From Advertising to Holistic Health Coach – Meet Shelley Smith of Santosha Health Coaching

Q: What motivated you to become a Health Coach?

My motivation was born from personal experience. After years of city life’s hustle and bustle, I realised the importance of self-care and holistic well-being. The Western medical system often focuses on addressing issues after they’ve manifested rather than preventing them in the first place. I wanted to bridge this gap and empower individuals to embrace their inner wisdom, allowing them to proactively manage their health and well-being.

Q: What are you doing now, since graduating as a Health Coach?

Since becoming a Health Coach, I’ve transitioned full-time into my own business, Santosha Health Coaching. I went to India in January 2020 to do yoga teacher training. Part of the philosophy class was learning about the Niyamas which are part of the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga’ and one of them was ‘Santosha’ which means contentment. This was a lightbulb moment for me when I reflected on my life back home and how I saw being busy all the time as key to my success, instead of being content in the moment. This concept is the foundation of how I want clients to feel when working with me. In addition, I dedicate two days a week to providing my services at a local GP clinic for Comprehensive Care. This dual role allows me to reach a broader range of clients, combining the best of both worlds.

Q: Is there a particular aspect of health coaching that you are especially passionate about?

I’m deeply passionate about addressing the flaws in the Western medical system. We often overlook the significance of prevention and treating the whole individual. Health coaching provides a bridge to empower individuals, guiding them to take charge of their health journey. We all possess inner wisdom; it’s just a matter of tapping into it and understanding how to use it. That’s where a Health Coach’s support becomes invaluable.

Q: Can you share a specific success story where your coaching has made a significant positive impact on a client’s life?

I had the privilege of working with a remarkable client in her 50s. She had battled type 2 diabetes for over 25 years, relying on seven different medications. Through our coaching journey, she managed to lose weight and significantly lower her HbA1c levels. Her doctor was astonished by her progress, and she expressed her wish to have known earlier that she didn’t have to depend on medication for the rest of her life. It was a testament to the importance of lifestyle changes in achieving better health.

Q: How has your PREKURE training prepared you for real-world scenarios as a Health Coach?

Graduating from PREKURE provided me with an essential foundation, but becoming a confident and effective coach is a continuous journey. The training equipped me with valuable skills, such as active listening and the ability to guide clients in discovering their own solutions. It’s a process of building trust and customising my approach to suit each client’s unique needs.

Q: How has being a Health Coach enriched your life, both personally and professionally?

Being a health coach has deepened the conversations I have with friends and family, I try really hard not to slip into coach mode too much when I’m off duty but sometimes you can’t help yourself. I’m a naturally curious person, so I enjoy learning about others, and figuring out the patterns in their behaviour and life events, and how that shows up in their wellbeing.

Q: What advice would you give to those considering a career in health coaching?

My advice is to embrace the journey with patience and dedication. Being a remarkable Health Coach takes time and constant learning. It’s essential to hold a genuine passion for the field and a deep commitment to your mission. Health coaching is a continuous process of self-improvement, mirrored in your clients’ transformations. Embrace the learning process, and let it propel your personal and professional growth.

Q: What has it meant to you to be part of the PREKURE community and contribute to the transformation of our healthcare system?

Joining the PREKURE community has been a rewarding experience. I’ve connected with like-minded individuals who share a collective passion for health and well-being. It’s reassuring to be part of a group actively dedicated to making a difference in healthcare. PREKURE has provided me with the privilege of contributing to a movement that’s long overdue.

Connect with Shelley 

For those who wish to connect with Shelley and learn more about her approach to holistic well-being, visit her website at Santosha Health Coaching, follow her on Instagram or reach out at [email protected].

Learn more about PREKURE’s Health Coach Courses and how you can turn your passion for health into a career and start on your journey to becoming a Health Coach.