Honoring Pride Month: Prioritizing Inclusivity within Health Coaching

Featuring insights from Taylor Smith, NBC-HWC and YourCoach Health Contract Coach

Diversity, equity and inclusion within health coaching is core to our mission and values here at YourCoach. That’s why during Pride Month, but also all 365 days a year (and the year after that…and so on), we’re focused on ensuring health coaching fosters inclusion for those who identify as a part of the #LGBTQ+ community and that every validated and verified coach on our platform makes this a priority. 

How can health coaches and employers who are delivering health coaching to their employees, ensure they’re creating inclusive spaces where diverse individuals can thrive? We were happy to catch up with Taylor Smith, NBC-HWC and one of YourCoach validated and verified contract health coaches who shared some tips and best practices. 

How can health coaches cultivate a more inclusive mindset?

Inclusivity is about holding ourselves accountable for being better and knowing where our implicit biases might creep in. This is especially important within health and care. At a high level, Taylor shares health coaches can, “work towards embodying the spirit of unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and present moment orientation. When a coach is truly living from this place and bringing it to coaching sessions it creates an environment where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can feel safe to open up and build trust.” 

At the personal level, Taylor advises, “be mindful of personal bias in the context of this community. We all have bias as coaches and being aware of them can help to build a space of honesty and openness.” Self reflection can be a great tool towards understanding what these implicit biases are, as well as continuously seeking out educational resources. Here at YourCoach, coaches have access to Violet for intercultural competency training and we work closely with every one of our validated, verified #coaches to ensure they make DE&I learning a priority. Lastly, and most importantly, Taylor shares that coaches shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. “If you feel you’re in new territory as a coach or unsure about a specific client situation, reach out. There are tons of wonderful coaches in the community and many have valuable perspectives and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. Having the extra support can lend confidence navigating new terrain.”

What do inclusive health coaches prioritize in the client setting?

When building the foundation for an inclusive and safe coaching relationship, Taylor notes it’s important to let clients lead the way. “Lean into questions that work to build understanding,” says Taylor. “By asking your client questions like this you get to know how they think, feel, and perceive the world. It is also a way of taking off the expert hat and putting your client in the driver seat. This is especially helpful in the LGBTQIA+ community to set aside personal bias and really create a personalized experience for your client.” 

First and foremost, make sure to ask for your clients pronouns early on. Taylor points out, “Sometimes legal names are not the preferred names and pronouns will be personalized. Remembering these details early on and being mindful of them in the coaching relationship will build trust and they will know you truly care and are paying attention. Bonus points if you are picking up on the significant relationships in the client’s life and the names and pronouns that are relevant.” At YourCoach, we urge coaches to source this info early on, often before the very first coach and client interaction. This gives individuals the chance to share this info in a way that feels safe and secure. 

Lastly, and importantly, Taylor points out: “Let the client lead the way! Just because a client identifies with the #LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t mean it will come up in session or be tied to their goals. Respecting their lead and following them will make sure you stay on track and not get off target. Over time this will build greater trust and rapport with a client. For some members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the topics around gender and sexuality can be sensitive and it is important to tune in and respect where they are at and how much they feel comfortable sharing.”

How can health coaches, employers and employees serve as better allies to the LGBTQ+ community?

According to Taylor, fostering inclusivity and showing up as an ally means doing what health coaches do best – engaging in active listening and open-minded dialogue. According to Taylor, this means, “listening to coaches and leaders in the community who have direct experience with the LGBTQIA+ community. These voices have invaluable knowledge, experience, and perspective to support all coaches. When in doubt, reach out! Coaches are nice people who want to help.”  

A special thank you to Taylor for providing his voice and perspectives for this story in our continued pursuit towards creating more inclusion and fostering more #diversity within health and wellbeing coaching. Taylor, we are so lucky to learn from you and work with you! 

If you’re an employer who has any questions about DE&I within health coaching – and importantly, how we prioritize this through REAL health coaching – please don’t hesitate to reach out via team@yourcoach.health.