Establishing My Coaching Identity: Why Clarity Builds Trust

When I began my journey as a health and wellness coach, I quickly realized that one of the biggest challenges in this emerging field was identity. What does it really mean to be a wellness coach? How do I explain my role to others—and even to myself—in a way that feels grounded, trustworthy, and professional?

Over time, I discovered that building a strong coaching identity isn’t just about titles or credentials. It’s about knowing who I am as a coach, understanding the value I bring, and establishing clear boundaries around my role. This clarity is what helps me connect meaningfully with my clients—and it’s what gives them confidence that they’re in good hands.

The Void: Finding My Place in a New Profession

Health coaching is still a relatively young profession. Unlike more established roles in healthcare, coaches often enter the field without a defined path. I experienced this firsthand during the “encountering,” “experiencing,” and “facing the void” stages—terms used to describe how new coaches search for a sense of professional identity.

In these early stages, I leaned heavily on my own background. My 7 years of experience as a Certified Pharmacy Technician gave me deep insight into the healthcare system, medication management, and patient care boundaries. I began to realize that this was my anchor—a foundation I could build my coaching identity on.

Building My Coaching Philosophy

I also developed what are known as identity devices—tools and methods that help define my practice. For me, that meant adopting evidence-based approaches like SMART goals, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and self-efficacy strategies. These aren’t just techniques, they are how I connect with clients, helping them set meaningful goals and stay motivated as they work toward lasting change.

Professional boundaries were another cornerstone. As a coach, I provide emotional support, structure, and encouragement—but I always refer clients to licensed professionals for medical or mental health needs. This clear scope of practice reinforces my integrity and ensures my clients receive the right support at the right time.

The Power of Professional Organizations

Joining the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) gave me more than just a credential—it gave me a community, a code of ethics, and a shared language with other coaches. These identity supports helped me navigate the “void” and solidify my place in the coaching profession. The NBHWC’s standards have helped me stay aligned with best practices while staying true to my own coaching philosophy.

Why Coaching Identity Matters

Establishing a clear coaching identity isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It sets the tone for the entire coaching relationship. When clients understand my background, my methods, and my scope of practice, they feel safe, seen, and supported.

Through my work, I’ve seen that identity clarity enhances trust, engagement, and outcomes. It helps clients feel more confident about their journey—and it allows me to bring my best self to every session.

At the heart of it all, my coaching identity reflects my values: compassion, professionalism, empowerment, and personal growth.

And that’s the kind of coach I strive to be—one who walks alongside you, grounded in clarity and driven by purpose.

References:

Kreiner, G. E., Hollensbe, E. C., & Sheep, M. L. (2006). How does the “Me” integrate within the “We”? Academy of Management Journal, 49(5), 1031–1057. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMJ.2006.22798186

NBHWC. (2020). Competencies and Scope of Practice for NBHWC Health & Wellness Coaches. https://nbhwc.org

Patvardhan, S. D., Gioia, D. A., & Hamilton, A. L. (2015). Addressing a meta-level identity crisis: Forming a cohesive collective identity for an emerging field. Academy of Management Journal, 58(2), 405–435. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2012.1049

Usborne, E., & Taylor, D. M. (2010). The significance of cultural identity clarity for self-concept clarity, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(7), 883–897. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167210372215