What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

To be 100% crystal clear, I am not a therapist.

I am a coach and I quite like the dictionary definition. To coach is to give a little extra teaching.

What that means is that I focus on where you are currently and where you are going to/or trying to get to in the future.

I do not go into your childhood. I do not psychoanalyse you.

That is literally not my job.

If I do ever feel that it is within your best interests to see a therapist to address any issues that may arise. I will recommend that you do so. If you feel that you might benefit from therapy or counselling here are a few suggestions on where to find it:

-British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

-Self Space

-Head Strong Counselling (offers low-cost, accessible and high quality counselling for individuals aged 18+)

I like to operate within a little thing known as my ‘scope of practice’.

I am a UK registered dietitian, a certified personal trainer and sports massage therapist.

My role is centred around your health and your well being.

And if we really want to get technical ‘health’ is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

I didn’t just make that up by the way, it was the World Health Organisation.

To roughly translate, health isn’t just about being physically unwell.

It’s a balancing act where you maintain all three [your physical, mental + social health.]

It’s about implementing healthier practices that put you in a position to be more resilient to lifes’ challenges and set you up for success.

Because the reality is life is tough.

It is a collaboration meaning it will not work unless you do.

My coaching style is a mixture of no bull shit + tough love administered thoughtfully and carefully. Your feedback and interaction is welcomed and absolutely encouraged.

As I mentioned before, this whole process does not work unless you do.

What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian?

First things first, you’re probably wondering what even is a dietitian?

A dietitian’s role is to translate scientific information about nutrition and food into practical dietary advice.

As well as providing impartial advice about nutrition and health, dietitians also advise about food related problems and treat disease and ill health.

Meaning you won’t see me being endorsed by certain companies trying to sell you on food supplements you most likely don’t need.

The difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist

As of right now the term ‘nutritionist’ is not regulated in the UK.

Which means that anyone and I mean anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, a nutritional coach or a nutritional advisor.

You name it.

That being said, if you are looking for a legitimate nutritionist (those who have attained a degree in Nutrition).

The best place to find one is:

As upon qualification many join the register - The Association for Nutrition

If you come across a nutritionist online and are unsure as to whether they are in fact properly qualified. If they are based within the UK, they should be registered. If they are not run.

Now being a dietitian involves studying a degree programme and undertaking a placement within the NHS.

As a registered dietitian my title is protected, meaning legally nobody else can call themselves one.

Dietitians have the only legally recognised graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics that is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council.

Most of us work within the NHS and it’s unlikely that you will run into us unless you absolutely need it, in which case you’ll likely see us within a clinical setting,

However if you do have concerns about diet related diseases we are who you want to be seeing.

It also means first and foremost that I am a healthcare professional.

The priority is always your health.

If you would like to learn more about dietitians, what they do and the different areas they may work in.

You can do so here and also here.

If you’d like to know my story and how I ended up right here as a Men’s Health and Well-being Coach.

It’s a long windy tale, which I will likely explain in more detail over on my Instagram - definitely worth giving me a follow.

In the meantime, I’ll summarise.

I love science. I love being active. I love food. I really care about education and health promotion.

So I combined them under one roof.

Whilst the general information I will share defies ‘gender’, I have chosen to ‘specialise‘ shall we say in Men’s Health.

Oh and if you’re wondering if a health and wellbeing coach is even a ‘thing’, it is.

Why men’s health and wellness?

Because men’s health matters.

(And, to be honest, the vast majority of people seeking my advice have been men - be it in the gym, at the barber, or just generally whilst out and about.)

At the same time though, health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life and should be a priority.

Men, just like women, face unique health concerns that require attention and proactive measures.

What I’m trying to say is health and wellness is vital.

Being a man can involve juggling various roles as partners, fathers, caregivers and breadwinners.

While the focus on men's health and wellness has traditionally been slow on the uptake, it’s important to recognise we can all do better.

To really prioritise men's health and wellness, it does require a collective effort.

Alongside taking ownership and responsibility for one’s own individual well-being,

Making your health a priority by making conscious choices: 

-adopting healthful lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.

-staying informed about the specific health risks and screenings that are recommended for men, and not hesitating to schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.

-connecting with and reaching out to the right people when you’re not feeling your best.

For example, when was the last time you even visited the dentist? Or scheduled a general health check up? Or even took a sexual health screening test? It’s all part of it.

But personal responsibility isn’t enough.

Creating a supportive environment that fosters open conversations about men's health requires a collective effort, as I mentioned earlier.

Meaning you don’t have to do it alone.

It does however, take you caring enough to take action and make informed choices.
With the abundance of information out there, it might seem pretty overwhelming to even know where to begin..

Still, if you do feel like getting serious about your health and wellness.

Make a commitment. Prioritise it.

Remember what you do matters - and you can start making a difference today.

Oh, and sign up to the newsletter why don’t you, it only takes a second.

What’s the difference between a personal trainer and a health + wellbeing coach?

A personal trainer and a health coach are both professionals in the fitness and wellness field, but they have distinct roles:

1. Scope of Practice:

- Personal trainers focus on physical fitness and exercise, designing workout routines and guiding clients through workouts.

- Health coaches have a broader approach, addressing overall well-being including physical health, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and lifestyle changes.

2. Goal Setting and Accountability:

- Personal trainers set specific fitness goals, develop workout plans, and track progress.

- Health coaches set goals encompassing various wellness aspects, create action plans, and offer ongoing support for sustainable lifestyle changes.

3. Skill Set and Approach:

- Personal trainers are experts in anatomy, exercise science, and form, tailoring workouts to individual needs.

- Health coaches have knowledge in nutrition, behavior change, stress management, and use client-centered approaches to empower clients in making sustainable changes.

While the roles can and do overlap, the ultimate goal is to work with clients to improve their overall well being.

With me, you just so happen to be able to get the best of all worlds.

What is a health and wellbeing coach?

Believe it or not, this is an actual role!

As a health and wellbeing coach, I work with individuals or groups to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. My role is to provide guidance, support, and education empowering you to be able to make positive changes to your lifestyle, habits, and overall well-being.

It’s a collaboration. Yes a collaboration. Which involves working with you to identify health goals, create action plans, and develop strategies to overcome your individual obstacles. This may involve addressing different aspects of your overall wellbeing, including taking a look at your physical activity, how your nutrition is doing, your current strategies for managing stress, weight management, you sleep schedule, and overall lifestyle choices.

Incorporating elements of behaviour change theory, motivational interviewing, goal setting, accountability and evidence based practices to help with making these lifestyle changes sustainable.

While health and wellness coaches are generally not licensed healthcare professionals, I just so happen to be!