In one of the first interviews of this series, I had the honor of introducing you to my friend and Philadelphia-based holistic health counselor, Ali Shapiro. Now I get to help out all you west coasters by bringing you the wise words of the one and only Jamie Dougherty. I have yet to meet Jamie in person, but the blogosphere and Twitterverse have helped us connect, and I’ve been reading her blog and loving her videos since I first stumbled across her website. So, without further ado, the one and only–and very funny–Jame Dougherty.

Jamie Dougherty, Health & Lifestyle Coach

1.   What is the most rewarding aspect of this career?

Changing peoples lives!  It is the most amazing feeling when someone tells me they no longer crave sugar, or now cook organic foods, or have stopped emotional eating because of my support and recommendations. I always wanted to help others and I feel incredibly blessed to spend my days with fantastic clients.

2. What are the biggest drawbacks? What frustrates you about this work?

I love health coaching and there is nothing more fulfilling than clients seeing amazing results after following my advice. However it is extremely frustrating when clients don’t use the tools provided and subsequently see little change. It can be tough as a health coach because I want to do everything I can for my clients.  In my years of practice however I’ve certainly learned you can only lead a horse to water, you can’t make it drink.

Regarding drawbacks, I’d say bookkeeping I love being a business owner but I hate tracking and imputing every monetary transaction.  Luckily I will soon be outsourcing that task.  Yay!
3.     What sort of training is required?

I attended the holistic health coaching program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Jamie eyeing some delish greens. Don't you wish she could make you dinner?

4.     How did you know this career was right for you?

I didn’t actually  When I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, all I knew was that I loved good healthy food and wanted to help people eat the same way.  It wasn’t until I opened my practice and saw the changes in my clients that I new I had found my calling.  Also the beauty of this work is that your practice changes as you do, so you never get bored.  I currently work with lots of mid-thirties working women because that is what I am.  However, I’m sure I will work with more mothers once I have children.  I have other friends that have taken their education and opened food companies and meal services.  The possibilities are endless!
5.     Do you like the atmosphere created by most of your colleagues in the industry?

That’s an interesting question.  I think it depends on the practitioner.  I work alone but definitely refer out to other holistic healers in my community.  Most of them are fantastic and some… not so much.  I think it’s that way in any field.  The best sign of a good health practitioner is someone who walks their talk.  You certainly don’t want a stressed out, McDonald’s eating health coach do you? [Editor's note: That last image literally gave me the chills. Guess that would be a big giant no!]

Want more Jamie? Check out her website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter feed to get your Jamie Living fix! And of course, check back for part two tomorrow.