add up. More importantly, you will learn a method and a system for implementing change that you can use for the rest of your life.
Where are you located? Do you only work with local clients?
I live in Rockport, Maine. I do have an office where local people can see me in person. But since coaching can be done over the phone, I am not restricted by geography and can work with you no matter where you live.
How will we work together and what’s involved?
Our sessions include high-level coaching via personal telephone conversations and email. I currently have several private coaching programs that offer a different number of sessions per month based on how much advice, support, and accountability you need. Each program is for six months.
Here are brief descriptions:
Platinum plan: Minimum of 6 months, change takes time.
Together we will do a deep dive into your habit and health history. Together we will craft a plan for you to move forward that is manageable, sustainable and even fun. The platinum plan provides weekly accountability and planning sessions as well as unlimited email for additional support. We will meet every week for 45-60 minutes. Together we will tackle the various obstacles that crop up. I will provide much-needed motivation and accountability so that you will stay on track and meet your goals. This option is for particularly driven change makers who need frequent accountability checks.
Gold plan: 6-month minimum.
Together we will get you on track to optimal health so that you feel fantastic. After a close look at your health history and current habits, we will come up with a plan that gets you moving forward. We will meet every two weeks for 60-minutes to keep you going in the right direction. This plan provides necessary accountability, when you need it and additional direction for the inevitable problems and questions that will come up. We will create a doable path for you to realize your healthy aspirations and provide support when you need it.
Silver: 1 month.
This plan provides guidance and direction to get you started towards your healthy future. We will set goals and come up with a plan for you to meet those goals with strategies to keep you on track. This is for those who are highly motivated and just need help getting started but can continue without ongoing support.
Do clients ever continue past the original program?
Yes. Many of my clients feel that having me as a continuous part of their support team keeps them moving forward. They also enjoy the accountability and the inspiration that comes with an ongoing coaching relationship. After you have worked with me in either my platinum or gold program, you can then move to the maintenance program which is two ½ hour calls per month.
OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?
Wonderful! Did you know that one of the most prominent characteristics of successful people is that they take action? Successful people also take educated risks, are decisive, and they move forward towards success faster as a direct result. So, congratulations! Let’s get started!
Here’s what you do: Call me at 207-841-5965 or e-mail me at [email protected] to set up a quick call with me so we can get you started. There is an intake form and some other paperwork for you to fill out before our first call. I also require payment in advance so that I will send you an invoice for your program and you can then schedule your first appointment!
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, through Paypal, or you can pay by check. Again, I do ask for payment before the coaching engagement. All programs have either a monthly investment or a pre-paid six month investment that includes significant savings for paying upfront.
If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work to see if it’s the right solution for me?
You can check out my blog, follow me on social media, and subscribe to my newsletter. I share lots of tips and advice on all of those channels.
I think I’m ready to sign up, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?
It sounds like you are ready to take action! If you have some questions, you may reach me at 207-841-5965 or email at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one will be the very best fit for you. I am honored to be able to help you transform yourself and your life.
