Health Coaching for H.E.L.P. Apheresis and Combination Therapy
Tanja Walser – Health Coach
Tanja is our certified Functional Medicine Health Coach – together with our Clinical Nutritionist Chryso one of the most important positions at our clinic – the combination of health coaching and clinical nutrition supervision is ‘nothing short of semi-miracles and boosting the treatment results to another level’ (quote of our co-founder Markus Klotz). As a recovered Long COVID patient, she fully understands the ramifications of Long COVID and other post-viral conditions.
Working closely with our clinical nutritionist Chryso Zorbas, she works collaboratively with patients and their carers, providing guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as pacing, stress management, sleep and where appropriate movement to optimise the journey to recovery. The coaching is part of the preparation of the patient’s stay at the clinic, support during the stay in Cyprus and to provide continued guidance after returning home for optimal outcomes.
She has acquired her master’s from the University of Zurich, Switzerland as well as Edinburgh, Scotland. You can learn more about Tanja’s work in her talk. Click here for videos.
Our former patient Robyn Bennett on the difference Tanja made in her recovery with Health Coaching her after receiving multimodal Combination Therapy at the Apheresis Center.
Apheresis Center Health Coach Tanja Walser on how health coaching helped our patients through all phases – pre/on/after treatment and how it not only increases patients’ treatment results but also makes them last.
Our Co-founder Markus’ personal recommendation
‘I do not usually make recommendations – the diagnostic tests and clinical experience of our medical team will always beat any personal recommendation. HOWEVER – there is one thing that I have observed that I DO recommend – Health Coaching and Clinical Nutrition Supervision! They make such a huge difference to patients that it would be negligent not to recommend them – no matter what your medical treatment plan is, these are the two things I so wish I had had when I was ill!’
Tanja on the Fasynation (Fatigue Syndrome Nation) Podcast
On August 26, Tanja was speaking with Johannes Schulte on the Fasynation Podcast about her Long Covid story and H.E.L.P. Apheresis and our clinic. German language, we will post an English transcript soon.
Here you can find the short version/summary: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EnKCyyAF3KGM1g0HQ0VIC
Health Coaching before treatment and on treatment
Goal: Realistic assessment and development of abilities and achievements in everyday life and at work
Increasingly independent integration of knowledge about health-promoting behavior in everyday life
Customized lifestyle modification plan and consultation before and on treatment with particular focus on pacing, stress management/relaxation and sleep in preparation for travel and during treatment
1 What is Pacing?
- Importance of pacing in managing Long COVID/Post Vac/CI symptoms
- Setting goals for the pacing program pre-treatment / related to travelling
2 Implementing Pacing Techniques
- Breaking tasks into manageable segments
- Utilizing rest breaks effectively
- Identifying and managing overactivity
3 Building Awareness and Mindfulness
- Recognizing early warning signs and symptoms
- Understanding the mind-body connection in Long COVID
- Practising mindfulness techniques for stress reduction
- Introducing strategies for managing flare-ups
4 Establishing Baselines and Creating Daily Routines
- Assessing current activity levels and energy expenditure
- Establishing realistic baselines for activity
- Developing structured daily routines to conserve energy
5 Implementing Pacing Techniques
- Breaking tasks into manageable segments
- Utilizing rest breaks effectively
- Incorporating activity and rest cycles into daily life
- Identifying and managing overactivity
6 Coping Strategies and Adjusting Expectations
- Addressing frustration and emotional challenges
- Exploring coping mechanisms for dealing with setbacks
- Adjusting expectations and redefining success
- Building a support network and seeking help when needed
7 Review and Future Planning
- Reflecting on progress made throughout the program
- Adjusting pacing strategies based on feedback and experience
- Setting long-term goals for managing Long COVID symptoms
- Developing a maintenance plan for sustaining progress beyond the program
Health Coaching post recovery – return to exercise/autonomic rehabilitation
Customized movement plan and consultation after treatment with focus on resilience during physical activities and where not (fully) possible achieve autonomic rehabilitation
1 Foundation for Return to Exercise
- Recognizing individual triggers for PEM/PESE
- Importance of gradual activation progression in Long COVID
2 Baseline Assessment and Goal Setting
- Conducting baseline assessment
- Identifying personal exercise goals
- Understanding the concept of ‘pacing’ in exercise
- Setting realistic expectations and establishing long-term goals
3 Introduction to Low-Impact Exercise Modalities
- Exploring low-impact exercise options: walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
- Understanding the role of breathing and relaxation in exercise
- Understanding the role of exercise preparation and after-care
- Designing individualized exercise plan based on baseline assessment
4 Monitoring and Balancing Activity Levels
- Strategies for monitoring and balancing activity levels
- Importance of rest and recovery
- Recognizing early signs of PEM and managing flare-ups
5 Progressive (but very careful) Exercise Programming
- (Very) Gradual progression of exercise intensity, duration, and frequency
- Incorporating strength and flexibility training safely
- Monitoring symptoms and adjusting exercise plans accordingly
6 Maintenance and Long-Term Strategies
- Reviewing progress and achievements throughout the program
- Discussing strategies for maintaining exercise adherence
- Developing long-term exercise plans and lifestyle changes
- Building a support network and accessing resources for continued support
DID YOU KNOW?
There is multiple scientific evidence about Health Coaching!
Have a look here for example:
