Health and Wellness Coaching
Susan Degginger at a glance
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NJ transplant living in sunny Tucson, Arizona
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NBC-HWC, CWP, and BA in psychology
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Coaching since 2019
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Passions include: photography, gardening, philosophy, cooking, and various creative endeavors
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Lifelong learner, evidence-based thinker, curious, ethical, compassionate, and kind, with a healthy sense of humor
What Keeps You Up at Night?
For me, it was a growing fear that I would end up like my parents. And, in many ways, if not most, that would be a good thing. But when it came to their health, it was not.
Just over a decade ago, my life changed seemingly overnight when one health catastrophe after another struck close friends and family members.
Included in this list were both of my parents, my mother-in-law, and five friends. Of that list, the only survivors after two years and change were three friends.
The shock and overwhelming sense of helplessness left me reeling.
When it was over, and I could finally breathe, I came to a few realizations. One, I never wanted to go through that again; two, I was going to do whatever it took to ensure number one; and three, I knew I had to start by taking control of my own health. I’d be my own guinea pig. I’d dig as far and deep as I could into the confusing and often conflicting realm of health and wellness.
This may not be your story, but you certainly have one. You might be here out of a desire to prevent some future health crisis, like I was. Or, you might be here because you’re already on that path and far enough down to see where it’s heading.
Whatever your reason, I know changing course isn’t always easy, but it can be deeply worthwhile. And you don’t have to do it alone.
What Is Health Coaching All About?
Coaching is a partnership. It’s a collaborative process designed to help you make meaningful, lasting changes to your health without relying on willpower, perfection, or quick fixes.
Health coaches work by your side to provide guidance, structure, and support. We don’t simply tell you what to do, as your well-intentioned doctors or family members may have; we help you create actionable steps to get you there - and accountability to help keep you there.
It’s really as simple as that.
What to expect
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Lifestyle habits took years to create; as such, they won’t vanish overnight. The coaching process typically lasts about six months and consists of 12 sessions. Everyone is different, so your program is uniquely designed around your special needs and goals.
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During your initial free consultation, we’ll review the health history questionnaire you’ve completed in advance and have an in-depth conversation to ensure I’m a good fit.
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All meetings are conducted via Zoom. Email and text support are available between sessions.
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Everyone is welcome here! I provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive coaching experience for people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
What not to expect
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Health coaching isn't a substitute for your doctor, dietitian, therapist, or other healthcare professionals. Health coaches don't diagnose, treat, or cure disease, and we don't prescribe supplements, order lab work, or interpret medical results.
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While we may collaborate with your healthcare team when appropriate, our role is not to replace them.
More Testimonials
Kate S.
"Working with Susan was a really positive and supportive experience! She shared practical, realistic tools that helped me stay consistent with my health and wellness habits, and the accountability kept me on track during a busy season and some life changes. I especially appreciated her thoughtful follow-ups, which made it easier to apply what we discussed between sessions."
Jenna O.
"When I started working with Susan I was a 23 year old college student who hit rock bottom with my health. I was consistently sick with no explanation and there wasn’t a doctor that could figure out what was wrong with me or how to help me. I went to Susan and told her I'm willing to do what it takes to feel 23 again. That started a 6 month journey that changed my life. She taught me so much and challenged me to make my health a priority. She taught me how to eat right, exercise better, and showed me how all aspects of my life effect my health. I will always recommend to friends and family members to go to Susan if they are looking to better their health and wellness."
Claire R.
"Working with Susan to attain my goal of improving my health profile was very productive. I was able to evaluate my overall health and eating habits in order to recommend minor adjustments that resulted in significant improvements. She followed up with empowering advice that will serve my health goals in the future."
Liz A.
"I've gained so much from working with Susan. I was feeling really stuck, I couldn't get myself to do what I knew I should be doing. My husband and I want to start a family soon and want to have healthy patterns in place beforehand. We've now been trying lots of new healthy recipes, some of which we absolutely love, and I've actually been exercising regularly and sleeping better than I have in years. I have so much more energy and clarity in my day, and I feel like I have a blueprint to raise healthy kids."
Carole S.
"When I first started seeing Susan, I'm embarrassed to admit I really didn't know the first thing about nutrition. I'm 71 and wish I had known this information years ago. It's hard to change when you're my age, but she really did help me do so. I've shed some pounds and have more energy for my grandkids and husband. I highly recommend her!"
