Welcome back to our health coach blog series! In the spring, we introduced the concept of health coaching and how it can be a transformative force in achieving your wellness vision. We heard from Sarah Hehir, a local certified health coach and physical therapist, about how she guides clients in the Kingsley/Traverse City area.
As the seasons shift into summer, we’re diving deeper into the world of personalized wellness with another incredible expert in our community. We sat down with Karen A. Paulosky Benton RN, MSN, HNB-BC, HTP, EEM-CLP, Nurse Wellness Coach at Energetic Healing LLC. Karen brings a wealth of experience and a unique, holistic perspective to her role, specializing in empowering individuals to make sustainable changes and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.
Could a health coach like Karen be the key to unlocking your health potential? If you’re looking to:
- Gain clarity on your health goals and what “optimal health” truly means for you.
- Develop a realistic and sustainable plan to achieve those goals.
- Receive personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique needs and values.
- Make lasting lifestyle changes that empower you to take control of your well-being.
- Address your health from a holistic perspective, considering all aspects of your life.
- Become a more informed and proactive participant in your own healthcare.
In this insightful Q&A, Karen shares what sets her apart, her unique approach to care, and much more. Get ready to be inspired and discover how partnering with a health coach could be the missing piece in your journey to a healthier, happier you.
An Insightful Q&A with Karen A. Paulosky Benton, Nurse Wellness Coach
Q. What is your area of expertise?
A. What sets me apart as a Nurse Wellness Coach is that I help clients focus on their positive traits, making small changes that They identify and are excited about. These small steps lead to feelings of accomplishment and success that helps foster next steps.
People are encouraged about how successful they can be when previously they felt defeated and unhealthy. I see them glow, smile and engage in their positive behavior changes that lead to other steps, and it keeps on going. Even if a step is taken backward, there are ways to recalibrate and refocus and achieve the previously thought to be unachievable. Success is an outcome I coach people to gain. I hold several professional skills that compliment me as a Nurse Wellness Coach, Certified Holistic Nurse, Healing Touch Practitioner, Eden Energy Clinical Practitioner and Consulting Hypnotist. I focus on providing holistic based care based on the needs of the client.
Q. What does the typical visit look like with you?
A. Coaching can be done virtually or in person. I find either is an effective way to meet the client’s needs. We meet for 30-55 minutes and review questions like “What do you need help with accomplishing?” “What does success look like to you?” “What are your positive character traits to help support your success?” “How can I help you with your goals?”
We will begin with an Awareness Practice- A breathing exercise, an art exercise to tap into your creative thinking mind, meditation, poetry, music as examples. This opens up or ends our time using ways to calm, energize and create alternative ways to solve a problem that currently may not be solved with current attentions. We set SMART goal(s) and explore obstacles to help build success.
Q.How do you treat and care for your patients?
A. I am a heart centered practitioner who believes in the positive of people. I encourage, cry, laugh, reflect and join you on this wellness journey.
Q. What makes your approach to health different?
A. I am on my wellness journey too! I have a vast array of holistic resources to help you approach your journey with more options.
Q. What health trends excite you the most?
A. The entry of quantum physics into the arena of the biosciences. Neuroplasticity, psychoneuroimmunology, Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Integrative Medicine Modalities to compliment Medical Plan of Care for clients.
Q.Who do you follow in the medical, health/wellness community and why?
A. Since I am a Certified Holistic Nurse I view the world with a wide view. I have found that learning about one aspect of care leads to another…another…like the infamous rabbit hole. You have likely gathered this from seeing my reading list of late. I can’t say that I have a favorite media promoted personality. In fact I try to limit my TV and Screen time. Jean Watson, Deepak Chopra, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dawson Church, Louise Hay, Donna Eden and are some of the influencers that I have felt touched me and others who I come in contact with.
Q. How do you spend your free time?
A. I am married to Larry my second husband and we are in constant motion. We have an RV and travel, with plans for a trip to Alaska and the Western States. I have grandchildren who I help care for to help their parents live their busy lives and foster their relationship. I practice yoga and attend water aerobics classes a few times a week and like to walk in nature. I have two chickens currently and enjoy the eggs they provide us. I always seem to have a few books in my reading pile and have been known to ask “What book have you read for fun recently and would recommend?” I seem to always have my nose in some kind of “learning” book. I also LOVE golfing. I play in a few leagues in Elk Rapids. I am an evolving golfer and look for at least one noteworthy shot that keeps me coming back to do it again.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. Inspiration that comes from my children and grandchildren as they grow and engage in the flow of life. Additionally, my husband Larry supports, loves me, does the laundry and is my partner in life. We remarried 4 years ago and have found that love in later life is a WONDERFUL experience.
Q. What book did you last read?
A. I have about ten on my pile and I typically am reading a few at a time.
For pleasure: The Fire Keepers Daughter Angeline Boulley
For Inspiration: Most of all they taught me, happiness. Years of War, moments of peace and lessons on living from extraordinary people Robert Muller
For My Journey: Love Your Body Card Deck Louise Hay, The Oldways 4-week Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, Reclaiming Body Trust Hilary Kinavey & Dana Sturtegant, A Year to Live Steven Levine For Coaching: Coaching A-Z Haesun Moon, The Power of Character Strengths Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality Ryan M Niemiec & Robert E McGrath, The Elimination Diet Discover the Foods that are making you sick and tired-and Feel Better Fast Alissa Segersten & Tom Malterre
For Hypnosis: The Magic of Autosuggestion Simple Self-Healing Emile Coue edited by Tim Grimes,
For Energy Work: The Spiritual Implications of Quantum Physics and ongoing pleasure: Appetite of Life the Biography of Julia Child Noel Riley Fitch.
Q. What do you love about Traverse City?
A. So much about Traverse City continues to evolve. It is a thriving community. I was born in Detroit and spent the first 20 years growing up in Warren. I moved to Marquette to attend college and then married and raised a family there for 20 years. We moved to Williamsburg in 1999 where my husband Don took a job as Executive Director of the Home Builders Association. I learned that the town has two sides and you want to live on the side you work so you minimize your commute and stress. I have favorite things I do in Elk Rapids and Traverse City, for that matter the whole region. I found especially my children thrived in this region mainly due to the Cherry Industry. Having your children thrive and find their way successfully in the world is a parent’s hope and wish. Traverse City has made this happen in our family.
Q. Why did you choose this profession?
A. In high school I was in health professions co-op class and was a Unit Clerk at a hospital. I went to college in Marquette and enrolled in Conservation classes. I thought I was going to save the planet. When I attended a family wedding in the fall of my first year of University everyone there asked me about being a nurse. I said, “I am going to be a conservationist.” My father had been telling everyone I was going to be a nurse. Young people don’t always like to listen to their parents. However, next thing I knew I was entering into Nursing and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I subsequently earned my Masters in Nursing Administration and then worked in various management roles. I have been growing people through my leadership jobs. I love to see people thrive and grow into their best lives. My interest in integrative medicine modalities began when I was doing my thesis on pain management it leads me to learn about Healing Touch. I have to admit I was a curious skeptic. However, as my journey of learning has continued I have become more curious and less skeptical. I enjoy my work as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Eden Energy Practitioner. Now my journey has led me to Nurse Coaching and Hypnosis….all because I continue on my journey of SELF- CARE…or Wellness Becoming…. I do continue to hope to change the world for the better.
We hope this insightful Q&A with Karen A. Paulosky Benton has illuminated the powerful role a health coach can play in your wellness journey. Karen’s unique approach, focusing on positive traits and client-driven small steps, demonstrates how personalized support can lead to significant, lasting change.
If you’re feeling inspired to take the next step towards a healthier, more vibrant you, Karen is ready to guide you. You can learn more about her services and schedule a consultation by visiting her website at www.gtnaturalhealth.com. For direct inquiries, feel free to email her at Energetichealingrn@gmail.com or call 231-590-9758.
Virtual and in-person sessions at Table Health are available for $125 per session. Karen also offers various packages tailored to individual client goals, providing flexible options to support your commitment to well-being.
Don’t let feeling “stuck” hold you back any longer. Partnering with a compassionate and skilled health coach like Karen could be the missing piece in achieving the optimal health you envision.