Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into an enlightening episode of the Wellness Law Podcast, hosted by Barbara Zabawa. Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Lundman, the Executive Director of the Institute for Behavior Change. Together, they explore the vital role standards play in the coaching industry, the challenges faced, and the exciting developments on the horizon.
The Birth of the Institute for Behavior ChangeÂ
Jennifer Lundman reveals the genesis of the Institute for Behavior Change, founded in the past year in response to the evolving landscape of health and wellness coaching. The Institute was born out of the need to establish robust standards tailored to meet the industry's growing demands. Jennifer emphasizes the collaborative effort that brought healthcare professionals, coaches, and health systems together to envision a future where coaching aligns with healthcare industry standards, thus ensuring credibility and integrity.
Addressing Stigma and Starting Points
Barbara and Jennifer discuss the prevalent stigmas around wellness, often tied to misconceptions about the field. Despite these challenges, Jennifer highlights the Institute's efforts to start with healthcare-based coaches, addressing gaps in understanding about coaching roles within clinical systems. The focus is on differentiating coaching in healthcare settings from other environments, with the dual aim of bolstering credibility and addressing the skepticism from healthcare professionals unfamiliar with coaching.
Standards and Research: Building a Sustainable Future
The Institute has made strides in developing standards for healthcare-based coaching, including the psychometric validation of competencies. Jennifer shares their plans to launch an exam to certify coaches, cementing a foundation of confidence and sustainability in the industry. The Institute envisions expanding advocacy and clinical implementation based on robust structures, ensuring coaches are equipped to support patient outcomes across diverse communities.
The Importance of Industry-Driven Standards
Barbara emphasizes the significance of industry insiders leading the charge in setting standards for the wellness sector. She argues that self-regulation is preferable to potentially cumbersome external regulation, such as state-by-state licensure schemes. By developing and enforcing their own standards, the wellness industry can better navigate regulatory landscapes and maintain an independent coaching profession.
 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Jennifer announces the Catalyst Convening, a major event hosted by the Institute this summer in Columbia, Missouri, at the University of Missouri. Scheduled from July 31st to August 2nd, this gathering aims to unite thought leaders to brainstorm, share insights, and further the structural development of the coaching industry. Interested individuals can find more information on proposals and registration at instituteforbehaviorchange.org.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Industry Stakeholders
The podcast episode concludes on an optimistic note, with Barbara reiterating the importance of the work being done at the Institute for Behavior Change. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Jennifer highlights the Institute's presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, where they share valuable resources and updates. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on the Wellness Law Podcast, and follow along as the health and wellness coaching industry continues its journey towards a structured, credible future.