Weight loss. Diets. Exercise plans. Smoking cessation. Debt elimination. The Secret. Self-help books. By now you've had a chance to set your New Year's Resolution, tackle it alone, and perhaps, like many, break it. Join the club. 

Each year, millions of people set lofty goals for the new year with little preparation or support to see them through. Relinquishing old habits, maintaining motivation, even remembering 'why' you wanted to change in the first place can be overwhelming. Lack of understanding or support from loved ones and temptation to succumb to what's comfortable add to the demise of the most well-intentioned goals. 

You've tried with no success and now just don't know what to do. Don't give up!

Here's where a holistic health coach (HHC) can be helpful. A holistic health coach (often called a holistic health counselor) is an expert in the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. HHCs have been trained in over 100 dietary theories by the top nutritionists and healers in the world. They believe that you already have at your disposal the majority of the tools you need to reach your goals but may need support in discovering how and when to use them, and pulling it all together.

Much like a doula or a personal fitness trainer, a holistic health coach is trained to listen, observe, guide your creation of clear, attainable goals, navigate obstacles, and cheer you on! Your health counselor is totally invested in YOU and your success.

When's the last time someone was there for you like that?

Most HHCs offer a complimentary mini-counseling or intake session that gives you a chance to experience health counseling first-hand and get to know the counselor and his/her style before making a decision.

TIPS

Getting the most out of a complimentary holistic health counseling session:

• Determine if you are comfortable meeting in person or if a phone consultation is better
• Select a health counselor who resonates with you and enroll in their complimentary session (it's FREE!)
• Complete and return holistic health survey the coach sends you
• Be 100% yourself during the session
• Specify one goal or challenge you'd like to tackle and see how the coach supports you with it

Ask yourself afterwards:

• Did you feel comfortable opening up to the coach?
• Who did most of the talking? (Hint: it should be you)
• Did the coach help YOU navigate your goal/challenge?
• Did you gain some clarity?
• Do you feel there's potential to delve deeper if you had more time?
• Did you create and leave with a short list or plan of action?
• Is the coach's schedule convenient for you?
• Did you feel comfortable with the venue (in-person/phone)?
• Would you do it again?

If you answered YES to these, then health coaching/counseling may be for you. Portland has a growing number of holistic health coaches! Here's a list to get you started on reaching your destination in 2010:

Andrea Crisp
www.SoaringEagleWellness.com

Aqiylah Collins
www.QiToWellness.com

Leah Shuchter
www.NaturalPregnanices.com

Skylor Powell
www.MyYogaNutrition.com

Wendy L. Lilja
www.NeogenIsis.com

If you live in the Portland or Vancouver metro area, give one of these health counselors a try. You'd be surprised how just one session could change your life!