07 Feb Many are better than one

I’ve been thinking about groups lately, as in group coaching. Right now I offer one-to-one, personalized coaching and I love that. But I’ve been looking into coaching groups of people at once.

There’s power in community.

When people form a community, some magic happens. That’s why I want to try group coaching. I want to blend the positive benefits of personalized coaching with the benefits of community.

The benefits of community

People support each other. No one is an island as they say. We need each other. And if you have someone encouraging you to do the right thing, it’s easier to keep on. And if a whole group of people is encouraging, that’s even better.

People learn from each other. People can share recipes or routines. Ordinary people can give ordinary insights that even the coach may not have. You may find you have a bit in common and benefit from hearing about each others’ experiences.

People thrive on connections and the group creates a few more. We all enjoy other people’s company. The connections made in the group can even last beyond the group. Sometimes I feel like an outlier, or a healthy deviant, because many of my health habits are so different from my friends. Well, you can lose that “I must be an oddball” feeling. You’ll realize that others are going through the same things.

A good group is a no-judgment-zone. I’ll set up ground rules, so that everyone knows how to be polite and supportive to each other. And we will all accept the fact that being healthy is hard, and knowing how to be healthy is also hard, and real life puts up many barriers to health. So there’s no shaming or embarrassment when you have difficulty making healthy choices. That’s more or less expected. Otherwise, why did you sign up for coaching?

How does group coaching work?

A small group is formed with a common interest: weight loss, diabetes prevention, gut health, etc. I’ll begin our first session with getting to know each other. I’ll ask each of you about your background and your goals for being in the group. I’ll ask you to envision your healthy self. This vision keeps you motivated.

A typical session will begin with me sharing information on a health topic. Then we’ll have a group discussion. Each session has its own topic, like the best meal plan for you, or how to get a good night’s sleep. I’ll share some basic helpful tips. I’ll make sure each of you in the group can ask questions, share your thoughts, and try to figure out how those tips can work in your own life.

Discussions always seem to have a life of their own. So we may not stay on the topic at all. We could easily move from sleep to what’s the best kind of food to eat when waking up, to how to avoid fights with your significant other. That’s ok. That’s part of the magic of a group. We’ll talk about what you need to talk about.

The number of sessions varies in different coaching packages. I’ll probably offer a package that lasts a few weeks. I like to meet weekly, but monthly can work, or a combination,

Groups can meet in person or by video chat. I like video chat because it saves us all the drive to and from the meeting. We all appreciate timesavers. And research shows that video chat is just as effective as in-person. And I like in-person groups because informal conversations pop up before and after the meeting, and those can make for a better community.

I’ll set up a private group chat on an app that we’ll use to keep in touch with each other between sessions. I’ll send handouts and recap highlights of our discussions. You’ll ask questions, or, you’ll share your successes or frustrations.

Groups have to be limited in size. Too many mouths mean not all mouths get to speak. I think ideal is under ten participants. That lets me get to know you. You are an individual with individual needs.

I also like to add a personal, one-to-one coaching session on to the end of the group coaching package. Sometimes there are things you just don’t want to talk about in front of others. Also, you might need follow up with a good functional medicine doctor to optimize your results. I can help you figure that out. And I can make referrals too.

Why Nancy should be your group coach

I’m a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and I was trained at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. As a member of their Alumni Program, I have access to all kinds of webinars and talks on group coaching, as well as other health topics. I have access to faculty for talking out my ideas. Plus, I come from a higher ed background. So I’m used to leading group discussions.

I would love to hear your thoughts on group coaching. Are you interested? How many sessions and how often would work for you? What topic interests you? Please comment below or comment on my Facebook page @neworleanshealthcoach. Your feedback will be much appreciated and will make sure I offer the best group coaching package for your needs. And, if you want a free intro phone call, please contact me.

Comments: Tell us what topic interests you; how many group sessions; how often.

Dr. Hyman: Social networks and health

Dr. Mercola: Longevity, social connections

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