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Welcome to Health Coaching by Larry Kenneth Gates

This site is currently in development: a place to collect and organize my thoughts on becoming a health coach. You've probably gotten here because I've asked for your feedback and advice that can be sent here..

My experience with health and coaching

I feel ready to coach others to improve their health because I have:

1. Improved my own health, and learned in the process.
2. Mentored (i.e.) coached colleagues in software development and on one of the 'paths of spirituality'.

The two kinds of coaching I'm particularly focused on are:

Mental health

I have dealt with mental distress in myself, my siblings and friends. My own life has been disrupted by disorderly moods ("bipolar disorder")). I have reduced the ill-effects of mood swings with medication and lifestyle changes. Over a period of years, and under medical supervision, I gradually tapered off medication, reaching zero some time ago. In parallel, I have improved my physical and mental health with better lifestyle choices in five areas: nutrition, movement, sleep, sociability and purpose.

Aging well

I have transitioned from middle age to my senior years. From full-time work to part-time. From father of 4 children in the house to grandfather of seven (and father of adult children who live in four countries). My metabolic health is good enough to avoid almost all of the [chronic diseases] now rampant in American society (and to a lesser degree, the industrialized world.) My biomarkers are in the 'normal' ranges, without need of any of the typical medications of someone in their seventies. I intend to exceed my parents health-spans, who flourished into their nineties.

My training and certification(s)

I'm enrolled in Functional Medicine Coaching Academy course. This starts 1 September, 2024 and lasts 12 months. It enables sitting for the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) certification.

I've left notes on coaching training programs I considered, many of which lead to certification.

I have learned from many authors and podcasters. These are ones I recommend.

I would also consider an apprenticeship arrangement.

Location and contact details

I live in Visalia, California, in the beautiful and bountiful Central Valley, within sight of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Sequoia National Park. I can work face-to-face with local clients and online.