Comparing three health behavior change models.

Motivational Coaching: A Functional Juxtaposition of Three Methods for Health Behaviour Change: Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, and Skilled Helping by Courtney Newnham-Kanas et al, International Journal of Evidenced Based Coaching and Mentoring, Vol 8 No 2 August 2010 ( full articles are available to our Institute of Coaching members ) Special Thanks to Deborah Elbaum, MD for translating this article from theory to practice As coaches, we are often asked what coaching involves and what makes it different from other modalities of health behavior change. Recognizing that health care professionals need effective ways to motivate and support people working toward long-lasting behavioral changes, Newnhawn-Kanas et. al. explored the similarities and differences among three motivational change methods: Co-Active coaching (as taught by Coaches Training Institute), Motivational Interviewing, and Egan's Skilled Helper Model. In Co-Active coaching, clients are assumed to be naturally creative, resourceful, and whole; coach and client partner to help the client move forward in an empowered way. Motivational Interviewing (MI) focuses on addressing the client's behavior and ambivalence as a way to increase his or her intrinsic motivation to change. Egan's Skilled Helper Model (SHM) emphasizes empowerment; clients work through three stages of questions to become more effective at managing both problems and opportunities. In comparing these three methods, the authors focused on the following areas: the role and creation of the therapeutic alliance; the role of the client, how the client is perceived, and which aspects of the client's life are involved in the process; how each session's agenda is determined; and how the client's need and readiness for change is addressed. Overall, coaching, MI, and SHM incorporate largely similar core principles, beliefs, and processes. The main differences that surfaced involve:  ·      The training -- Individuals trained in MI and SHM are most often health care professionals. In contrast, Co-Active coaches come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. ·      The specific terminology and methodology of each technique ·      The perceived stigma -- Life coaching is often viewed in a more acceptable light than counseling, because it is less likely to be associated with healing a person's dysfunction. Incorporating the key aspects of coaching, MI, and SHM, the authors created and proposed a new model of Motivational Coaching to help people change their behavior. As you reflect on your coaching practice, what do you see as critical in working with clients to make and sustain health behavior changes?