Behind the Scenes of Health Coaching Standards

“We have an opportunity to train a new profession that actually moves the needle on health equity and prevention before the system absorbs us into the ‘way things have always been done.” Dr. Cherie O’Neill

What does it take to set the gold standard in health coaching? In this episode of CoachConnect, Dr. Diego Salinas explores this question with Dr. Cherie O’Neill. She is the Director of Integrative Health and Well-Being Coaching at the University of Minnesota. Together, they uncover the latest updates to health coaching standards. They also discuss what these changes mean for the future of the coaching profession.

Dr. Cherie O’Neill shares her insights from working on the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Competency Update Committee. She discusses how these evolving standards enhance coaching effectiveness and expand access to healthcare. She also explores how they integrate critical topics such as social determinants of health, coaching presence, and behavior change neuroscience.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• How updated health coaching standards shape the profession and certification process
• Why coaching presence, mindset shifts, and behavioral science are crucial for client success
• The growing role of health coaches in preventative care and integrative healthcare
• How health coaches can elevate their practice with continued education and specialized training

Dr. Cherie O’Neill an expert in health coaching and behavior change, holds an EdD and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM). She is also a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS), and a Certified Health & Wellness Coach (CHWC).

She is passionate about health coaching, behavior change, and helping people thrive. As the Director of Integrative Health & Well-Being Coaching at the University of Minnesota’s Bakken Center, she’s dedicated to training the next generation of board-certified health coaches and shaping the future of the field.

Dr. O’Neill has years of experience in health coaching education. She played a key role in updating the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) competencies. Her work ensures that coaches develop essential skills in behavior change, coaching presence, and social determinants of health. She also founded Wellness Coaching Elevated, a company focused on supporting coaches in developing their skills and passing the national board exam.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. O’Neill is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and an advocate for integrating coaching into healthcare. She’s deeply committed to helping coaches build confidence, grow their impact, and make lasting change in people’s lives.

Dr. Diego Salinas is the host of CoachConnect.

Dr. Diego Salinas is a neuroscientist, physician, and health coach. He is passionate about helping coaches grow their impact in the health and wellness space.

As the co-founder of Vibly, he equips coaches with the tools and support to build thriving practices and create lasting change.

Blending medical expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Salinas specializes in behavior change, mental well-being, and the role of coaching in healthcare. On CoachConnect, he explores the strategies and successes of top coaches, sharing actionable insights. A strong advocate for coaching in healthcare, he speaks at industry events and works to make quality coaching more accessible.

CoachConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas is a podcast for coaches looking to grow their impact, refine their strategies, and navigate the evolving world of health and wellness coaching.

Dr. Diego Salinas has a question for coaches and coaching industry leaders: “What makes coaching a powerful force for change?” In this podcast series, he sits down with top coaching professionals to uncover their insights, strategies, and personal journeys.

Each episode of CoachConnect delivers real-world strategies, success stories, and expert perspectives on coaching, mental well-being, and business growth, helping coaches at all levels unlock their full potential.