Category: Health and Wellness Coaching

Empowering Health and Wellness Coaches: National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

   |   By  |  0 Comments

health and wellness coaching

In a world where health and wellness have taken center stage, the role of a health and wellness coach has become increasingly vital. Maryland University of Integrative Health offers the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching, dedicated to training and teaching coaches to help clients clarify health and wellness goals through introspection, leverage their strengths, address challenges in behavior change, and implement and sustain life-changing behaviors.  

MUIH stands out, ensuring professional excellence, with its prestigious Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching, where graduates are eligible for dual credentialing by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Maryland University of Integrative Health’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).  

The NBHWC’s mission resonates deeply with the growing demand for expert health and wellness coaches. By setting professional standards and fostering collaborative partnerships, the board seeks to advance the health & wellness coaching profession. MUIH’s commitment to integrative health and wellness education aligns seamlessly with the NBHWC’s goals. 

At the heart of this mission lies the Health and Wellness Coach Certifying Examination, which provides graduates a recognized pathway for aspiring health and wellness coaches to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC).  

Graduates of MUIH’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program have a unique opportunity to apply for the NBC-HWC examination, showcasing their dedication to excellence and commitment to the well-being of their clients. The NBC-HWC credential isn’t just a symbol of accomplishment; it’s a testament to the rigorous training, education, and assessment standards the program adheres to.  

A standardized certification signifies that the coach has undergone a robust education, has been rigorously assessed, and adheres to the standards set forth by the NBHWC. It also ensures that coaches are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients. 

As health and wellness continue to take precedence, Maryland University of Integrative Health’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching prepares individuals for this dynamic field. It aligns perfectly with the NBHWC’s mission to elevate the practice of health and wellness coaching. Graduates of this program gain valuable skills and the opportunity to proudly display their commitment to excellence through the esteemed NBC-HWC credential. 

The Value of Health and Wellness Coaching During a Time of Loss

  |   By  |  0 Comments

Dr. Duston Morris, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Health and Wellness Coaching at Maryland University of Integrative Health, explains the role of coaching during a time of loss. He discusses how coaches can help clients deal with loss and grief, begin the healing process, and learn how to fully grieve so they can positively manage loss in their lives. 

How can a Health and Wellness Coach be supportive during a time of loss? 

Loss comes in all different forms. It can present feelings like sadness and helplessness. A Health and Wellness Coach can provide support during times of loss by helping clients realize that although we can’t control loss, we can learn how to fully grieve our loss and embrace bereavement as part of a healthy lifestyle. Exploring personal feelings related to loss and how those feelings are part of the healing process is something Health and Wellness Coaches can explore with clients, providing them with the support they need and deserve.   

For a Health and Wellness Coach, which scenarios constitute a loss? 

Many scenarios constitute a loss. It can be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, or a job. Typically, loss produces feelings like sadness, helplessness, loneliness, doubt, worry, and even confusion. Not processing loss and working through our feelings regarding loss can impact many different aspects of health and wellness. Health and Wellness Coaches recognize how loss can negatively influence the different dimensions of health and wellness. Helping clients recognize this process is one of the first steps toward healing.   

How can Health and Wellness Coaching facilitate the process of grief? 

Health and Wellness Coaches help facilitate the process of grief by offering their clients a safe and supportive space to share their thoughts and feelings openly. Our society teaches us that showing feelings like those associated with loss is a sign of weakness when being able to appreciate and appropriately express those feelings is a sign of strength and growth. Health and Wellness Coaches are supportive professionals that work alongside their clients to help them talk about their loss, and how to positively manage their loss by embracing their feelings and recognizing that as a healthy and appropriate process.  

Is there an average length of time a Health and Wellness Coach is most supportive in processing grief? 

There is no “normal” amount of time it takes to grieve. This is different for each person. Health and Wellness Coaches can be there as long as needed. The length of time necessary to deal with loss and grief effectively is determined by the client and based on conversations between the client and their Health and Wellness Coach during their coaching sessions.     

Does a Health and Wellness Coach use special techniques in the grieving process? 

Health and Wellness Coaches are trained to use many different coaching skills and techniques. However, when dealing with loss, the best things the coach offers are genuine compassion, empathy, and reflection. Loss is hard. Loss hurts. Most people just need someone who listens, understands, and provides a safe space to share all feelings without judgment. This is part of the healing presence that every MUIH Health and Wellness Coach is trained to practice. 

Integrative health professionals from MUIH can be found all around the world. To find a health and wellness coach within MUIH’s community resources, you can find a practitioner.  

To become a health and wellness coach, explore the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching program, which prepares students with foundational skills and expertise to help clients clarify and implement health and wellness goals and sustain life-changing behaviors. 

And learn about the Master of Arts in Health and Wellness Coaching program, which builds upon foundational coaching skills through advanced coaching, group coaching, professional and business development, and research literacy skills that support contemporary coaching practice. 

Why Health Literacy is Important

   |   By  |  0 Comments

why health literacy is important

Introduction

Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) Department Chair of Health and Wellness Coaching, Duston Morris, recently published research on health literacy education in Speech Language Pathology (SLP) programs. Dr. Duston Morris is a certified Health Education Specialist and Health Coach. He has been practicing and teaching in community health, public health, health and wellness, fitness and recreation for more than 25 years, and his research agenda explores the relationship between exercise, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle characteristics, the benefits of active infrastructure, and interprofessional education for healthcare students. Download the full publication here.

The Study

This study was part of a larger study that explored how SLP leaders (i.e., program administrators and faculty) implement health literacy education in SLP training programs. Health literacy skills are a vital aspect of an individual’s quality of life and well-being and low health literacy is related to low life expectancy and higher prevalence of disease and illness.

The Outcome

Historically, healthcare providers have overlooked the health literacy skills of their clients. Findings from the study reported that more than half (56%) of SLP leaders implemented HLE within their SLP programs. However, only 4% always teach students why health literacy is important and 75% never instruct students to encourage clients to ask questions. Although HLE occurred in SLP programs, use of HLE varied greatly across different programs. This research points to the importance of incorporating health education in healthcare training programs. Health and Wellness coaching programs should review their training protocol to ensure that students learn how to improve their own health literacy and are able to effectively assist their clients with health literacy education.

Study Health and Wellness Coaching at MUIH

Interested in learning more about studying Health and Wellness Coaching to help clients better implement health in their education programs? Visit our Health and Wellness Coaching Academic Programs to learn more about growing your future as a coach. As a student, you’ll learn the evidence-based approach and set of skills that empowers individuals to tap into their own inner source of motivation to restore and preserve health and well-being. Graduates are prepared for credentialing by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

MUIH Faculty Tips: Keep Your Immune System Strong This Winter

   |   By  |  0 Comments

We’ve got a few more weeks left of winter – wouldn’t it be great to stay strong and healthy during this time? We asked several faculty members from our yoga, nutrition, herbal medicine, health and wellness coaching, and acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs to answer this question: What are some of the top tips you’d give a client to help them maintain a strong immune system during this time of year?

Continue reading...