From Massage Table to Coaching Sessions – How Helen Nguyen Transformed Her Career
When the pandemic forced Helen Nguyen to temporarily close her successful massage therapy business in 2020, she didn’t see it as a setback but as an opportunity for transformation. After dedicating more than two decades to helping clients with muscular health care, this ambitious wellness professional from Leicester, Massachusetts was ready for a new challenge.
“I always wanted to do coaching, because it expands my ability to support clients’ overall well being, but there’s a difference between simply telling clients to drink water and go to bed early, and actually knowing the steps to guide them effectively,” shares Helen, a recent graduate of Health Coach Institute’s Become a Health and Life Coach program.
A Natural Evolution
Helen’s path toward health coaching began long before she enrolled at HCI. Working with massage clients for decades, she noticed patterns that went beyond physical pain.
“With massage therapy, I was focused on pain management and recovery. But I saw so many clients carrying stress and depression, especially expectant mothers. I wanted to support them in a more holistic way, I believe this deeper engagement helps clients make sustainable lifestyle changes,” Helen explains.
This realization led her to pursue a psychology degree, which she completed while her massage business was on pause during the pandemic. During her studies, when exploring potential career paths, coaching immediately stood out. Her journey into coaching was born out of a deep passion for supporting individuals and families like parent-child dynamics.”
“When we explored what we wanted to do after graduation, coaching was the first thing that caught my attention,” Helen recalls. “But my professor warned me that I would need specific certification in coaching to properly advertise those services. Even when I looked for a job during my internship, most of the health care providers and holistic centers asked if I was certified in health and life coaching.”
Finding Health Coach Institute
After researching her options, Helen found Health Coach Institute and knew it was the right fit after sharing the information with her professor and classmates. While the program can be completed in six months, Helen intentionally took a full year to finish her certification.
“I wasn’t rushing to get the certificate because I was still learning and balancing my role as a mother, entrepreneur and coach. I wanted to be sure I knew exactly what to do before completing the program,” she says.
During her training, she made new supportive friends and mentors. Helen appreciated the community aspect of HCI, collaborating with a group of four coaches who learned together and shared different perspectives and ideas. She also supplemented her training by working with a mental health professional who provided additional insights.
Integrating Her Skills
Today, Helen has successfully merged her expertise in massage therapy with her coaching skills, creating a truly integrative wellness practice. Her approach blends compassion with clarity. She brings empathy, insight and practical tools to those she serves.She offers both standalone massage therapy and comprehensive 90-day coaching packages designed to help clients improve sleep, manage weight, and reduce stress.
“Now I’m better in a holistic setting. I can help clients take better care of themselves, not just manage their pain but also navigate challenges and strengthen their connection,” Helen says. “With coaching, I have more ideas about how to guide them toward better overall health.”
Her psychology background, combined with her HCI certification, has given her a unique perspective that clients value. And her coaching practice has grown beyond her existing massage clientele, with Helen now offering both in-person and virtual coaching sessions.
A New Career Path
Shortly after completing her certification with HCI in March 2024, Helen received a job offer from “The Perfect Child,” a company supporting children with autism and their families. This opportunity allows her to use her coaching skills in a new setting while maintaining her private practice.
“I support both children and parents in that space, while also running my own business and taking care of my family,” Helen shares with enthusiasm.”Health and life coaching brings me so much joy. Learning is never ending. I enjoy researching health topics like nutrition, weight loss and intimate satisfaction. It’s truly fulfilling work.”
Looking Ahead
When asked where she sees herself coaching in the future, Helen’s eyes light up. “I see myself being very successful in coaching groups, speaking confidently—going above and beyond what I’m doing now.”
For those considering the Health Coach Institute’s Become a Health and Life Coach program, Helen’s advice is simple: “Go for it. The program provides all the information you need to be effective. You can continue researching and learning throughout your career.” She continues by adding the love she has for her ‘aha’ moments, “One of my favorite parts of the day is learning something new. It’s what keeps me growing and inspired personally and professionally. Knowing that I will be guiding others through a tough transition and to build confidence like HCI has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others like me. I am thrilled.”
Helen’s website, Muscular Health and Mindset Coaching, reflects the beautiful integration of her extensive massage therapy experience with her newly acquired coaching skills.
Her story from massage therapist to holistic health coach demonstrates how HCI’s Become a Health and Life Coach program can help wellness professionals expand their services, reach new clients, and transform their careers—even during challenging times like a global pandemic.
Want to transform your career like Helen did? Learn more about our Become a Health and Life Coach program today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career helping others achieve optimal wellness.
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