One would assume that the primary issues that most of the clients of a wellness coach would be the issues that most people already realize they have: maintaining work/life balance, setting and meeting realistic weight loss goals, or stress management. That is not the case.

In fact, the most common challenge most coaching clients face is that of determining answers to questions of control and responsibility in terms of healthcare. Most patients have assumed they know the answers to questions such as "Who is in charge of my wellness?" or "Who is responsible for my health?"

Patients Unconsciously Decide that Doctors Are Responsible

Melody Mayo, M.S., N.C.C. is the wellness coach for the Life University Center for Health and Optimum Performance just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Wellness coaches act as advocates for people who are interested in achieving optimum levels of health, generally on a holistic or whole-body (and whole-person) level.

Mayo observes that many people relinquish the responsibility for - and the control over - their own health to healthcare providers, doctors, chiropractors and others in positions of authority. As a coach, Mayo herself has been given this responsibility. "It seems like most people are not willing to see coaching (or any other type of health care service) as a base to jump off of so they can take responsibility for their health."

This is not a conscious decision. If someone asked any of these patients who is responsible for their well-being, they would respond that they themselves are in charge. However, on a subconscious level, they have ceded that control to their healthcare providers. They do not make decisions on their behalf, but trust those in positions in authority to tell them what is best.

Patients might demonstrate this loss of control in one or more of the following ways:

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