Client Assessment and Goal Setting Flashcards

In IAHC coaching practice, which framework is most commonly used to structure client goals effectively?

Answer: SMART goals

SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) provide a structured framework for creating clear, actionable health coaching objectives.

During an IAHC initial client intake, which tool helps assess a client's readiness to change a specific health behavior?

Answer: Stages of Change (Transtheoretical Model) assessment

The Transtheoretical Model's Stages of Change (precontemplation through maintenance) helps coaches tailor interventions to where clients currently are in their change journey.

An IAHC coach conducts a lifestyle assessment and notices a client's score suggests high sedentary behavior. The MOST appropriate first step is:

Answer: Collaboratively explore the client's barriers and current activity preferences

IAHC coaching is client-centered; co-exploring barriers and preferences builds sustainable action plans grounded in the client's real life.

When using motivational interviewing in an IAHC assessment, 'open-ended questions' serve what primary purpose?

Answer: Encouraging clients to reflect and elaborate in their own words

Open-ended questions invite clients to express thoughts and feelings fully, deepening insight and building the coaching relationship.

An IAHC coach asks a client, 'On a scale of 1–10, how important is this goal to you?' This technique is called:

Answer: Importance ruler

The importance ruler is a motivational interviewing tool that helps clients articulate their intrinsic motivation and identify where to focus coaching energy.

Which of the following is within the scope of an IAHC-certified health coach during an initial assessment?

Answer: Reviewing a client's general health history and lifestyle habits

Health coaches gather health history and lifestyle information to inform coaching plans but do not diagnose, prescribe, or interpret clinical tests.