Editor’s Note: We spoke with health and wellness coach Dr. Joyce Ryan to learn more about her coaching practice and clinical experience. Joyce is a certified health, wellness and transition coach helping clients throughout the region. She’s also a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and RN. Visit JCRyanHealth.com. Call Joyce for a free consultation at 941-224-6423.
Joyce, how has your experience in intensive care nursing, clinical research and health education enhanced your role as a personal coach?
Working closely with patients the past 25 years in many different roles has deepened my compassion for them and their families. My doctorate degree studies expanded my understanding of our health care delivery system, which is focused on treating illnesses. Education is one of the keys to making positive changes in human health, and it’s the same dynamic for personal coaching. All of my experiences have enriched my capabilities as a coach.
Why did you decide to specialize in health and wellness coaching?
I gave my heart and soul to large corporations for many years. I was laid off three times since 2008 when the clinical departments where I worked were eliminated to focus solely on sales and marketing. I felt like I was running in circles on the proverbial hamster wheel going nowhere. Many of your readers can relate. I know what it’s like to be thrown off the wheel and to feel physically and mentally wounded. I decided to get back to what I really loved, and that’s helping people achieve their health, wellness and life goals. Life is a series of transitions that bring their own challenges and opportunities for growth. I started my coaching practice by helping myself.
What are some of the areas you focus on in support of your clients?
I help them respond to health challenges, find greater fulfillment during retirement, start a new position, cope with job burnout, serve as a family caretaker, manage grief, and more. Life is full of transitions and coaching is a proven way to manage transitions more successfully.
How long do people hire you for coaching support.
Most people choose a 90-day program since it takes up to three months to change a habit. Habits are what keep us stuck. I also offer shorter and longer term programs. Most coaching can be done by weekly phone calls, in-person or by webinar.
What are a few of the underlying assumptions that frame your approach to coaching?
My practice is built on three paradigms of understanding. First is the awareness that our behavior can be changed or modified by our choices and habits. As a coach, I help clients identify and change behaviors to help them get better results. Second, all of our experiences are forms of feedback and not evidence of failure. As a coach, I help clients find the lessons from their experiences so they can move forward with new choices and habits. And finally, the third paradigm is that growth requires us to let go of some things that are not serving our best interests. Real change begins when we are self-aware and honest about our thoughts and actions. Holding on to excuses and old stories can keep us feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns. As a coach, I work with clients to help them sort through various options and choices that support their growth.
What do you enjoy most about being a health, wellness and transition coach?
I love everything about coaching. It’s amazing to witness a client feeling empowered, strong, and confident as they make positive changes to achieve their goals. The coaching relationship is an opportunity to help a client see the connection between their behavior and their circumstances. Coaching supports the natural learning process so a client can make new and better choices.
Joyce, where are you from originally and what brought you to Englewood?
I’m from upstate New York and I moved to Englewood to follow my parents who lived on Manasota Key. I’ve enjoyed living close to my parents for many years. I love living in the Englewood area from October to June. My coaching practice allows me to support my clients year-round.