We all need a little help sometimes when it comes to reaching our goals. But when we feel overwhelmed or underprepared, making progress can seem difficult. This is where outside resources and someone to hold us accountable can make all the difference. A health and wellness coach can be just the support you need. In this blog, we’ll explore what National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches are, what they do, and how they can help you achieve a wide range of personal goals. We’ll also discuss the benefits of working with a coach and how they differ from therapists.

What is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach?

“National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) are credentialed members of the healthcare industry who serve as behavior change agents and are trained to the highest standard in the profession. As partners with clients in the behavior change process, NBC-HWCs empower, support, and guide individuals looking to enhance their well-being through self-directed lasting changes that align with their values. (Source: nbhwc.org)”

In other words, these coaches are experts who help people make healthy changes in their lives. They are trained to a high level and work with people to set goals, make better choices, and feel their best. These coaches don’t just tell people what to do—they support and guide them to create lasting changes that fit their own values and lifestyle.

Health and Wellness Coaches receive this badge once they pass their national board exam.

What Does a Health and Wellness Coach Do?

In order to support an individual’s overall health, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) will begin with an assessment. This helps the coach get to know the client’s current mental health status, including identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for growth. Safety risk assessments are routinely done for clients facing mental injuries (trauma) or illnesses.

Once goals are identified, a coach will assist in setting achievable and realistic goals based on the client's needs and aspirations. They will also help clients identify their core values and priorities, ensuring that their goals align with what truly matters to them.

As a person works toward their goals, the coach will provide emotional support, encouragement, and validation. In order to navigate challenges, coaches will give their clients resources on mental health topics, coping skills, stress management techniques, and self-care practices. Coaches also teach practical skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy habit formation to help clients manage symptoms, cope with stress, and improve overall well-being.

If needed, a coach may collaborate with other mental health professionals or healthcare providers and refer clients to appropriate specialists. Coaches will also assist clients in recognizing and reshaping negative thought patterns, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, and developing a growth mindset—encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities for learning.

As clients make progress, NBC-HWCs monitor their growth and adjust goals as needed, ensuring continued success. They also hold clients accountable for their actions and progress while maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive environment.

Finally, after integrating all they have learned, a coach will empower clients to take ownership of their mental health journey, make positive changes, and cultivate resilience. This empowerment allows the client to continue pursuing their goals independently as they evolve over time.

What Kind of Goals Can a NBC-HWC Help Me With?

While coaches may primarily assist individuals with internal goals such as mental health improvements, they also can help with a variety of external or interpersonal goals. These can include:

Emotional Well-being
Helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, situational depression, and other emotional challenges by teaching coping skills and emotional regulation techniques.

Relationships
Assisting clients in improving communication skills, setting boundaries, resolving conflicts, and building healthier relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, or colleagues.

Self-esteem and Confidence
Working with individuals to build self-esteem, cultivate self-compassion, challenge negative self-talk, and develop a positive self-image.

Creativity and Expression
Encouraging clients to explore creative outlets such as art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression as a means of coping with stress, processing emotions, and fostering personal growth.

Spirituality and Mindfulness
Supporting individuals in exploring their spiritual beliefs, practices, and values, and incorporating mindfulness techniques into their daily lives to promote inner peace, presence, and connection.

Personal Growth
Guiding individuals in exploring personal values, beliefs, and goals, and helping them develop self-awareness, confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

Life Transitions
Assisting clients in navigating major life transitions such as relocation, career changes, marriage, divorce, parenthood, empty nesting, retirement, or bereavement.

Physical Health
Collaborating with clients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management, to improve overall physical health and well-being.

Career and Purpose
Supporting individuals in clarifying their career goals, identifying strengths and passions, overcoming career-related challenges, and finding fulfillment in their professional lives.

What Are the Benefits of Working with a Mental Health Coach?

A NBC-HWC can offer many benefits including but not limited to the following:

Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
Develop healthy habits, reduce stress, and create a balanced lifestyle that supports overall well-being.

Learn to Identify and Deal with Emotions
Gain a deeper understanding of your feelings and develop strategies to manage them in a healthy way.

Identify Your Personal Needs and Work Towards Reaching Them
Discover what truly matters to you and take actionable steps toward fulfillment.

Build Resilience and Coping Skills
Strengthen your ability to navigate challenges, setbacks, and stress with confidence.

Develop a Positive Mindset
Shift negative thought patterns, increase self-compassion, and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life.

Enhance Self-Care and Wellness Routines
Create sustainable habits that support mental, emotional, and physical health.

Improve Relationships and Communication Skills
Learn how to set boundaries, express yourself effectively, and build stronger connections.

Gain Clarity and Direction in Life
Define your goals, values, and priorities to move forward with confidence and purpose.

Increase Motivation and Productivity
Overcome procrastination, set realistic goals, and stay accountable to your personal growth.

Feel More Empowered and in Control
Take charge of your mental well-being and create lasting, positive change in your life.

Who Can Benefit From Seeing a NBC-HWC?

Mental health coaching can be helpful for a wide range of people, including:

Individuals Seeking Personal Growth
Those who want to improve their mindset, build resilience, and develop healthy habits.

People Struggling with Stress and Overwhelm
Anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling to manage daily stressors.

Those Facing Life Transitions
Individuals navigating major changes like career shifts, relationships, parenthood, or loss and grief.

Professionals Looking to Improve Work-Life Balance
Employees, business owners, or leaders wanting to manage stress and prevent burnout.

People Who Feel Stuck or Unmotivated
Those who need support in setting goals and taking action toward positive change.

Individuals Managing Anxiety or Low Mood
People who experience mild to moderate anxiety or low mood and want practical tools to cope.

Anyone Wanting to Improve Self-Care and Well-Being
Those looking to develop routines that support mental and emotional wellness.

Caregivers and Supporters
Family members, healthcare professionals, or caregivers who need support managing their emotional well-being.

People Looking for Accountability and Guidance
Those who benefit from structured support, encouragement, and goal setting.

Anyone Wanting to Rediscover Joy in Hobbies and Interests
If you no longer enjoy things you used to love and want to rekindle passion for old hobbies, activities, or interests.

Individuals Interested in Complementing Therapy
People already working with a therapist who want additional coaching to focus on action-based goals.

How Is a Health and Wellness Coach Different from a Therapist?

While a mental health coach and therapist both work to help you improve your mental health, there are several key differences.

Focus Areas
Mental health coaching helps you focus on where you are now and where you want to be. It’s a team effort between you and your coach to set realistic steps toward your goals. In contrast, therapists work with people experiencing ongoing mental health challenges, exploring past experiences that may affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy provides deeper insight to support personal growth and healing.

Credentials
Therapists hold at least a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, and undergo rigorous licensing procedures. Some, like psychologists, hold advanced degrees like PhDs or PsyDs. Certified Mental Health Coaches, on the other hand, complete certification through reputable institutions such as the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Institutions like the Headspace Training Institute offer comprehensive training overseen by a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists and nationally certified coaches.

Clinical Diagnoses
Mental health coaches don't diagnose mental illnesses but may suggest seeking a therapist for diagnosis when indications or symptoms arise. While they can't treat disorders like Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, they can help develop personalized plans. Therapists, with their clinical training, diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Medications
Coaches don't prescribe or recommend medications. If medication might be beneficial, they advise consulting a psychiatrist, medical doctor, or nurse practitioner.

Depending on your personal needs, a coach and therapist may work together so you can feel confident in whatever your mental health needs are.

Summary

In conclusion, if you’re feeling stuck or need a boost of motivation, working with a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach could be the support you need. They provide both emotional and practical guidance, along with valuable resources, to help you achieve your mental and physical health goals. With their support, you can build confidence and create a healthier, happier life.

If you’re interested in finding a Health and Wellness Coach or learning more, please book a free consultation to see if Studio Saudade would be a good fit for you.

How Can a Health and Wellness Coach Help Me?