Coaching

I studied holistic health coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. You can read about their program by visiting their website at www.integrativenutrition.com
In addition to my training there, I also have a degree in biology/pre-med, but this is not a pre-requisite for becoming a health coach.

What a clear and comprehensive summary. I love it. This is a very unique and important aspect of coaching in the cancer community and so valuable especially during that moment where everything changes. And there are different times and different ways coaching can be utilized so I'd like to expand the conversation by sharing where I do my work with my clients...and would love to hear about other niches/aspects from more coaches as well to give people a menu, if you will, of what's possible.

Personally, my work as a coach to cancer survivors focuses more on the emotional life post treatment creating a bridge into the "new normal" - which we know is anything but normal. Most clients coming to me didn't have the benefit of working with someone like Elyn during diagnosis/treatment and beyond as she supports them into survivorship.

During treatment patients have a medical plan that is put in place. It is human nature to do and feel better when we have a plan, though being flexible, experimenting and allowing it to evolve as we proceed is highly beneficial. Post treatment it is often the case that the what now remains a big and sometimes scary question. When coaching is focused in this segment of the cancer continuum it is where I help my clients move from surviving to thriving, facing fears, questions, concerns and making choices that align with what can sometimes be a big shift in core values and priorities in all aspects of living.

The goals are something generated by the client as coaching is a client-centered model and I personally use assessment tools such as my i-Thrive! Whole Life Assessment tool and my i-Thrive! Factor Assessment to help the client see where they are just surviving and what's keeping them stuck there...often fear, overwhelm and low physical energy. Using core value work, we then come up with a plan, break it into steps, set up accountability and get into action. When a client hits a roadblock, we look at what got in the way...all along educating about how they can have choice in how they respond to challenges in their life in a way that empowers them.

It is awesome and profound work and it is wonderful that people can use coaching at different times in different ways to be supported in their healing journey. Love the work Elyn and other coaches are bringing to this community. It is so inspiring!

I can only speak to what I would say as a caregiver, which I am as my Mom goes through Lymphoma. I tell her and just want her to know that no matter what, I am here for her - physically AND emotionally.