I have worked in health for the majority of my working life, mainly in the human resources area.I have always had a passion for people, supporting, training and helping them to believe in themselves and to look after themselves.
I now work in an organisation that supports general practitioners, I organise the education for the GPs, practice nurses and practice staff.
Previously I have studied nutrition, exercise physiology, and psychology. Whilst I was studying psychology I found myself thinking that I really didn’t want to be a psychologist, and then I found coaching. I knew that it was right and immediately started to research more about it.
Since that time I have joined ICA and almost completed all of the course requirements. My focus is now with health coaching and I am working with a weight loss organisation empowering people to lose weight and change their lives. This is a group of health professionals who have seen the power of using the coaching approach to support their clients.
It has been fantastic to have all of my interests and passions rolled into one dream ‘job’ (it’s not really a job) I find myself with so much more energy and empowered to provide support and encouragement to so many people.
How are you using coaching to make a difference?
I have been working with a group of health professionals, endocrinologist, psychologist, exercise physiologist and dietitian to create and conduct an education/coaching/support group for people who would like to lose weight or have been advised to lose weight from their GP. This is an accredited lifestyle modification program with the Department of Health and Ageing in Australia. As a team we have had numerous examples of success in supporting clients to lose weight and are looking forward to further exciting achievements and challenges in 2010.
What was the most valuable thing you learned at ICA?:
Initially I chose ICA because they are an Australian based organisation and seemed to provide a really flexible and supportive adult education environment. What I found was an extremely thorough, life changing and supportive experience. I have had such wonderful opportunities to grow and learn at my own pace and with the flexibility to incorporate into an already hectic lifestyle. I have had the opportunity to be enlightened, encouraged, enthused, supported and empowered by a wonderful community of both trainers and students. I have met some fantastic people and created some life long friendships (even if they are on the other side of the world) I have seen the reality of how wonderful adult education can be by learning from the wealth of experienced and knowledgeable people all over the world. What an amazing experience and so much more than I thought it would be when signing up to a distance education course.
Find out more about Karen: Karen Plumbe Coaching
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