What are the benefits of being a member of a professional coaching association?

With the Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach Certification accredited by industry leader Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA), we thought we would share with you why joining a ​dedicated industry organisation is in all our best interests.

What are the trends in the wellbeing industry today

​Wellbeing management has emerged from the ‘dust’ from the recent and greatest wellness challenge in modern history, as one of the significant developing areas in society. College’s like Well College regularly invest in reports on industry trends so we can keep our ‘ear to the ground’, but it’s our collective who tell us just what is happening in the community and where we can look to for new horizons. 
 
We ourselves are seeing a huge push in industries such as sport through to construction, that are actively seeking to stem the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in their sectors. Evidence of this need is also seen in the growth in regions such as the UK where they continue to rollout multiple initiatives aimed at making health coaches conduits between community networks, clients, and health professionals, increasing the likelihood of health behaviour change.
 
The growth of the wellness industry has in part been born out of an increase in awareness in the general public around factors involved in dis-ease such as the increased reliance on medications, the ever growing environmental contaminants affecting wellbeing, the rising mental health challenges in society, and the poor response by leaders to these challenges. The push towards highly trained wellbeing professionals, managers and thought-leaders has never been more important.

The importance of reflecting your level of professional training

​Not-for-profit, members-based industry advocates such as Health Coaches Australia & NZ, UK & International Health Coaches and Personalised Care Institute UK, advocate for health coaches and bring credibility to the profession and its members. 
 
Through relevant and constructive standards, credentialing of evidence-based training, commitment to a client-led approach, and strong connections to health, wellbeing and education, stakeholders such as associations can ensure the evolution of the health coaching industry is highly visible, progressive, respected, collaborative, and ethical. 

What does belonging to an association provide coaches

​Clients are savvy and they want the best for themselves and those around them. Belonging to a credible and independent health coaching association whose credential badge is respected and trusted enables clients to clearly identify you as a well-trained, professional and effective coach. Clients can have confidence that in partnering with you that they will be supported in their goals, as will anyone they refer to you. 
 
As a member of an association you are joining a wellbeing professional community, one that has connections and ties to industry networks, primary and allied health care professionals, and corporate wellbeing leaders and managers.

What are the benefits in being a member of an association

​Membership provides you with numerous options to help grow personally and professionally, as well as to connect to a broader base. For example, as a member you can:

1. Access recognised badging to display on your sites 
2. Be listed on the members page for transparency
3. Access insurance options with insurers who understand your needs
4. Gain free and discounted continuing education training
5. Access to members only jobs boards
6. Be proactive and become members of boards to help shape the future
7. Guest blog to heighten your profile
8. Access member rates to conferences
9. Receive industry updates so you stay on top of changes and trends
10. Join regular member meetings
11. Access to special interest community groups

To name just a few.

So is it time

​We say yes. While there are some excellent, and dedicated, broader holistic registering bodies, being a part of a community of health coaches working towards the betterment of community wellbeing will grow a stronger, more cohesive and credible industry. 
If you’re just starting out on your journey and trying to select a course, we recommend studying with an accredited college that will open this door to you, so your reputation as a qualified professional can be recognised and valued. “Your reputation as a qualified professional deserves to be recognised.” 

Author

Leanne Cooper, Founder & Director of Well College Global

HCANZA approved Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach Certification 
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