When you’re living with a complex, long-term condition like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), or chronic pain, the healthcare system can often feel like a maze with no clear path. For many of us, it’s not just about juggling multiple specialists or conflicting care plans, it’s decades of dismissal, medical gaslighting, and a lack of understanding that continues even after diagnosis. Often, there’s no mention of how to actually manage the condition day-to-day. We’re left to fend for ourselves, trying to piece together support in a system that rarely sees the whole picture.
That’s where health coaching comes in. We’re not here to replace medical professionals, we’re here to bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life implementation.
So, what is Health Coaching?
Health coaching is a collaborative, person-centered approach designed to empower individuals to take charge of their own health.
“Health Coaches help patients gain the knowledge, skills, tools, and confidence to become active participants in their care so they can reach their self-identified health goals.¹”
That means I work with clients to build the skills and confidence needed for effective self-management, while also improving health literacy and providing patient education. My role includes promoting positive health behaviours and offering emotional support, especially important for those navigating chronic illness. All of this helps individuals not just manage, but thrive alongside their condition.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
There’s sometimes a misunderstanding, even within healthcare, about the role of health coaches trying to take the place of medical professionals. In fact, health coaches work in partnership with medical teams, supporting patients to turn clinical advice into sustainable, day-to-day action.
Health coaching is grounded in rigorous, evidence-based training. As a qualified and accredited trauma-informed coach, I’m trained in behaviour change, lifestyle interventions, and chronic illness support. I adhere to professional standards through memberships with regulatory bodies, and complete ongoing CPD to ensure safe, effective practice.
As Dr. Edward Sames, Consultant Rheumatologist and General Physician at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, says:
“Health coaching provides what patients need in terms of lifestyle intervention, something we can’t fully offer in a clinical setting.”
“What Joo offers in terms of health coaching is fantastic—it’s holistic and detailed, and is exactly what patients need alongside medical care.”
This kind of integrated care is especially vital for conditions like hEDS and HSD, where multiple body systems are involved, and standard medical appointments often don’t provide enough space for practical, personalised support.
The Evidence: Health Coaching Works
Health coaching isn’t just a feel-good intervention, it’s backed by solid research and delivers proven results, helping individuals better manage long-term chronic conditions², while enhancing mental well-being and self-efficacy³ .
Research shows it reduces hospital admissions and eases pressure on healthcare systems⁴ by empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Coordinated, Person-Centred Care
In my practice, I work closely with a network of trusted clinicians, including medical consultants, physiotherapists, and osteopaths. When clients need clinical care, I refer them directly, no gatekeeping, just collaboration.
I believe that truly effective healthcare, especially for those living with complex or long-term conditions, relies on collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach.
Together, we help patients not just get answers, but gain tools to move forward and feel supported every step of the way.
If you feel lost in the system or unsure how to move forward with your health, coaching can offer a way to regain control. Whether it’s managing fatigue and pain, navigating healthy food choices, or pacing your energy, I’ll work with you to create strategies that actually work in your life.
Let’s Build a Better Way Forward Together!
Health coaching isn’t an alternative to conventional healthcare, it’s the missing piece that connects the clinical with the personal. It’s about empowerment, collaboration, and truly holistic care.
Let’s reimagine what healthcare can feel like, personal, empowering, and aligned with the whole YOU.
¹Health coaching for patients with chronic illness, Heather D Bennett, Eric A Coleman, Carla Parry, Thomas Bodenheimer, Ellen H Chen, 2010
²NHS Personalised Care Institute
³Health Education England, Health Coaching Area Delivery
⁴NHS England, Universal Personalised Care
