A South Asian’s Guide to Personal Health & Wellness

If you are considering working with a health and wellness coach but are not sure what to expect, we’re here to guide you! Your first session will provide a supportive space to focus on your goals, challenges and aspirations. For many people of color, especially those from cultures that emphasize self-reliance over seeking help, consulting a wellness coach can feel like a new and unfamiliar experience.

Finding the right wellness coach is a deeply personal decision, as the right fit can make all the difference in your journey. Start by considering what you’re seeking: do you want someone who specializes in chronic care, stress management, mindful eating, or holistic well-being? Individual coaches have different areas of expertise, so take the time to research their backgrounds, certifications, and coaching philosophies. You can look for coaches through professional directories (South Asian Care offers this!), social media, or wellness platforms that align with your values. Whether you prefer virtual sessions or in-person coaching, finding someone who resonates with you and makes you feel seen and supported will set the foundation for meaningful progress.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for a fruitful first session.

1. Understanding the Role of a Wellness Coach

Think of a health coach as a partner who helps you explore and define what you want for your life and your health (physical, mental, emotional, social, etc.), then helps you stay accountable to both setting and achieving your goals.

What differentiates a wellness coach from a therapist, fitness coach, or personal trainer? Good question! While wellness coaches, therapists, fitness coaches, and personal trainers are all experts in their respective fields, differences lie in their focuses with clients, approaches to care, and scope of practice.

Focus: A wellness coach will help you design and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle by building sustainable habits, creating steps to achieve your goals and be your accountability partner every step of the way.

Approach: Wellness coaching is typically action-based. A Wellness Coach will work with you to create a personalized plan and help you stay motivated, accountable, and on track towards your goals. It’s about empowering you to take charge of your life in the present and in the future.

Scope: Wellness coaches often look at your physical health, stress management, mindset, nutrition, and overall life satisfaction. Wellness coaches typically do not dive deep into past trauma or mental health disorders.

Wellness coaching is generally more goal-oriented, holistic, and focused on personal growth and lifestyle improvement. Wellness Coaching is about helping you build a healthier, more balanced life while therapy tends to focus more on emotional healing and mental health recovery and fitness trainers emphasize physical health and well-being. People may choose to work with a combination of the aforementioned professionals, depending on their needs at different stages of their journey.

2. What to Expect in Your First Session

Your coach will likely begin by introducing themselves and asking about your goals and motivations for pursuing them. Creating a safe, judgement-free space, coaches work hard to understand and encourage you. Expect them to ask you questions that might help you explore the areas where you want the most growth or support. They may ask you about your daily routine, energy levels, sleep patterns, relationship with food, exercise preferences, and sources of stress. You might also explore your motivation, past challenges, and previous strategies that may or may not have worked for you. These conversations are designed to help uncover patterns, identify barriers, and clarify your vision for wellness. By gaining insight into your unique needs and lifestyle, your coach can offer tailored strategies and guidance that align with your goals, making your journey both personalized and sustainable.

3. How to Prepare for Your First Session

1) Reflect on Your Goals:

Before your first session, take some time to think about what you truly want to achieve through Health & Wellness Coaching. Are you looking to improve your eating habits, build a consistent workout routine, manage stress, or enhance your overall well-being? Your goals don’t have to be perfectly defined yet, since your coach will help refine them, but having a general idea will help to make your session more productive.

2) List any Concerns or Hesitations:

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about starting Health & Wellness Coaching. Maybe you’ve tried different approaches in the past that didn’t work, or you’re worried about making big changes. Jot down any fears, doubts, or logistical concerns you have, such as time commitments or financial considerations. Your coach is there to address these and create a plan that feels achievable for you.

3) Come with an Open Mind:

Health & Wellness Coaching is a collaborative process, and sometimes the best insights come from exploring new perspectives. You may have certain ideas about what wellness should look like, but your coach may introduce different perspectives you have not considered. Being open to new strategies and feedback will help you get the most out of your sessions.

4) Make a List of Your Strengths and Challenges:

Understanding what already works for you and where you tend to struggle will help your coach tailor their approach to your needs. Maybe you are great at meal prepping but struggle with emotional eating. Or, it’s possible you love movement but find it hard to stay consistent. Acknowledging your strengths and challenges will help create a plan that feels both empowering and realistic.

4. What Comes Next?

Before and even after your first session, you’ll likely feel a mix of emotions: excited about the possibility of real change, curious about what the process will be like, and maybe even a little uncertain about stepping outside of your comfort zone. That’s entirely normal! You are embarking on a highly personal journey—one that honors both who you are today and who you strive to become. This process is about more than just reaching a goal; it’s about transforming the way you approach your well-being. Trust that your health coach is here to guide and support you, meeting you where you are, then helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

It is of importance to note that Health & Wellness Coaching is not a quick fix. Rather, it’s a personalized, transformative process that unfolds over time. The length of coaching varies depending on your goals, lifestyle, and the depth of change you seek. Some individuals find clarity and motivation within a few sessions, while others commit to several months of coaching to build lasting habits and navigate challenges with ongoing support. Most coaching sessions last about 45 to 60 minutes, typically occurring weekly or biweekly to maintain momentum and accountability. While progress looks different for everyone, consistency is key. The more you engage with the process—reflecting on insights, implementing small, sustainable changes and staying open to growth—the more rewarding your journey will be. Your coach will work with you to create a schedule and structure that aligns with your needs, ensuring that your commitment to wellness feels both achievable and empowering.

This is your space, South Asian Care community. It is your chance to define and celebrate your health and wellness with your Wellness Coach by your side.

To find a health and wellness coach that meets your needs, visit our directory at www.southasiancare.com/directory.

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