How to Tell if a Health Coach Is Lyme-Literate
With Lyme disease and chronic illness, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Doctors handle the medical side, but many patients also seek out health coaches for help with lifestyle, nutrition, mindset, and accountability. But here’s the catch: not every health coach understands the complexities of Lyme disease. Choosing the wrong coach can lead to frustration — or worse, harmful advice.
So how do you know if a coach is truly Lyme-literate?
What Does “Lyme-Literate” Mean in Coaching?
Just like doctors, coaches vary widely in their knowledge and experience. A Lyme-literate coach is someone who:
Understands the realities of tick-borne illness (beyond surface-level info).
Recognizes how symptoms fluctuate and why “pushing harder” doesn’t work.
Knows common overlaps like MCAS, mold, coinfections, or adrenal fatigue.
Supports healing without dismissing the trauma of misdiagnosis or gaslighting.
They don’t need to replace your doctor — but they should complement medical care with strategies that fit the unique challenges of chronic Lyme.
Red Flags: When a Coach May Not Be Right for You
Be cautious if a coach:
Promises a “cure” or one-size-fits-all solution.
Suggests stopping medical treatment.
Pushes extreme diets or detoxes without considering your fragility.
Treats symptoms like laziness, lack of willpower, or purely mental health issues.
Has little to no experience working with chronic illness clients.
Green Flags: Signs a Coach Is Lyme-Literate
Look for these qualities in a potential coach:
Personal or professional experience with Lyme → They’ve had it themselves, or they’ve worked with multiple Lyme clients.
Focus on pacing → They respect your need to rest and avoid overexertion.
Holistic perspective → They understand the body-mind connection, trauma, and nervous system regulation.
Collaboration → They encourage working with your medical team, not against it.
Individualized plans → They adapt strategies based on your current energy and symptoms.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Here are some smart questions to bring to a discovery call:
Have you worked with clients who have Lyme disease or tick-borne illnesses?
How do you adapt your coaching when symptoms flare or energy is low?
What’s your approach to pacing and avoiding burnout?
Do you collaborate with medical professionals or encourage clients to continue treatment?
What’s your philosophy on diet, detox, or supplements?
The answers will quickly reveal if someone is aligned with your needs.
The Value of a Lyme-Literate Coach
When you find the right fit, a Lyme-literate coach can:
Provide accountability without pressure.
Help create realistic routines that honor your body.
Teach coping strategies for brain fog, anxiety, or overwhelm.
Offer encouragement when setbacks happen.
Remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
Not every health coach understands the complexities of Lyme disease — but the right one can be a game-changer in your healing process. Ask the right questions, watch for red flags, and choose someone who empowers you without pushing you beyond your limits.
Healing is not just about medicine — it’s also about lifestyle, mindset, and having the right support system in place.