Meet Alara Ekemen
As a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, I'm dedicated to guiding you towards optimal wellness and vitality. Through personalized coaching, I empower you to make sustainable lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier and optimal life. With my holistic approach to health, I search for a realistic balance between Mind-Body-Spirit. In my personal experience, I’ve seen how small and consistent steps around nutrition, movement, stress, sleep and relationships can lead to big changes .
Over time, I focused on balance rather than living my life in black & white.
My approach to coaching is a reflection of these experiences and I assist my clients make the changes they want to make in their health by aiding in creating their unique path, finding intrinsic motivation and by guiding them to take realistic and consistent steps.
Sometimes what we need most is feeling heard in a judgment-free and safe environment. Providing this space for my clients is my priority.
I received my certification (200+ hours programme) offered by the Institute of Functional Medicine & Functional Medicine Coaching Academy in the U.S.A.
I received my Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from The Centre for Healing based in Austraila.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that aims to identify and address the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It focuses on understanding the interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence health and chronic disease. Practitioners work in partnership with patients to create personalized treatment plans that promote optimal health and well-being.
Principles of Functional Medicine
1.Individualized, Patient-Centered Care:
oEach patient is treated as a unique individual.
oThe practitioner considers the patient's history, genetics, environment, and lifestyle to develop tailored care strategies.
2.Biological Systems-Based Approach:
oHealth is viewed as a result of interconnected biological systems rather than isolated organs or diseases.
oFunctional medicine emphasizes how imbalances in these systems contribute to symptoms and diseases.
3.Identifying and Addressing Root Causes:
oFocus is placed on uncovering underlying causes of illness rather than just managing symptoms.
oThis involves exploring triggers such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
4.Integration of Evidence-Based Practices:
oFunctional medicine combines traditional Western medical practices with complementary therapies.
oEmphasis is placed on interventions supported by scientific evidence, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and supplements.
5.Emphasis on Prevention:
oPractitioners aim to prevent disease by addressing lifestyle factors that may contribute to future health problems.
oEarly intervention is prioritized to maintain or restore optimal health.
6.Patient-Practitioner Collaboration:
oFunctional medicine involves a partnership between the patient and the practitioner.
oEducation and empowerment are central, encouraging patients to take an active role in their health.
7.Focus on Optimal Function, Not Just Disease:
oHealth is seen as a positive vitality, not merely the absence of disease.
oTreatment goals often extend beyond symptom relief to achieving full well-being and resilience.
8.Whole-Person Approach:
oThe patient's mental, emotional, and social well-being are considered alongside physical health.
oFunctional medicine recognizes the influence of stress, relationships, and community on overall health.
By addressing the complexities of the body as an integrated system, functional medicine aims to resolve health issues holistically and sustainably.
What to expect from coaching
o Personalized guidance
o Behavior change support
o Improved well-being
o Preventative health measures
o Accountability partner
o Motivation and empowerement
o Holistic approach
My coaching is a collaborative, client-centered process. Instead of providing direct instructions,
I work alongside clients to develop practical plans that help them achieve their goals and sustain progress over the long-term.
I support my clients on their journey toward better health and help them overcome any mental/physical/emotional/spiritual obstacles in order to work toward achieving their personal goals. Using evidence-based methods, I empower clients to make positive changes, tap into their strengths, access resources, and adopt healthier habits.
I actively listen and ask insightful questions to clarify goals, uncover challenges, and identify motivating factors. As the client progresses, I help them draw on their inner strengths and take charge of their own transformation. Each success is celebrated, and challenges are met with support and collaborative problem-solving. Through a variety of resources, I guide clients toward sustainable lifestyle improvements.
o Motivate clients using Positive Psychology techniques
o Offer information and resources
o Guide clients through dietary changes or prescribed food plans
o Support clients seeking to incorporate movement and exercise into their daily routines
o Inform clients of ways to improve sleep quality, manage stress, and cultivate mindfulness
o Help clients identify opportunities to nurture their mental, emotional, and spiritual health
o Celebrate successes and encourage progress
o Offer tools & accountability when clients implement new lifestyle changes
Services
Online Sessions
One-on-one coaching sessions take place online, using Zoom.
Schedule: Once a week (can be modified depending on client's spesific schedule or needs.)
After the initial 1-hour Foundation Session, clients can purchase a pack of 6 sessions at a discount.
Duration: 45 minutes
Group Coaching & Workshops
A group coaching session or workshop typically involves a structured yet interactive format designed to help participants improve their overall health, wellness, and behavior through providing information and practical tools. These sessions can vary depending on the group's focus, such as weight management, stress reduction, building healthy habits, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness and meditation practices, or holistic well-being.
Common Themes in Group Coaching:
•Accountability: Group settings provide support, making it easier to stay accountable to health goals.
•Community: Sharing experiences with others in similar situations fosters camaraderie and motivation.
•Skill Building: Practical tips, strategies, and skills are often emphasized to help participants make lasting health changes.The group dynamic creates a supportive environment where individuals can learn from each other while being guided by myself as the facilitator.
Corporate Group Coaching
Corporate health coaching is an excellent way for companies to support employee wellness, boost productivity, and foster a positive work culture. A corporate health coaching program focuses on improving employees' physical, mental, and emotional health, which ultimately benefits the organization through reduced absenteeism, improved focus, and greater job satisfaction. A wide range of topics can be covered, specifically tailored to the diverse needs of employees; Exercise routines for busy schedules, sleep hygiene and rest, balanced meal planning, stress management techniques, mindfulness and meditation techniques, building resilience, time management and productivity skills and more.