Discover how a health coach can help you
I was drawn to health coaching after overcoming my own autoimmune disease by addressing the root-cause through food, faith, and with the help of a Functional Medicine practitioner. You can read more about my story and Refreshed Vision Health Coaching here.
Whether it is a new diagnosis, weight loss, healthier eating, exercise, stress management or sleep habits, I support women with autoimmune disease who want to create and sustain healthy habits so they can stop their symptoms, increase their energy and feel fabulous again! I want them to feel full of life so they can glorify God with their gifts and talents in this world.
In 2 Corinthians it talks about comforting others with the comfort we have received. In line with that verse and my personal health testimony, I really have a heart for women with autoimmune diseases because I've been there. I have felt the discouragement, the dismal outlook, fatigue, isolation and helplessness.
I show you how you can use food, faith and Functional Medicine principles to lower inflammation, calm the immune system and stop your symptoms so you can live pain-free, energized and start getting active again.
Whether you need to work on stress management, eating healthier, exercising regularly or are managing a chronic health condition - I get it. I've been there and can support you as you navigate it and transform your health and life.
If you need support, hope, encouragement or a total REFRESH, chat with me to see if we could partner together in reaching a healthier you!
Root-Cause Approach
Like what happened in my story, often doctors diagnose you with a disease and offer medications to treat your symptoms. Unlike the traditional medicine model, Functional Medicine is a model of medicine that is a science-based way of thinking that steps back and asks ‘Why’. It looks to uncover what is causing the symptoms and addresses the root causes of illness. Functional Medicine often uses lifestyle choices as a first line of defense.
Lifestyle choices include:
- eating patterns
- exercise and movement
- sleep and relaxation, including self-care
- stress management and mindset
- supportive relationships and community
As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, I have 1,000 hours of training in the principles of positive psychology, motivational interviewing, the science-based approach of Functional Medicine and nutrition, and mind-body medicine modalities. These philosophies help bring out the best in you to help you achieve the results you want creating real, sustainable lifestyle changes. The science and psychology training I’ve received truly reinforces how fearfully and wonderfully made we are and only serve to strengthen my beliefs within the Christian faith.
For more information about my certification and training, visit the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Visit these websites to learn more about how Functional Medicine is reversing chronic disease and how the IFM is supporting this trend. You can also find certified Functional Medicine practitioners there!
I am also a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching organization. This board sets the sets the standards for foundational competencies in knowledge, tasks and skills essential to the practice of health and wellness coaching.
After earning my Autoimmune Paleo Certified Coach designation, I created an online 8-week group health coaching program to address the root cause of autoimmune disease through food and lifestyle changes. The AIP Certified Coach training program was taught by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne’s and was based on her book The Paleo Approach, Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. It was co-created and lead by The Autoimmune Wellness duo Mickey Trescott, NTP and Angie Alt, NTC, CHC.
I continue to study the work of a variety of functional medicine doctors and industry experts to provide you with the best, custom coaching and to stay up on current research as it applies to coaching.
“I believe it is worth the effort to figure out what is going on in your body. Dixie is very good at picking up on things that you might be dealing with and finding solutions. She is a great health coach. She is patient, knowledgeable, not pushy, but tries to keep you on track. She has lots of ideas for you that will work with what you are trying to do and what you feel comfortable with.” Cindy T.
What is a health coach?
As a health coach, I assist you in identifying and accomplishing specific health-related goals. I provide you with the tools, perspective and structure to accomplish more through a process of accountability. Coaching is a consistent, on going relationship where I stay with you to help you implement changes. I address the whole person, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. While we might initially be focused on a physical health issue, other dimensions of your life will also most likely be addressed because those areas also affect your health and wellbeing.
I'll guide you through articulating and defining your goals and motivations on a deeper, intrinsic level. Then, I'll walk with you through the behavior change process, creating defined steps that work within your lifestyle, values and long-term goals. I'll draw out your innate strengths to help you make true, lasting healthy changes.
What to Expect
As a Christian health coach I will:
- Listen intently to your fears, struggles and dreams with compassion and understanding as one who as been there herself.
- Help you gain a greater understanding of who you are, what is most important to you, what you want your health to look and feel like, and help you develop a roadmap to get there.
- Help you uncover limiting or negative mindsets, habits, lifestyle patterns and obstacles holding you back.
- Guide you in reconciling changes prescribed by your medical practitioner with what works for your unique circumstances.
- Help you articulate clear, realistic goals then define smaller, attainable action steps so you experience success.
- Offer honest accountability, support, encouragement and inspiration when you feel like you want to quit.
- Be your trusted ally in walking through the process of change. “Two are better than one…” Ecclesiastes 4:9
- Focus on the areas impacting your health the most like eating patterns, movement and exercise, quality sleep, stress-reduction, supportive relationships and mindsets.
- If you’d like, I will pray for and with you as we partner together every step of the way.
What to Not to Expect
As a health coach, I won’t tell you what to do.
Dietitians and personal trainers customize a plan for you to follow. But, then you are on your own to implement it. That is where health coaches come in. As a health coach, I don’t diagnose, or prescribe food plans, or tell you what to do.
You already know you should eat more veggies and less junk, but what is it that keeps you from doing that consistently? What is getting in the way? As a health coach, I help you reconcile what you want to achieve with your actions and align your behavior with your beliefs.
When a person aligns their behaviors with their values, which are steeped in their deeper beliefs, this affords a climate where true lasting behavior change can occur. I help you tap into those deeper internal motivations that help you sustain change and make those simple, daily choices that lead to the end goal you want.
I don’t prescribe, diagnose, treat or guarantee to cure anything. I am not acting in the capacity of a doctor, licensed dietitian or nutritionist, psychologist, minister, or counselor. I encourage you to continue visiting and working with your doctor and be treated by your healthcare team.
I specialize in elimination diets, like AIP, to help calm symptoms of autoimmunity. I can provide information on this all day long! I love it! It is what helped me the most! Changed my life! And, I can expertly guide you through implementing changes to support autoimmunity. I am an AIP Certified Health Coach! I got you!
But, you really don’t need another diet or exercise plan or MORE information. We honestly just need to do the things we already know we SHOULD be doing but aren't.
Everyone is different and has unique likes, dislikes and needs. You need a personalized approach that fits within your lifestyle and tastes. Only you know what is best for you and what will work. I guide you and help you rediscover and articulate your health priorities and then develop a strategy to reach them. So even if you don’t know where to start, that is ok. That is one way I can help you!
If requested, I can help you implement plans provided to you by your healthcare provider.
I help reduce the overwhelm in making drastic lifestyle changes and help you find a path to success.
As a health coach, I walk with you through the process of making your goals a reality. If the change doesn’t work within your lifestyle, you probably won’t make the change. It won't stick.
I know you want to feel like yourself again. Let’s work with what works for YOU!
Will health coaching work for me?
Health coaching will work for you if you are willing to take responsibility for your own actions. Just hiring me doesn’t make the weight fall off or symptoms go away. You have to be willing to put in the work. But, the good news is that health coaching DOES work! By working with me, you will make significantly more progress and sustain those changes longer than if you tried to do it alone.
Making healthy changes in your life that last is not as simple as,
“Just Do It.”
Jumping into new routines and making sweeping changes are difficult to maintain. It is a shock to your body, mind, emotions, schedule and so much more. The changes that last have to be grounded in deeper motivations and really be worth it to you. And, they must be incremental, small choices and changes that you can be consistent in doing. I can help you formulate a plan and support you as you establish healthier habits.
You can finally see real change, not just get a quick fix. Through health coaching, you will have the tools and confidence to build a healthy life, full of energy.
You'll have the support and insight from an objective third-party who will be honest, support, encourage, hold you accountable, and guide you in doing the things you need to do to improve your health and life.
Ready to take a small step that will give you a big leap toward your goal?
Schedule a free 15-minute call to see if health coaching is right for you. Let's talk about where you are, what you want your health to look like, talk about how the process works.
Then, if we feel like we are a good fit, we can talk about how we can work together - just a conversation, no pressure, no sales. I'm just a Christian gal coming along side and helping a fellow sojourner on a path to healthier habits. Ready to get started?
MY PHILOSOPHY
I view health from a holistic perspective. Although my primary focus is physical health, habit change and stopping autoimmunity, I am interested in you as a whole person. This mind, body, spirit approach recognizes that these dimensions of you are intertwined and cannot be compartmentalized or separated.
These three dimensions of you are interconnected along with your values and beliefs about being able to accomplish your goals. Then, to complicate matters, co-workers, your spouse, and friends all influence your food choices and habits. There are memory associations with food that complicate making changes. Mental blocks, stress, negative self-talk, and interruptions to your routine that make it difficult to keep up healthy routines.
As a Christian health coach, I can help you navigate these nuances. I will also pray with you, encourage you and support you through the process. You will feel equipped with the tools, perspective and structure to keep up positive momentum accomplishing far more than doing it alone.
MIND
God calls us to renew our minds. Many of us are on autopilot letting our minds ruminate over conversations, hurts, failures, and on what we are going to do next. Instead, we need to be in the present moment, aware of our self-talk, thinking about and focusing on good things and God’s truth. Over time, these habits produce fruit. God says if we abide in him, we will produce fruit.
It won’t happen on its own. It takes diligent effort. Just like exercising our bodies, we exercise our mind, will and emotions to line up with who God says we are and with our goals, dreams and values. We shouldn’t stuff or avoid our feelings, they are a barometer that gauges what is happening, but we also don’t have to be ruled by our feelings. We get to choose. We can change the channel of our mind and focus on the good in ourselves, in others and in our circumstances.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
BODY
I believe God has called us to be good stewards of our bodies. We should be paying more attention to what we fuel ourselves with, how we move, live and take care of what God has given us. In the parable of the talents, Jesus is not just talking about money. He is talking about stewardship. We are an example to the world, our kids, our friends, co-workers, neighbors and we should honor God with our bodies. When we eat healthy foods, move a little each day, get enough sleep, meditate on God’s promises and his goodness, engage in meaningful relationships, and manage our stress levels, our body operates at its best. This also positively affects our thinking, emotions, choices and actions.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” I Corinthians 6:19-20
SPIRIT
God made us for a purpose. He wants us to partner with him while we are here on earth. What is your calling? What gets you excited about the day? What are you passionate about? What are your dreams? Do you know your purpose? If life has just been going at warp speed and you have lost sight of the big picture, of your purpose and identity, let’s get that picture back in focus.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
“…my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6
STATEMENT OF FAITH
My relationship with Jesus Christ is at the very center what I do. It’s not about working hard for Jesus or going to church or being perfect. It’s about letting Jesus work hard in me and through me.
You are welcome here, no matter where you’re at on your faith journey. I know that our faith journey has its ups and downs. You might be seeking God or curious about Jesus. You might feel close to God and you can hear Him all the time. And, then there is everything in between. That is okay. I meet you wherever you are.
However, know that this is part of who I am and that this leaks out of me from time to time. But, I want to support you wherever you are on this journey in however much you feel comfortable with this aspect of your coaching. These are my beliefs and statement of faith.
Despite social media showing everyone through a “perfect” lens or how hard we keep up our appearances, we have all messed up and fallen short in the eyes of God (Romans 3:23). We’ve all been hurt by others and we have hurt others. I know what it is like to feel lonely, mistaken, and judged. I know what it is like to struggle with your health, physical and mental. I’m a work in progress. And I’ll meet you wherever you are in that journey.
I believe the Bible is the trustworthy, true, and without error, inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I believe that God created all humans in His image (Genesis 1:26). I believe God loves all people (1 John 4:9 & 16, Ephesians 2:4, Romans 5:8). Thus, following Christ’s example, I believe that every person should be treated with love, dignity and respect (Galatians 6:10). God is good Father who wants good things for his kids. He not only likes us but He loves us. He wants us to freely choose Him in return.
I believe that salvation is a gift from God available to us through Jesus Christ alone (Ephesian 2:8). We can’t earn it by being a good person or working harder or through enough self-improvement. Which is why God sent his son Jesus to earth to die on the cross in our place for our sins, so we could be reunited with him (John 3:16).
When we confess Jesus as our Lord, ask for forgiveness of our sins, receive his grace and believe that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9) and given the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is our helper and counselor (John 14:16) and is the power within us to live for Christ.
"I felt like I was never going to make the positive changes I wanted to make. Dixie helped me set some defined goals, which we broke down into manageable, attainable steps. I think the best thing about coaching was that I wasn't alone. I had someone with me that believed in me and helped me believe in myself. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have been successful without Dixie's coaching." - Donna T.
I work with women that are no longer okay with the status quo and are ready for something in their life to change.
Together we find what will fit your unique situation, genetics, history, capacity, and way of life. You'll feel supported, encouraged and will change the way you think about your health on many levels. You'll learn life-long skills you can implement long after coaching.
I coach my clients to implement gradual changes in whatever area of health we are focused on. This allows the changes to be more long-lasting. As these healthy habits accumulate, my clients find the changes collectively create a much larger impact than they originally expected.
However, changing old patterns is hard. I coach my clients through fear, overwhelm and self-doubt to find lasting health. Your body is unique and therefore, your results will be as well. If you are looking for a "get healthy quick or easy" plan this is not it.
You want your life to change. I take that seriously. I want you to feel recharged, energized, resilient, whole and have a new health reality. But it takes commitment to change. The more you commit, the more you'll engage and the more you'll achieve.
I work with women that are no longer okay with the status quo and are ready for something in their life to change. If you are ready to finally feel wholly healthy and be in charge of your health again, then let's talk.
Imagine...what your life might look like if things were different.
Finally take control of your health, steward your body and live the life you've been called to live.
Other Interesting Facts
I am a guest on many different Christian and health-minded podcasts. Email me here if you are interested in having me on your show.
I am also a contributing writer to HealthMeans.
I was a featured speaker for the 2021 AIP Summit's monthly, live webinar and on the Autoimmune Sisters first annual virtual conference held in 2022.
If you have questions about how health coaching can support you today and give you hope for healthier tomorrow, schedule a FREE 15-minute call!