Using Behavioral Assessments to Transform Health Coaching

Health is more than just what we eat or how much we exercise. It’s about understanding ourselves—our motivations, our habits, and our decision-making tendencies—so that we can make lasting changes. This is where behavioral assessments can be a game-changer in health coaching.

Certified in all of TTI Success Insights’ assessment sciences, I’ve seen firsthand how these tools provide clarity into why people do what they do. More importantly, they help coaches develop tailored strategies that resonate with each individual, making behavior change not just possible but sustainable. In this blog, I’ll walk through how behavioral assessments can be used in health coaching to help clients break free from unhealthy patterns and step into a healthier life.

Understanding the Behavioral Side of Health

Most health struggles aren’t just about knowledge. Many people already know they should eat healthier and exercise more, but they struggle to follow through. The issue often lies in their behavior, mindset, and emotional tendencies.

Behavioral assessments, such as DISC, Driving Forces, and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), shed light on these internal factors. They reveal how people approach decisions, how they handle stress, what motivates them, and how they communicate. With this insight, coaches can create highly personalized health plans that align with their clients’ unique personalities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

How DISC Helps Tailor Health Coaching

The DISC assessment categorizes people into four primary behavior styles:

1. Dominance (D) – Direct, decisive, and results-driven.

2. Influence (I) – Social, enthusiastic, and people-oriented.

3. Steadiness (S) – Patient, reliable, and process-driven.

4. Compliance (C) – Analytical, detail-oriented, and structured.

Knowing a client’s DISC style allows a health coach to adjust their coaching approach. For example:

• A High D client thrives on challenges and competition. A structured, goal-oriented fitness plan with clear milestones will keep them engaged.

• A High I client is motivated by fun and social interaction. Group workouts, accountability partners, or gamified health challenges will work well for them.

• A High S client values consistency and routine. A step-by-step, gradual change approach with lots of reassurance will help them succeed.

• A High C client wants data and details. They need to understand the science behind health recommendations and may appreciate tracking progress meticulously.

By adapting communication and coaching techniques based on DISC, we create a plan that naturally fits a client's operating style, making lifestyle changes easier to adopt.

Identifying What Drives Clients to Take Action

The 12 Driving Forces assessment helps coaches understand what truly motivates clients. Some people are motivated by knowledge and need research-backed reasons to change their diet, while others are motivated by helping their family or contributing to a cause greater than themselves. Identifying these intrinsic motivators allows us to frame health goals that deeply resonate with the individual.

For example, if a client is driven by altruism, they may find it more meaningful to eat healthier because it sets a good example for their children. A client motivated by intellectual curiosity may need to learn about the biochemical impact of certain foods on their body before making changes. Understanding these driving forces makes motivation more personal and powerful.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Health Coaching

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) plays a crucial role in behavior change. The EQ assessment evaluates skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation—all essential for making long-term health decisions.

Clients with low self-regulation may struggle with impulse eating, while those with low self-awareness may not recognize emotional eating patterns. By helping clients develop EQ, we empower them to manage stress in healthier ways, build resilience, and make intentional choices about food and exercise.

For instance, clients with low self-regulation can benefit from structured meal planning and accountability check-ins to reduce impulsive eating. Meanwhile, clients with low self-awareness might find it helpful to journal their food choices and emotions to identify patterns and triggers.

Real-Life Application: Transforming Health Through Behavioral Understanding

One of my clients, we'll call her Sarah, struggled with weight loss despite numerous diet attempts. She would start strong but lose motivation quickly. After taking the DISC assessment, we discovered she was a High I—meaning she thrived in social settings and loved variety. Her previous plans were too rigid and isolated, which drained her motivation.

By incorporating group activities, variety in her meals and workouts, and a support system, Sarah not only lost weight but also found joy in the process. Her success was not just about changing her diet—it was about aligning her health journey with her behavioral tendencies.

Why Every Health Coach Should Use Behavioral Assessments

Using behavioral assessments in health coaching allows us to:

• Understand why clients struggle with consistency.

• Personalize strategies based on their natural tendencies.

• Motivate clients in a way that resonates with their values.

• Communicate effectively to encourage lasting change.

Health coaches are not just here to inform but to transform. By understanding the unique way God designed each individual, we can guide them in a way that truly works for them, helping them steward their health in alignment with their purpose.

Final Thoughts

Health is more than the physical—it’s deeply tied to our behaviors, emotions, and motivations. By incorporating behavioral assessments into health coaching, we unlock a deeper understanding of our clients, allowing us to support them in a way that creates sustainable, life-changing habits.

If you’re a health coach looking to take your practice to the next level, consider using behavioral assessments. The results will not only surprise you but will profoundly impact the lives of those you serve.

👉 Are you a coach interested in learning more about how behavioral assessments can transform your health journey? Learn more here.

👉 Are you interested in working with a health coach who utilizes behavioral assessments to tailor a strategy that works for you? Schedule a 15-minute discovery call today.