Megan with a client using the Neuro/Bio-Feedback Machine
Health coaching is a transformative, client-centred approach that helps individuals make meaningful, lasting improvements to their health and well-being. Megan Carmichael, who recently graduated as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCA) in February 2025, is passionate about guiding clients on this journey toward vibrant health.
Megan’s Approach to Health Coaching
As co-owner of The Institute of Healthy Aging alongside Dr. Duncan Carmichael, Megan combines the latest in functional medicine with personalised coaching techniques. Her approach focuses on prevention, lifestyle changes, and holistic support to empower clients to take control of their health.
What Does Megan Do?
Megan works closely with clients to identify their unique health goals and develop practical, achievable plans. Whether it’s improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, managing stress, or enhancing sleep, Megan provides ongoing motivation and accountability to help clients build sustainable habits.
Whole-Person Care
Megan’s coaching addresses not only physical health but also emotional well-being, mindset, and environmental factors. This whole-person approach helps clients uncover and address root causes, leading to deeper and longer-lasting transformation.
Collaboration and Comprehensive Care
Working alongside Dr. Duncan Carmichael and other healthcare professionals, Megan ensures her clients receive well-rounded support. This collaboration bridges the gap between clinical care and day-to-day lifestyle changes, making health goals more attainable.
The Foundation: Megan’s Functional Medicine Coaching Training
Megan’s expertise is grounded in the comprehensive curriculum of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), a 12-month program that blends health coaching skills with functional medicine principles. The curriculum covers six key areas that equip graduates to support clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes:
- Art and Science of Coaching
Develop foundational coaching skills that combine evidence-based techniques with compassionate communication to effectively support clients’ health journeys. - Positive Psychology
Learn how to apply positive psychology principles to build resilience, motivation, and well-being, helping clients sustain healthy habits long-term. - Mind-Body Medicine
Understand the powerful connection between mental, emotional, and physical health, incorporating stress management and mindfulness strategies into coaching. - Functional Medicine
Study the personalized, science-based model that identifies and addresses root causes of chronic disease for whole-person health. - Functional Nutrition and Psychology of Eating
Explore how nutrition impacts health and behaviour, alongside the psychological factors influencing eating habits, to support mindful, balanced nutrition. - Health Coaching Career Navigation
Gain practical guidance on building a successful coaching career, including business development, marketing, and ethical practice.
These pillars form the core of FMCA’s curriculum, blending scientific knowledge with practical coaching skills. Megan’s training included hands-on coaching with real clients, live group sessions, and expert-led webinars, preparing her to deliver personalised, effective support.
Why Health Coaching Matters
Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances often stem from lifestyle factors. Megan’s coaching empowers clients to make sustainable changes that improve their health, energy, mood, and overall quality of life.
Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Journey to Better Health
Sarah, a 45-year-old woman with prediabetes and high stress, struggled to implement her doctor’s advice. With Megan’s coaching, Sarah set achievable goals like daily walks, better meal choices, and mindfulness practices. Megan’s support helped Sarah lower her blood sugar, boost energy, and improve mood-turning medical guidance into lasting change.
Exciting News: Women’s Health Course Launching This August
Megan is excited to announce that she will be introducing her own Women’s Health Course this August 2025. Designed to empower women with knowledge and practical tools for optimal health, details will be shared soon.
Stay tuned for this exciting new offering from The Institute of Healthy Aging!
