We recently connected with Jamie Nicole and have shared our conversation below.

Jamie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

As a health coach, I primarily see clients who have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease or have symptoms that appear autoimmune-related. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage. As someone with an autoimmune disease myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and complexities of these conditions. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, with alarming statistics indicating a significant increase in recent years. It’s estimated that around 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, and the prevalence is rising globally.

Some well-known autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease. These conditions can affect various organs and systems in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms and health issues. Needless to say, if you are reading this, you likely have been impacted or know someone impacted by autoimmune disease.

In my role as an autoimmune AIP health coach, one of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve given to a client is the importance of self-advocacy and self-awareness. I had a client who was struggling with a particularly rare and challenging autoimmune condition. She had seen numerous doctors and specialists, but her symptoms remained unexplained and poorly managed.

I encouraged her to keep a detailed journal of her symptoms, including their frequency and severity, and to note any potential triggers or patterns. Armed with this information, she became more proactive in her healthcare journey. She researched her condition extensively and sought out experts in the field who might have insights.

Through this diligent self-advocacy and her willingness to collaborate with healthcare providers, she was eventually diagnosed correctly and received a tailored treatment plan. Her condition improved significantly, and her quality of life returned to a level she hadn’t experienced in years.

While I can’t share all the details due to confidentiality, this client’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to your body, keeping thorough records, and advocating for your own health. It demonstrates that, even in the face of rare and complex autoimmune diseases, there is hope for better management and improved quality of life through empowerment and perseverance.

My ultimate mission when advising my clients is to empower and guide them towards regaining control of their health and leading fulfilling lives despite the challenges they may face.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into this industry began with a deeply personal experience. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease several years ago, and like many others facing similar challenges, I found the road to managing my condition to be quite overwhelming. The complexity of autoimmune diseases and the often frustrating search for effective treatments inspired me to learn more about this field and to help others going through similar experiences.

I embarked on a journey of extensive research, both in traditional and alternative approaches to autoimmune health. Along the way, I discovered the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), a dietary and lifestyle intervention that has shown promising results in managing autoimmune conditions. This discovery was a turning point for me, as I experienced firsthand the positive impact of AIP on my own health.

Motivated by my personal success and the desire to assist others, I decided to pursue formal training in health coaching, specializing in autoimmune health. I became certified in these fields and began offering 1-on-1 coaching, group coaching, and various health protocols to individuals seeking guidance on their health journey. I began my business, The Natural HEALing Coach, LLC in 2017, 2 years after my first autoimmune diagnosis and 2 years before my second autoimmune diagnosis.

My commitment to helping those with autoimmune diseases extends beyond individual coaching. I also conduct workshops and speaking engagements to raise awareness about autoimmune conditions and share practical strategies for managing them effectively.

What Service Do I Provide & How am I Different

I specialize in solving a range of problems for my clients, primarily focusing on individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases and seeking to implement AIP for improved health. Key problems I help address are:

1. Symptom Management: Many of my clients struggle with debilitating symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and skin problems. I work with them to develop personalized AIP-based plans that can help alleviate these symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
2. Dietary Guidance: Implementing the AIP diet can be challenging, as it requires eliminating specific foods to reduce inflammation. I provide practical guidance and meal planning support to make this transition smoother while ensuring clients receive proper nutrition.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Autoimmune diseases often require lifestyle adjustments, including stress management, sleep optimization, and exercise tailored to individual needs. I help clients create holistic strategies to address these aspects of their health.
4. Advocacy and Empowerment: As mentioned earlier, self-advocacy and self-awareness are crucial for those with autoimmune diseases. I empower my clients with knowledge, tools, and confidence to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively with their healthcare providers.
5. Education and Awareness: Autoimmune diseases can be complex and bewildering. I educate my clients about their specific condition, its triggers, and the latest research to empower them with knowledge.
6. Support and Accountability: My coaching services offer a vital support system. I’m there to celebrate successes, provide encouragement during setbacks, and hold clients accountable for their health goals.

What distinguishes me in this field is a combination of personal experience, specialized training, and a profound dedication to my clients’ well-being. Having personally confronted the trials of an autoimmune disease, I possess a unique empathy that propels me to go above and beyond to assist my clients.

Moreover, I adopt a holistic approach to autoimmune health, encompassing not only dietary considerations but also lifestyle factors, stress management, and emotional wellness. My commitment to staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in autoimmune health ensures that I offer evidence-based guidance to my clients. Recognizing the individuality of each client, I tailor solutions to align with their specific needs, preferences, and aspirations.

Furthermore, my passion for education enables me to serve not only as a coach but also as an empowering educator, equipping my clients with the knowledge and tools essential for them to take command of their health. My ultimate goal is to furnish comprehensive, compassionate, and effective support to individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases, aiding them in regaining their health and leading fulfilling lives despite the obstacles they encounter.

What Am I Proud of & What Do I Want Readers to Know About My Brand

I take immense pride in my journey within the field of AIP health coaching, and there are several key facets of my work that I want readers to be aware of:

1. Personal Experience: I’m not just a coach; I’m someone who has personally faced the challenges of an autoimmune disease. This personal experience fuels my passion and empathy for my clients, as I intimately understand the emotional and physical toll these conditions can take.
2. Advocacy and Community: My commitment to health advocacy goes beyond coaching. I serve on the board of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), actively contributing to healthcare policy and striving for equitable access to quality care. Additionally, the founding of my non-profit, The AIP BIPOC Network underscores my dedication to fostering inclusivity within the autoimmune community and addressing health disparities.
3. Holistic Health Approach: I firmly believe that health is a holistic journey. While dietary changes are essential, I also emphasize addressing lifestyle factors, managing stress, and nurturing emotional well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive well-rounded guidance for lasting improvements.
4. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest research and developments in autoimmune health is at the core of my practice. This commitment to ongoing learning allows me to provide clients with evidence-based guidance and the most up-to-date strategies for managing their conditions.
5. Individualized Care: I understand that each client is unique, and I tailor my coaching to their specific needs, preferences, and goals. This personalized approach ensures that clients receive guidance and support that aligns with their individual circumstances.

In essence, what defines my brand is a blend of personal experience, unwavering advocacy, a holistic health perspective, a commitment to staying informed, and a dedication to providing individualized care. My ultimate mission is to empower individuals with autoimmune diseases, guiding them toward regaining control of their health and leading fulfilling lives despite the challenges they may face.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In my field of autoimmune AIP health coaching, while training and knowledge are undoubtedly crucial, there are several other essential factors that significantly contribute to success. Empathy and a genuine understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that individuals with autoimmune diseases face are paramount. Having personally experienced the journey of managing an autoimmune condition, I can connect with my clients on a deeper level and provide not just information, but also the emotional support they often need. Effective communication skills are also vital. Being able to listen attentively, ask the right questions, and tailor advice to each client’s unique needs fosters trust and ensures that the guidance provided is practical and achievable.

Furthermore, adaptability is key, as the field of autoimmune health is continually evolving. Staying open to new research, treatment modalities, and being flexible in adjusting coaching strategies is essential for staying at the forefront of this dynamic field. Lastly, a commitment to advocacy and a passion for empowering clients to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system can make a significant difference in their health outcomes. Success in my field, therefore, goes beyond knowledge; it hinges on empathy, communication, adaptability, and a dedication to supporting clients holistically.

Applying the principles of empathy, effective communication, adaptability, and dedication to advocacy leads to a more client-focused and successful business. Just as these principles are at the core of autoimmune AIP health coaching, they can be foundational in building strong customer relationships and driving growth in any industry.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A crucial lesson I had to unlearn in my journey as an autoimmune AIP health coach was the notion that a “perfect” adherence to AIP was the only path to success. The backstory to this lesson involves a client who was deeply committed to her health journey but found it challenging to stick to the AIP guidelines consistently due to various life constraints.

Initially, I was firm in my belief that strict adherence to the AIP diet was the only way to achieve significant improvements in her autoimmune condition. However, as we progressed, it became clear that her circumstances, including a demanding work schedule and family responsibilities, made it nearly impossible for her to follow the protocol to the letter.

This experience prompted me to reevaluate my approach and recognize that what works for one client may not be feasible for another due to their unique life circumstances. Instead of focusing solely on perfection, I shifted my coaching to emphasize realistic and sustainable changes that could fit within her lifestyle.

The key lesson I had to unlearn was that success in autoimmune health coaching is not defined by rigid adherence to a specific protocol but rather by the progress made in improving one’s health and overall quality of life. By being more flexible and understanding of individual limitations, I was able to help my client make meaningful strides in her autoimmune management journey. This lesson taught me the importance of tailoring coaching to each client’s unique situation and empowering them to make achievable, long-term changes that align with their life realities.

The lesson of flexibility and adapting to individual circumstances in autoimmune health coaching is a valuable model for business owners no matter the industry. Embracing flexibility, acknowledging imperfection, and being empathetic can lead to more resilient, innovative, and customer-centric businesses that thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naturalhealing.coach
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/healcoach
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/healcoach
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/healcoach
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/healcoach