FAQS

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?

Lifestyle Medicine is a branch of conventional Western medicine that focuses on treating, preventing, and reversing diseases and conditions related to

diet
physical (in)activity
stress
sleep habits
drug, tobacco, and alcohol use

Evidence-based lifestyle modifications are routinely prescribed to help manage conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. They can also help manage the symptoms of mood disorders and anxiety.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY INITIAL CONSULTATION?

Think about what you want to get out of the coaching experience:

What would you like to change about your mental health?
How would you like to feel?
On a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to change some of your habits around food, physical activity, and stress management?

If possible, bring a recent medical report and list of medications. Please be prepared to share your medical history and any diagnoses you've been given.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Email me at janafrench9@gmail.com with a brief description of your condition and what you hope to accomplish in coaching.

Please be as specific as possible in describing your goals.
Please indicate if you are currently under a doctor's care for the mental health condition(s) you are describing.

Coaching can happen on Zoom or (for those in Chicago) in-person. Many people find that six sessions spread out over 6-18 weeks works well for establishing new health habits.

WHAT KINDS OF STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES DO YOU TEACH?

I teach a variety of mind-body practices to help you relax and learn to self-regulate. These include

meditation
breathing techniques
autogenics and biofeedback
guided imagery and visualization
movement-based stress release (shaking and dancing)

Clients also have the option to begin their in-person sessions with chair Reiki, a relaxing hands-on practice that calms and balances the central nervous system through a series of gentle, supportive hand placements on the head and shoulders.

FAQ: FAQ