After two decades as a special education teacher split between the United States and Scotland, Deidré Christenson-Main found herself at a crossroads. Facing serious health challenges including endometriosis, multiple surgeries, and a neurological disorder, she needed to reimagine her future. That’s when she discovered the Health Coach Institute (HCI).

“I’d always thought about things like therapy or counseling or even psychiatry,” Deidré recalls. “People have always noticed that I’m a really good listener. But I just couldn’t do another four years at university.”

Finding Her Path Through Personal Challenge

While recovering from surgery in 2018, Deidré began exploring alternatives to teaching that would allow her to continue helping others while managing her health. When she came across HCI on social media, something clicked.

“I thought it was perfect,” she says. “I just knew it would fit in with what I wanted to do and what I wanted to achieve.”

Before enrolling, Deidré did her homework. Concerned about whether the certification would be valuable outside the U.S., she reached out to HCI alumni in the UK. Their positive experiences and HCI’s reputation for legitimacy convinced her to take the leap.

Overcoming Doubts with Support

Like many prospective students, Deidré had initial concerns about time management, financial investment, and building a client base. Her husband’s unwavering support helped shift her perspective.

“He saw the change in me,” Deidré shares. “He saw that it gave me something to look forward to. It helped me flip the script and really live my life differently.”

The program’s flexibility proved invaluable as she navigated a series of health challenges. “I just set a certain time every weekday that I would look at my HCI content,” she explains. “Usually what would happen is I would end up going for longer than 30 minutes because I was enjoying it so much.”

Transforming Lives Through Coaching

Today, Deidré specializes in chronic pain coaching, drawing from her personal experiences to help others. One of her most memorable success stories involves a client in Florida who was hesitant to leave her house.

“Through the coaching process, we built on her strengths,” Deidré recalls. “By the end of our 12 weeks, she had made friends with all these ladies in her water aerobics class. They call themselves the mermaids now, and they do everything together.”

The impact was so profound that when Deidré visited Florida, the client insisted on introducing her to the entire group. “I felt like a rock star,” she laughs. “I came in and they’re like, ‘Deidré’s here!’ All of them wanted to hug me.”

Building a Sustainable Practice

Deidré’s approach to building her coaching practice has been organic and authentic. Rather than aggressive marketing, she focuses on sharing healthy recipes, wellness tips, and being herself online. The majority of her clients today have come through word of mouth and referrals. Her practice includes both virtual and in-person coaching, allowing her to serve clients across the US and UK.

“I’ve achieved it without having to beat anybody over the head with it,” she reflects. “The coaching really saved me and pulled me through.”

For those considering HCI’s program, Deidré emphasizes its value beyond business potential: “It was going to be beneficial no matter whether I got a client ever in my life or not. It was going to be beneficial for me personally.”

Through HCI’s comprehensive training and supportive community, Deidré has created a fulfilling new career that allows her to impact lives while managing her own health journey. Her story showcases how HCI’s program can transform both the coach and their clients.

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Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.