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/

Supervision and mentoring aren't about checking up—they're about tuning in.

In this episode, we're joined by Sharon Tomkins, NZ-based health coach, supervisor, and HCANZA board director, to explore how reflective practice helps coaches think better, act better, and feel more resourced.

We break down the difference between mentoring and supervision, what's required to become a mentor or supervisor, and why HCANZA is aligning with global standards (ICF, EMCC, UKIHCA) to embed reflective support into our professional development model.

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode offers insight into how supervision strengthens ethics, protects your well-being, and supports client safety.

Guest Bio:

Sharon Tomkins is a New Zealand-based Health & Executive Wellness Coach, Supervisor, and HCANZA Board Director (NZ Coach Representative). She advocates for reflective practice, ethical maturity, and professional care across the coaching sector. Sharon has contributed to the development of HCANZA's Supervision and Mentoring Guidelines (2024–25), helping shape standards that balance professionalism with heart. Through her practice, ZEAL Coaching & Supervision, she supports coaches and health professionals to flourish personally and professionally — embracing growth, integrity, and wellbeing. She is committed to helping more coaches train as supervisors and mentors, aligning HCANZA with international best practice from ICF, EMCC Global, and UKIHCA.

Resources

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/sharontomkinscoaching/

Website: https://www.zealcoaching.co.nz/supervision/

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontomkinscoaching/

How to get in touch with the guest

Get in touch with Sharon via email sharon@zealcoaching.co.nz

Episode Description:

What does it really mean to wear more than one professional hat—and do it well?

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we sit down with Julie Schutz, a physiotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience who has added health coaching, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine to her professional toolkit.

Julie shares how co-qualification has expanded her ability to support clients holistically—while staying aligned with ethical and professional scope of practice. From navigating conversations with clients to collaborating with doctors and allied health teams, Julie offers real-world examples of what it means to bring coaching into clinical care settings with integrity.

Whether you're already a health professional—or considering adding a coaching or clinical qualification—this conversation will give you the clarity, inspiration, and practical insight to deepen your impact without crossing professional boundaries.

Guest Bio:

Julie Schutz is a practicing Physiotherapist with over 26 years of experience in public, private, and community health. She holds postgraduate qualifications in pelvic floor rehabilitation and is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Certified Fitgenes Practitioner, Clinical Pilates Specialist, and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. Julie is passionate about preventive health and believes co-qualification gives health professionals a powerful opportunity to expand their impact—while staying aligned with their scope of practice.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Open Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcanza

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: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches/