I’ve been working on a new project lately, namely to resolve this ongoing career dilemma of mine and finally start doing the kind of work I’ve been wanting to do for the past ten years. Through a stroke of good fortune/sweet synchronicity, I recently discovered Duke Integrative Medicine, which is right around the corner from me at Duke University. They have a brand new Integrative Health Coaching Training Program that is so “right up my alley” it’s just crazy. Check out the brochure if you’re curious to know the details.
I’ve been searching for years for a profession that would allow me draw upon my unique background, interests and strengths. This has been a struggle, because aside from my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my fifteen years experience in mental health, most of my other interests and experiences are more “off the beaten path,” like my master’s degree in East/West Psychology, my training in Hanna Somatic Education, and my interest in mindfulness meditation. As an “Integrative Health Coach” (I prefer the term “Integral” to “Integrative” — which is nod to my grad school days at the California Institute of Integral Studies, as well as my fascination with philosopher Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory), I can bring all these things together, both to help people move toward better health and to help me finally feel at home in the work I do week in and week out.
So, I applied to the program, was accepted, and now damn it, I’m gonna do it! Look for my new website (integral health coaching dot com) a few weeks from now.
Boo-ya!
Congrats on finding an inspiring direction. It looks like a rewarding path.
Thanks Sean! I hope things are going well for you these days. Take care.
Bob,
I can’t believe I had the good fortune to find your blog. I have many of the same feelings you do about health care and I just applied to the Duke health coaching program for the fall of ’09. Are you starting in January? I live in Milwaukee, so I would need to fly back and forth. Is there a nice clean place to stay while I’m there that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? If I get accepted, would be nice to make acquaintances.
Best,
Pat
Hey Pat!
Glad you found your way to my blog, and to the program at Duke. Yes, I’m starting the program in January. When you get accepted, they send you out a little packet with hotel recommendations. I don’t know too much about the cost. I know there’s a Days Inn in Durham/Chapel Hill, which is not on their recommended list, that is about $72.00 per night. That’s probably the cheapest around here. Good luck, and stay in touch. I will be posting my reflections on the program here on the blog.