This post contains affiliate links. Click here to see what that means! That being said, we only promote authors, products, and services that we use ourselves and wholeheartedly stand by. To learn more about how we earn money here on Autoimmune Wellness, head on over to our Promotional Policy.
Ever since our first cohort of coaches graduated from our AIP Certified Coach Practitioner Training Program, we’ve been watching with pride and excitement as they bring the AIP to the traditional healthcare landscape. Our AIP Certified Coach Spotlight features give you a look at what it means to be an AIP coach, and what you can expect when working with one as part of your healthcare team.
Stephanie Papadakis has a unique approach to her health and autoimmune coaching work. As a Grief Recovery Specialist (as well as a Holistic Nutrition Consultant and AIP Certified Coach), Stephanie deeply understands the toll that grief and loss can take on the body, whether it’s the grief of losing a loved one, or the grief of receiving an autoimmune diagnosis. Her offerings address health from all angles — physical, mental and emotional.
How did you become involved in the healthcare field in the beginning?
I was in corporate America for many years working in marketing. I became discouraged with my job and was looking for something that would bring me joy and truly help people. I also lost a parent in my mid-20s, which led to many health issues, both physically with my gut and mentally. After working with a career coach — and realizing I wanted to work around food but not become a chef — I enrolled in Bauman College’s Holistic Nutrition Consulting Program. I also became a certified grief recovery specialist so I could help people process their grief by letting go of the hopes, dreams, and expectations that come about when we go through a major loss.
What prompted you to use your skill set and training to specifically focus on serving the autoimmune disease population?
While I do not have an autoimmune disease myself, the three most important women in my life do. At first, I wanted to have the knowledge to help them, but as I started signing on more clients with AI diseases, I realized there was a huge need for practitioners with knowledge about how to reduce autoimmune flares. I also noticed the grief that comes along with getting diagnosed, and I really wanted to normalize it.
You recently became an AIP Certified Coach. Were there aspects of the program that you feel were particularly beneficial?
It’s hard to pick one or two things, because I really felt the entire program was beneficial. From learning the science behind autoimmune reactions to all the trigger foods, the vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and the major lifestyle components that can contribute to AI diseases, I believe all practitioners — allopathic and functional — can benefit from this program.
What kinds of plans do you currently have for your practice? Anything exciting coming up?
My practice is growing exponentially and I’m excited to announce that I’m launching a new group program beginning October 15. It’s a 6-week course to help process your grief, heal your body, reclaim your energy, and reignite your life. We’ll focus on all aspects of health — physical, mental, and emotional — so that you’re able to have both the physical relief you’ve been looking for AND the deep knowing that if you can get through the hard stuff (like getting diagnosed), you can get through anything. To learn more about the program, click here.
Can you share an autoimmune client success story?
I had a client come to see me who had recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. She had brain fog, low energy levels, had gained 50+ pounds over the last two years, and really didn’t want to go on medication. We started her on the AIP diet, along with daily walks (which she worked her way up to 60 minutes a day) and stress-relieving techniques, and the next time she had her levels checked, they were in normal range. Her brain fog had dissipated, she lost the weight, and had more energy. It was a true testament that AIP works!
Where can our readers find you or learn about working with you?
You can learn more about me on my website, gutofintegrity.com. I’m also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
0 comments