One of the most successful ways to help individuals change and improve their health status is counseling (or coaching) on a one-to-one basis.

In published studies, wellness programs which incorporated individual counseling as part of the program process achieved significantly higher participation rates and achieved greater risk reduction/risk elimination than standard group programs. Studies have demonstrated that individual counseling is both cost effective and cost beneficial.

A wellness counselor should be trained in screening techniques, for in certain situations, they may be required to both screen individuals and counsel them. They should know how to do the following:

• Review employee health risks



• Contact employees who have health risks.



• Counsel employees on a one-on-one basis, helping them set goals, solve problems, and get expert help when they need it.



• Help employees follow their treatment recommendations and make lifestyle and health behavior changes.



• Recruit employees into health improvement programs, such as weight loss and smoking cessation.



• Work with employees on a one-on-one basis using guided self-help.



• Conduct classes and minigroups if necessary.



• Work with wellness committee members to plan and conduct worksite-wide wellness activities.

Wellness counselors are health generalists; they must have basic knowledge about a wide range of health topics and health risks.

Counselors must be able to talk with employees about their medical problems and the treatments prescribed by their doctors. They should have a good overview of nutrition, exercise physiology, pathophysiology of disease, pharmacology, psychology, and behavior change skills.