Are you feeling stuck in your health journey? Do you have a vision for a healthier, more vibrant you but aren’t sure how to get there? You’re not alone! Many individuals find themselves needing guidance and support to navigate the often-complex world of wellness. That’s where a certified health coach can make all the difference.
This week, we sat down with Sarah Hehir, MSPT, CHC, FNIP, a local certified health coach and licensed physical therapist right here in the Kingsley/Traverse City area. She specializes in helping clients like you identify their vision for optimal health and collaboratively create personalized plans through lifestyle modifications.
Could you benefit from working with a health coach like Sarah? 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.
Then keep reading! In this insightful Q&A, Sarah Hehir shares what a typical coaching session looks like, her unique approach to care, exciting trends in the health and wellness world, 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.
Q. What is your area of expertise?
A. I am a certified health coach and licensed physical therapist. I specialize in helping my clients identify their vision for optimal health and partnering together; we work to create a plan that involves lifestyle modifications to enable their success.
Q. What does a typical visit look like with you?
A. I offer tele-health sessions via phone or video, where I create a supportive and non-judgmental space for my clients to share their health concerns, goals, and vision for wellness. For local clients, I also provide in-person sessions, as well as group coaching. In every session, I partner with my clients to make lasting, positive changes that align with their values, empowering and guiding them on their journey to better health and well-being.
Q. How do you treat and care for your patients?
A. I believe that caring for my clients starts with empathy and truly listening to create a nurturing, trusting relationship. I encourage my clients to tap into their inner strength and courage as they explore their vision for health and wellness, helping them find a path that feels uniquely theirs. Together, we discover practical ways to create lasting, sustainable changes that lead to their success.
Q. What makes your approach to health different?
A. I believe that health is multidimensional, and living your best life means finding balance and harmony across all areas—physical, occupational, spiritual, social, financial, emotional, environmental, and intellectual. As a health coach, my role is to support clients in exploring their values, beliefs, and both their current and desired states in these areas. I empower them to make confident, meaningful changes that help them cultivate their best life.
Q. What health trends excite you the most?
A. A couple of things!
First off, the return to holistic health practices and an emphasis on healing the body naturally.
Second, a growing number of individuals are becoming more curious and taking a proactive approach in learning how to better manage their health, positioning themselves as educated and informed consumers of healthcare services.
Q. Who do you follow in the medical, health/wellness community? Why?
A. Jennifer Woodward – MSci Integrative Nutrition, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, and Board-Certified Functional Wellness Coach who specializes in helping women navigate the perimenopause through menopause journey.
Dr. Mindy Pelz – The Resetter Podcast. Explores a variety of topics with regular guest speakers who specialize in a wide range of health and wellness related fields.
Dr. Mark Hyman – Functional Medicine Specialist who offers holistic health-related information on medical and wellness topics via a multitude of media types (articles, courses, podcasts, recipes, videos).
Dr Andrew Huberman – The Huberman Lab Podcast. Offers insight and knowledge regarding various medical topics and wellness from nervous system regulation to fitness/workouts, optimizing your environment, goal setting/habit formation, and numerous others.
Dr. Peter Attia – The Peter Attia Drive Podcast. Explores the art and science of longevity and what it means to thrive.
Q. How do you spend your free time?
A. I have a deep passion for physical activity and appreciate the unique opportunities for outdoor recreation in Northern Michigan. During the warmer months, I often spend time outdoors, enjoying activities like wake surfing, boating, stand-up paddle boarding, e-foiling, swimming, or even fitting in a HIIT workout on the dock. Additionally, I enjoy social dancing, horseback riding, running, hiking, tennis, mountain biking, reading, and cherishing quality time with friends and family.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. Anyone who demonstrates bravery and courage while persevering in the face of adversity. While there are countless examples throughout history and modern day, one of my favorite stories is that of Bethany Hamilton – the original “Soul Surfer”.
Q. What book did you last read?
A. “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins.
Q. What do you love about the Traverse City area?
A. I grew up in Traverse City and have seen a lot of changes and growth in the area over the years. One thing that’s always stayed the same, though, is my love for its natural beauty, the easy access to outdoor activities, and the vibrant community that brings everyone together.
Q. Why did you choose this profession?
A. Health coaching felt like a perfect fit for me, combining my outgoing personality with my passion for helping others. In this role, I get to blend my love for healthy living and natural healing with my strengths in connecting with people and setting goals. My goal is to empower clients to take charge of their health and live their best life every day.
To learn more about Sarah and her services and connect visit her website or send an email to connect.