Humans are social beings.

Unlike many animals in the world we cannot survive without the nurturance of others.

We’re about five or six weeks into the new year now and from my clinical experience over the years, this is about the time when a lot of people who have made plans or resolutions to do some things differently in the New Year start to struggle with fading motivation.

Health Coaching in Practice with Kim Poyner Practice Nurse and Simon Matthews Psychologist

When I talk to clients about health behavior change, it’s fairly common for people already to be aware of changes they think they need to make. It might be losing weight, increasing physical activity, increasing vegetable intake, dealing with stress better, addressing sleep or any of the other myriad behaviours that can harm our health.

“Is my patient ready for change?” is the question that occupies the mind of most, if not all, health practitioners. But in honesty, it’s the wrong question.

The really important question to ask is “What type of change is my client ready for?”

Wellcoaches Australia faculty member Kim Poyner attended the Australian Conference on Evidence Based Coaching at Sydney University on 15-16 February 2020. Here are her reflections.

The Evidence Based Coaching Conference started off with a hive of activity, lots of long lost colleagues and friends connecting and sharing…

Ever wondered “Why do my patients do what they do, when they know what they know???” Working in general medical practice we are presented with opportunities to engage and connect with our patients in a work environment that is so varied and diverse.

Most people have some idea about at least one of the concepts of happiness, resilience and managing stress. When I talk to people about their understanding of these things, the ideas that people express vary quite widely.

For my money, one of the most helpful ways to define empathy is the capacity to recognise, identify, understand and reflect the emotional state of another.

“Knowledge is Power” goes the saying, often attributed to the 17th century Philosopher and Scientist Sir Francis Bacon

The saying “You are what you eat” seems to have its origins almost two centuries ago.

If I asked you to think of one small thing that’s in your power to do right now, that could have a significant positive impact on your mood and psychological well-being, what comes to mind?