Jaala Dyer is the lead coach at Reversal NZ, a lifestyle medicine clinic that she established with GP Dr Glen Davies in Taupo, New Zealand. Jaala is the inaugural winner of the Health & Wellness Coach of the Year in a Healthcare Setting Award.
Tell us a little about your coaching practice, what you’re doing, and who you help?
I’m working in Primary care, in a private Lifestyle Medicine clinic that I set up in 2021 with my business partner (a GP) Dr Glen Davies. We specialise in reversing chronic health conditions, mostly diabetes and pre-diabetes, primarily through the powerful tool of nutritional therapies.
Dr Davies and I had a vision when we created Reversal. We wanted our clients to feel supported, and empowered. Anything to do with behaviour change around food is inherently complicated. It can’t be done in a 10 minute GP consultation. The idea of a GP telling his patient to “change what you eat” is outdated, and patronising. We take a different approach, and Health Coaching is very much at the forefront of this. Our clients decide their health goals and set the pace, based on their values, and needs.
How did you feel when you found out you had won a HCANZA award?
When I found out I’d won the award I was bursting with pride. I felt like I was representing all of the hundreds of people I’ve worked with, and it was THEIR award, not mine. Their focus, their drive to make change, they all inspire me in some way. And that’s what I love most about Health Coaching.
Why is having an industry association, such as HCANZA, important to you?
Having an industry association is a “Must-have” for me. I’m constantly learning, I’m supported and encouraged by my peers. There’s places I can go for answers. And most importantly the membership gives me credibility that I’m a trained professional.
