Table 1.

Stages of Whole Health Coaching (Adapted From the VHA Whole Health Coaching Manual⁶).

Stage 1	Explore mission, aspiration, and purpose	– Coach uses open-ended, values-based inquiry to help veteran explore their “mission, aspiration, and purpose” in life.– Through examination of personal values, veteran develops/begins to articulate a vision for their health and wellness. – Coach and veteran explore potential value conflicts, including behaviors, patterns, or circumstances that are not consistent with veteran’s articulated values and vision.
Stage 2	Reflect, assess, and focus	– Coach guides veteran through a “Personal Health Inventory”16—a self-assessment of the veteran’s experience across multiple dimensions of health and wellbeing. – Areas explored include activity/energy, rest, nutrition, relationships, surroundings, and spirituality. – Veteran identifies the dimensions that are most important to them and where they are motivated/ready to make change. – The specific purpose of the coaching relationship comes into focus for veteran and coach.
Stage 3	Plan for action	– Veteran and coach develop a plan for action that includes veteran-defined “SMART” goals—goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timebound. – Veteran and coach explore facilitators of and barriers to action, as well as available resources for education/support. – Veteran and coach co-create a plan for action and for maintaining accountability.
Stage 4	Execute the action	– Coach supports veteran in executing the action plan. – Coach engages veterans in active reflection, ongoing self-assessment of actions taken to date, and discussion of lessons learned. – Veteran’s goals remain dynamic; action plan is iteratively refined with attention to evolving facilitators, barriers, and supports.