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Health Coaching

As part of the Tobacco Free Initiative, health coaching is available at no cost to all OHSU employees, students and volunteers. Upon availability, family members who are covered under the OHSU insurance plan are also eligible for health coaching.

Health Coaches are healthcare professionals who specialize in supporting people to reach their goals. Our role is to understand where you are and where you would like to go. We will help clarify your health concerns and goals, but we will never tell you what to do or give you a lecture.

All Employee Wellness services are confidential. We are not part of the OHSU health record system. We maintain a separate database that only wellness staff can access.

Sound like something you might be interested in trying? Click here to register and our scheduler will get back to you within two business days. If your matter is urgent, call 503 494-WELL (9355).

Good Reasons to Meet with a Health Coach

• You want a brief conversation to determine if health coaching would be helpful.
• You are not interested in quitting tobacco but would like support in managing cravings while you work.
• You are interested in quitting but not ready (no pressure).
• You are not sure if you are willing, able or ready to quit, but would like better health.
• You are ready to quit and would benefit from the support of an experienced tobacco specialist.
• You have already quit and would like support to stay quit.

What Happens at Health Coaching Visits?

Each person is unique, so every coaching visit is different. When you meet with a health coach, you are able to customize your appointment to meet your own needs. Health coaching is not counseling. It’s more like spending time with a supportive person who is a good listener and knows a lot about your health goal -- whether your goal is managing stress, lowering your cholesterol, quitting tobacco or something else.

Why is Health Coaching Effective?

• The approach used in health coaching creates a partnership between you and your coach; they will give advice if you are interested but you will be the one to create your plan of action.
• The coaches support you in tracking your progress, addressing barriers that get in your way and identifying resources to assist you.
• Coaching does not involve criticism or judgment, but instead helps you figure out what’s most important to you and how to get there.
• Health coaches look at the big picture. They take the time to listen to your concerns and ask questions to understand what works for you and what doesn’t.