Why I Will Always Support Other Health Coaches

Support Other Health Coaches

Health coaching is often treated like a competitive field: everyone carving out their niche, trying to stand out, and hoping to attract the “right” clients. But that mindset can create unnecessary pressure for both coaches and the people we’re trying to help. The truth is simple: health coaching thrives when we collaborate, not when we compete.

Chronic illness touches every part of a person’s life. No single coach is meant to support every need. When we recognize that, collaboration stops being a threat and becomes a strength.

We Each Bring Something Different to the Table

Every health coach has a different background, skill set, lived experience, and coaching style. Instead of trying to be everything for everyone, we can acknowledge that each coach fills a unique role.

Some coaches are strong in goal-setting and habit change. Others shine in emotional support, nutrition, fitness, or navigating the mental load of chronic illness. Some have lived experience with certain diagnoses. Others have clinical backgrounds or specialty training.

When coaches support one another:

• Clients gain access to more tailored support

• The coaching field becomes more credible

• No coach burns out trying to carry it all

A rising tide truly lifts all boats.

Competition Creates Scarcity. Collaboration Creates Abundance.

Competition pushes coaches into a mindset that says, "There’s not enough to go around." But people living with chronic illness come from all backgrounds, and millions could benefit from emotional, behavioral, or educational support.

There is no shortage of people who need care and community.

Collaboration opens the door to:

• Referrals when a coach isn’t the right fit for someone

• Co-created resources that reach more people

• Shared wisdom that helps coaches grow

• And a support system for coaches

When coaches stop protecting “their territory,” everyone wins, especially the people living with chronic conditions who deserve high-quality, aligned support. No one person can offer it all. No one person was meant to. Operating that way will burn you out and bring bad energy to clients.

People With Chronic Illness Need Options, Not Ownership

Someone living with diabetes, PCOS, Crohn’s, MS, or any chronic condition should never feel like their coach is their only lifeline.

People need:

• Multiple perspectives

• Flexible approaches

• Different personalities

• Varied types of guidance

Collaboration ensures clients can find a coach who fits their communication style, comfort level, cultural identity, and personality. No one coach will be the perfect match for everyone, and that’s a good thing.

When we genuinely support each other, we help clients feel empowered—not controlled—on their care journey.

Collaboration Makes the Profession More Ethical

Working together strengthens accountability in the coaching field. Health coaching is not the same as therapy or medical care.

When coaches collaborate, they can:

• Check each other on the scope of practice

• Share best practices ethically

• Clarify boundaries

• Elevate the standard of care

The more we support one another, the more trust our clients have in the profession as a whole.

Practical Ways Coaches Can Support Each Other

Here are strategies to build collaboration into your coaching practice:

1. Refer out when someone else is a better fit.

Matching a client with the right coach is service, not failure.

2. Share resources.

Articles, tools, books, workshops, templates: there’s room for everyone to learn.

3. Co-create content.

Instagram Lives, podcasts, blog features, and cross-promotion benefit both audiences (and businesses).

4. Celebrate other coaches publicly.

Your support shows confidence and generosity, not insecurity.

5. Ask for help when you need it.

No coach should work in isolation.

Health Coaches Should Support Other Health Coaches

Health coaching is not about winning clients. It’s about helping people reclaim their lives, build healthy habits, and stay grounded amid life's chaos.

Collaboration reflects the very heart of health coaching: empowerment, compassion, and community.

We become better coaches when we lift each other up. And the people we serve feel that strength, too. That energy is contagious!