Evidence based Behavior Change: The Science Behind health Coaching

What makes health coaching more than just a conversation? Evidence-based frameworks, proven models, and a structured skillset grounded in science. In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we're joined by Sharon Curtain—dietitian, certified health coach, educator, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia. Sharon developed Australia's first nationally accredited Diploma of Health Coaching, and she's here to break down the core competencies, behavior change science, and coaching models that set accredited health coaches apart. We explore the use of Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model, and Self-Determination Theory, and why honoring scope of practice, client autonomy, and readiness to change creates better outcomes—not just for clients, but for health professionals too. Whether you're a HCANZA-accredited coach, a clinician integrating coaching into your work, or a health professional exploring this path—this episode is packed with practical insights and a powerful reminder: coaching works because it's grounded in evidence. Guest Bio: BSc. Melbourne University, MNutrDiet Deakin University, Plenty Training – TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Groupwork Centre – Facilitation training, PreKure – Certified Health Coach American Council on Exercise – Health Coaching and Behaviour Change Specialist Training. Sharon is a Dietitian, Certified Health Coach, Certified Trainer and Assessor, Trained Facilitator, Entrepreneur, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia, and has authored and delivered the Diploma of Health Coaching, a nationally accredited qualification. Sharon has worked for 23 years as a dietitian, health coach, trainer, and presenter. She worked for five years as a clinical dietitian and another five years in corporate nutrition, in roles that included food regulations, marketing, and delivering nutrition training programs. Sharon currently trains students, practitioners and coaches individuals in health behaviour change. Sharon developed and delivered the first Australian Diploma of Health Coaching, run in collaboration with Victoria University Polytechnic and now delivers online health coaching training courses to health professionals via Accredited Health Coaching Australia. She regularly presents webinars and workshops about Health Coaching and is an educator in Health Coaching for the James Cook University Lifestyle Medicine Qualification. How to get in touch with HCANZA Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/ Linkedin HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza How to get in touch with the guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-curtain-6b827866/ Website: https://www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au/