‘You can do it’

Kendra Perry knew she had found “it”—the thing she was called to do—when she learned about wellness coaching a couple years ago. With a degree in psychology, she chose the highly accredited program Wellcoaches for her training. Since then, she has coached a multitude of clients and is facilitating her first three-day group retreat this month. Her business is growing. Kendra Perry Coaching can be contacted at 519-4348.

What is wellness coaching?

Wellness includes weight control, stress reduction, nutrition, exercise and more. The idea around wellness coaching is that people innately know how to be well. It is my job to help my clients uncover their blueprints for well-being. Behavioral scientists have done research that shows one-to-one coaching is the most effective way for people to make long-term changes.

How does wellness coaching work?

Through a series of conversations and powerful questions, clients come to articulate meaningful outcome goals and what behaviors they need to change to get there. Through a facilitated process of reflection during our sessions, they realize they can put an end to the habits that have kept them from becoming their best selves. Their goals become cemented in their conscious day-to-day life, and together we outline weekly process goals that empower them to make incremental changes. This type of self-growth creates “a-ha moments” where clients realize they can be in the driver’s seat and are capable of change.

And then what happens?

Through the process of coaching comes the uncovering of why someone is consistently exercising behaviors that are contrary to well-being. An individual may start out with an outcome goal of losing weight, but what comes out is that they’re really stressed out at home or work. They are eating to try and quiet the anxiety or stress. When we can identify the triggers, we can create goals to change their work environment or enhance their relationships. Another huge piece of coaching is accountability. My job is to be my client’s No. 1 ally. Believing in my clients’ ability to achieve goals helps foster confidence and accountability.

Do you have a strict program?

There are no “do’s and don’ts.” Research has proven that telling people what they should or shouldn’t be doing doesn’t lead to real change. People need to come to optimal wellness (and the behavioral changes that will get them there) on their own. Support—through coaching—helps them do that.

How and where do you meet with clients?

All of my coaching is done over the phone, which actually helps facilitate honest communication.