FAQ’s about coaching:

What exactly is an Integrative Health Coach?

An IHC is an expert in evidence based strategies for health related behavior change. Working with an IHC is like working with a personal trainer but for your whole health. They partner with you to bring your vision of your best possible health into reality. 

What is it like to go through the health coaching process?

There are 9 stages to the health coaching process that take between 2 - 3 months to complete. During this process, clients create personal health plans for optimal vitality that translate into actionable steps and ultimately, sustainable lifestyle change.

How are you different from other health coaches?

Understanding how a client is wired impacts the health plan I will guide you through. I only take a limited number of clients each season to really dive deep into the partnership. This allows me to finely tailor a health journey to your values and what will work best with your current life circumstances.

Is hiring a health coach for me?

The choices you make today dramatically impact your future. Envision that you have the energy to pursue your passions. Have the mental clarity to learn throughout your whole life and be present for the people that you love. Be able to join in on the fun. Maintain your ability to use your body. Enjoy all the activities that you love. These are some of the many goals my clients are reaching for, and I can help you achieve them.

FAQ’s about bright isle:

Why provide personal support during a Pandemic? Aren’t we supposed to be social distancing? 

Unchecked depression and anxiety are health risks and have a positive correlation to widespread chronic diseases. We need connection now more than ever.  For in-person activities, we will be physically distancing to be as safe as possible and honor the mission to slow the spread of COVID. For those that would feel more comfortable meeting online, we have virtual private coaching available.

3 months is a long time… I am not sure if I can commit to that. What happens if I miss a week?

By spending at least 3 months of intentional implementation of strategies toward your best health, you have the potential for true life transformation. This isn’t about an instant fix. This is about a new normal that lasts, and that takes time to form. The outcome you receive from this group is directly related to the energy you invest in this opportunity. 

Ideally, it would be great to attend every session as each week will build on the progress made during the previous session,  but no worries if you need to miss it. Life happens!  You will have the weekly reading and reflections to keep you going in the process. Please note that due to confidentiality, there will be no updates on what is discussed within group time. 

You have to attend the group to participate in the discussion. 

Who are bright isle Renewal Group participants?

This is a structured group for women struggling with mild to moderate depression and who may additionally be challenged with anxiety and would like to partner with a holistic-focused group to reclaim their vibrancy and joy through lifestyle changes. 

What is the group dynamic?

We will be meeting in a small cohort of no more than 8 women, providing each person an opportunity to share and be heard if they so choose. Group members’ names and everything discussed in the group will be held in total confidentiality and is not to be discussed outside of the group setting.

What is the homework like?

In between group sessions, there will be self-paced reading and reflection opportunities. A great deal of our material will be based on the strategies used at The Center for Hope and Healing in Seattle (one of the top depression treatment centers in the US) and distilled into the book: “Healing Depression for Life” by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD. We will also incorporate additional resources. Members have the freedom to do as little or as much as they would like however, the amount of time you put into the reading materials will greatly impact what you get out of our group sessions.

How much time can I expect to spend on this group? 

Our meeting times will take 90 minutes and then you can expect to spend an additional 1 - 4 hours per week, depending on how much you want to dig into the reading and reflections. 

What are the long term benefits of the lifestyle behaviors addressed in this course?

In addition to helping alleviate the experience of depression, many of the lifestyle behaviors addressed in this course are the same ones that are recommended for reducing the risk of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's dementia. (1) 

What is the spiritual component of this group? 

This course incorporates prayer and scripture references from the Bible, however, you do not need to be a Christian to participate. All are welcome!

What is mindfulness and how is it helpful for anxiety and depression?

Mindfulness is the practice of drawing attention to what you are experiencing in the present moment, with curiosity and non-judgment. The secular practice of mindfulness has been extensively studied and has been shown to be effective in helping people with depression and anxiety to increase their interoception (the ability to be more aware of body cues like hunger, thirst, satiety, fatigue, heart rate, etc) which is helpful in learning what lifestyle strategies help one to feel better. Interoceptive awareness is additionally helpful in  halting rumination (perpetual negative thinking.)(2) From a Christian perspective, Mindfulness practices can help individuals find a way to “be still and know that He is God” and can equip them with practical tools for “renewing their mind.” Mindfulness allows one to step back and observe body cues, emotions, and ways of thinking and then consult God for wisdom on how to proceed with this information. 

What if I need professional help?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of clinical depression(3), it would be wise to seek professional treatment instead of or in addition to this course. These symptoms include:

• A significant change in appetite

• Recurring disturbances in sleep patterns

• Increased agitation or inability to relax

• Fatigue, lethargy or loss of energy

• Sadness, despondency, despair, loneliness

• Inability to concentrate, focus, or make decisions

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

• Plans for suicide or an attempt at suicide

What if I have a health condition or am on medication? 

Those who have pre-existing health conditions or are on various medications are welcome to join. There will be no medical advice or diagnosis given during this course, instead, the focus will be on discovering and implementing the lifestyle changes that are most impactful for you. If you have a medical condition, it is important that you have an ongoing partnership with your health care professional as you go through this course so the action steps you take are finely tuned to your specific needs.

Questions?

Email lacy@brightisle.health