Health Coaching Switzerland Conference: Challenges, Realities & Perspectives
- Course
- 1 Lesson
The Conference will be live FR-EN on-site & streamed online with translations in preferred languages
CODE EARLYBIRD UNTIL MAY 8TH for CHF90 instead of CHF120.
June 24, 2026 9:00 - 17:00
University of Neuchâtel
Auditoire ALG, salles E301, D301 Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Why this conference?
Faced with an aging population, the increase in chronic diseases, and growing pressure on costs, prevention in health and autonomy remain central issues. Health coaching is developing internationally as a complementary practice.
Under-exploited potential
Health coaching operates in a fragmented landscape, without a reference framework or clear national recognition. The diversity of approaches and actors generates confusion between care, therapy, prevention, and support.
The Paradox
Switzerland has a high-performing and recognized health system, yet faces financial pressure. While the role of prevention is widely recognized, there are few frameworks to integrate behavioral change support.
Who is this conference for?
Health Professionals
Current reimbursement structures often limit the ability to fully support patients in their therapeutic journey. Adopting new behaviors toward healing or treatment adherence remains a major challenge. Health coaching provides a person-centered approach to establishing these behaviors
Insurance Providers
Exploding health costs due to the exponential rise in chronic diseases, an aging population, and increasingly health-impacting lifestyles are putting more pressure on insurers. New approaches must be integrated to curb this increase.
Corporate Leaders & HR
Under Labor Law, companies are legally responsible for offering employees a work environment that preserves their health. Health coaching significantly improves the sense of resources available to face professional life constraints and stress.
Coaches & Consultants
Health coaching is an emerging specialization in Switzerland. The needs are great, and the mission to support the Swiss health system is beautiful. Come and discover this coaching discipline.
The Conference Journey
BILINGUAL ENGLISH-FRENCH WITH ONLINE ACCESS FOR ALL LANGUAGES
Our Team
A group of multidisciplinary volunteer experts committed to health, to coaching, and to the health of the Swiss population.
Ellen Kocher
Coach NBC-HWC, ICF MCC
Economist by training with a Swiss-American and international background, Ellen Kocher has specialized for over 20 years in health coaching and corporate well-being. Certified NBC-HWC and ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC/ICF), trainer and mentor of coaches, she supports organizations in Switzerland and abroad, and also acts as an accredited consultant and assessor in corporate health, contributing to the development of demanding professional practices aligned with international standards.
Isabella Puddu
ICF PCC Coach
Isabella holds a degree in sociology, specializing in health management and bioethics. She practices as a Professional Medical Coach, Caregiver Coach, Menopause Support Coach, and Stress Coach. She supports individuals facing health issues, caregivers, and complex life transitions, as well as medical and health personnel. She collaborates with organizations and institutions as a Speaker and Trainer at workshops and medical congresses, promoting a person-centered culture of care.
Sébastien Vaneberg
ICF PCC Coach
Engineer by training with an international background, Sébastien turned towards human development after 11 years in the Industry. Leader of Coaching Square Swiss which he joined in 2021, he is a professional coach (PCC/ICF), team coach, and also trains coaches and leaders. For two years, he has specialized in Health Coaching, convinced of its key role in prevention, empowerment, and sustainable support for people. Today, he is committed to actively contributing to the development of this practice in Switzerland.
Dr. Véranne Dury‑Charbonnier
Coach ICF MCC
Doctor of Pharmacy, and after 15 years of an international career in industry and clinical trials, Véranne chose to open other angles to serve health in its entirety. Today ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC/ICF), Certified ICF Supervisor of coaches, managers and executives, speaker and author (Ma réalité augmentée, Changer nos visions pour exister) – Véranne accompanies human potentials and the reconnection to our "inner pharmacies" for individuals, groups and organizations.
Jean-François Thiriet
Coach ICF PCC, Coach Supervisor CSA FR/UK
Trained as a nurse in France and Switzerland, he worked as a health executive at the University Hospital of Besançon. At 29, he had to undergo 3 operations to treat skin cancer, which he talks about in his TEDx "If 'I' cannot, maybe 'We' can". He continued to "take care" by developing skills in accompanying individuals and groups (Coach PCC ICF – Coach Supervisor CSA FR/UK) and by writing 8 books on quality of life and the quality of relationships.
What to Expect
An Unforgettable Journey
Keynote
Poser le cadre ────୨ৎ──── Setting the scene
Christophe Kempf
Responsable des relations publiques Association des Assurance Maladies Suisse (Prio.swiss)
Christophe ouvrira la conférence en posant le contexte suisse, en mettant en lumière les tensions actuelles entre performance du système, pression des coûts et nécessité croissante de prévention.
Il proposera un regard lucide et structurant pour comprendre pourquoi le moment est clé aujourd’hui en Suisse, et en quoi cette journée marque une étape importante vers une vision plus claire, crédible et partagée du coaching de santé.
Dr. Filippo Ongaro
Medical doctor, author, entrepreneur & strategic advisor in longevity & human potential
As populations across Switzerland and Europe age rapidly, the real challenge is no longer simply living longer — but living healthier for longer.
In this keynote, Dr. Filippo Ongaro explores the critical gap between lifespan and healthspan, highlighting the growing impact of chronic disease, lifestyle factors, and demographic shifts on individuals and healthcare systems. He will bring a clear, forward-looking perspective on why behavior change is now the central lever for sustainable health — and where traditional approaches fall short. This is where health coaching plays a key role: supporting individuals to translate knowledge into action, build sustainable habits, and take ownership of their long-term health.
Opening Speakers
Français & English
Natacha Andenmatten
Coach ICF PCC, EMCC EIA Senior Practitioner, Coach Supervisor CSA
Nurse by training, Natacha worked in adult psychiatry. Wanting to develop a specific support concept for the reintegration of people suffering from burnout, she decided to train as a coach to bridge the gap between people in distress and the world of work. Since 2010, she has been working as a coach alongside the Disability Insurance Agency (Assurance Invalidité). As CEO of b-come Sàrl, an ICF and EMCC coaching and mentoring training provider, she trains future coaches and supervises coaches, including in the field of health. She also holds the position of Ethics Director on the ICF Switzerland Chapter's Board.
Prof. Dr. Markus Gerber
Swiss sport and exercise scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Basel
He leads research on sport and psychosocial health. He studied physical education, French philology, and sport and exercise science, completing a PhD in sport and exercise psychology at the University of Freiburg (Germany) and a habilitation at the University of Basel. As a visiting scholar at the University of Queensland (Australia) and the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), he further developed his international research profile and collaborative networks. His work examines how physical activity enhances resilience to stress and promotes mental health, particularly in relation to depression. He also investigates how long-term behavior change can be facilitated through individually tailored interventions. He has published over 350 articles and 10 books, and ranks among the world’s most cited sports scientists.
Karin Arigoni
Personal Health Coach, Co-President, Swiss Association of Personal Health Coaches
Karin is a Zurich-based Personal Health Coach specialising in women’s health, behaviour change, and sustainable performance.
With a professional background in nutrition, movement, and coaching, she designs and delivers evidence-informed strategies that enable individuals and organisations to build high-impact habits, optimise energy, and strengthen long-term resilience. Her work focuses on translating health into performance—through clear structures, measurable outcomes, and sustainable behavioural change.Karin partners with individuals and organisations across Switzerland and internationally, advising, facilitating workshops, and leading executive-level health initiatives. She is Co-President of the Swiss Association of Personal Health Coaches, where she actively contributes to shaping the future of the profession and advancing its recognition among healthcare stakeholders.
Dr. Stefan Bodenstab
Co-President, Swiss Association of PHC, PhD, MSc in Nutrition, MBA
Stefan is a certified Personal Health Coach (University of Basel, CAS) and EMR-recognised practitioner. He focuses on resilience, burnout prevention, and helping individuals build sustainable health practices integrating body and mind.
He brings over 30 years of international professional experience, including leadership roles at Nestlé and Hero Group, where he developed a strong foundation in business strategy, performance, and organisational development.
He co-founded a premium yoga studio company in Switzerland, developing community-based well-being through movement, retreats, and experiential formats. His approach bridges evidence-based health coaching with somatic and integrative practices. As Co President of the Swiss Association of Personal Health Coaches, he contributes to advancing the profession and its role within the healthcare ecosystem.
Panel 1: Health Coaching & Public Health
Moderator: Isabella Puddu (French & English)
From Prevention to Population Impact
Objective: To explore how health coaching can contribute to national public health priorities in Switzerland — particularly prevention, behavior change, and long-term system sustainability.
Dr. Filippo Ongaro
Medical doctor, entrepreneur & strategic advisor in longevity and human potential
Dr.Ongaro is an international advisor and entrepreneur in the field of psychophysical well-being, health and longevity. He was a flight surgeon at the European Space Agency (ESA) from 2000 to 2007, as well as the first Italian medical doctor to be certified in anti-aging and functional medicine in the USA. He is the author of several bestselling books and is followed by a vast community on the web.
Gabrielle Vuille
Coach en Santé, CSS Assurance
Scientifique du sport, Gabrielle s’est spécialisée dans la santé. Avec pour objectif d’accompagner les gens vers un mode de vie sain, Gabrielle a suivi une formation de coach de santé personnelle à l’Université de Bâle. Elle travaille actuellement à la CSS comme coach de santé dans les domaines du mouvement et de l’alimentation.
Anders Bally
Co-Founder of Health2Wealth Association
Bringing together individuals, experts, and forward-thinking organisations who believe that proactive health management is essential to long-term wealth.
Panel 2: Health Coaching in Care Pathways: Supporting Patients & Professionals
Moderator: Veranne Dury Charbonnier (Français)
Objective: To examine how health coaching integrates within healthcare settings, supporting both healthcare professionals’ and patients’ well-being, effectiveness, and collaboration
Pr Sylvain Boet
Anesthesiologist and intensivist with experience in prehospital emergency medicine, now practicing full‑time in hyperbaric medicine at HUG.
After fifteen years of clinical and academic work in Ontario, Canada, he moved to Switzerland in 2023.
He completed professional coach training with the Co‑Active Training Institute (CTI) and holds the CPCC credential. He has coached physicians from students to experienced clinicians, designed a coaching program for medical students at the University of Ottawa, and conducts research on coaching.
With a PhD in Education, he integrates clinical expertise and coaching to help physicians become more fulfilled professionals—and provide excellent patient care.
Dr. Stéphane Saillant
Head Physician ULH-CNP
Holder of an FMH title in psychiatry and psychotherapy, he serves as Head Physician of the ULH unit (Emergency, Liaison, Hospital) within the Adult Psychiatry Department of the Neuchâtel Centre for Psychiatry (CNP). He is a Privatdozent at the Faculty of Medicine and Biology of the University of Lausanne. His main areas of expertise include suicide prevention and liaison psychiatry, with a particular focus on the interface between mental health services and the primary care network. A specialist in emergency psychological support, he is responsible for coordinating the CARE Team of the Canton of Neuchâtel.
Hélène Thériault
BScOT, MAdEd, MCC
Hélène Thériault is a Canadian occupational therapist, Master Certified Coach, and award-winning educator with 24+ years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Function First Coaching™ and creator of Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) — a methodology purpose-built for healthcare professionals. A Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia, Hélène has trained 2,000+ clinicians across North America and internationally. Her DICA programs hold triple accreditation through ICF, AOTA, and NBHWC. With a Master of Adult Education and lived experience of clinical burnout, she brings rare depth to the intersection of coaching, healthcare, and professional development.
Panel 3: Health Coaching at Work: Driving Well-Being & Performance
Moderator: Ellen Kocher (Français)
Health Coaching at Work: Driving Well-Being & Performance
Objective: To demonstrate how organizations are leveraging “health coaching” to improve employee well-being, engagement, and performance, and its role in Workplace Health Mgmt
Fabienne Probst
HUG, responsable du programme QVT, je suis également la co-fondatrice de Synthropie.
Provenant du monde des ressources humaines, je me suis spécialisée dans l’Humain et son fonctionnement, ses interactions ; master coach en leadership et communication depuis une 10ène d’années, j’interviens aussi bien auprès d’individus que de groupes.
La Synthropie se défini comme « la redistribution intelligente et saine de l’énergie au sein d’un système en lui apportant l’harmonie lui permettant de s’épanouir pleinement et de transcender ses propres limites. » Ramenée à la qualité des liens interpersonnels, le soin apporté aux individus ainsi qu’aux équipes prend tout son sens.
C’est ainsi que les HUG m’ont donné l’opportunité de créer puis développer un dispositif de soutien et accompagnement, intégré aujourd’hui au pôle Qualité de vie au travail dont je suis responsable.
Agir sur la qualité des liens interpersonnels au sein des équipes et œuvrer en faveur d’une collaboration professionnelle sereine est gage de qualité des prestations aussi bien que d’engagement individuel.
Simona Minotti
Depuis plus de 20 ans dans le secteur de la santé, au sein de l’Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC).
Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana et Istituto Pediatrico della Svizzera Italiana, dont elle est responsable du service des ressources humaines.
Elle croit en l’importance de promouvoir un environnement de soins où la personne est au centre, grâce à des relations de qualité avec les patients, les familles et les collègues ; chaque jour, il est possible de faire la différence, même dans les petites activités et les simples gestes quotidiens, et c’est grâce à la capacité de rendre concrets et constants ces micro-comportements qu’on construit et qu’on nourrit une culture positive et générative.
Passionnée par les thèmes liés au développement personnel, elle met en œuvre, dans le cadre de son activité, des projets et des pratiques liés au bien-être et au soutien du personnel, convaincue que c’est aussi en prenant soin de nos collaborateurs et collaboratrices que nous prenons soin de nos patients.
Elle s’engage, notamment en tant que facilitatrice de formations internes, dans le développement d’un leadership responsable, bienveillant et conscient, qui contribue à créer des environnements de travail sains et sûrs, où les personnes peuvent s’épanouir pleinement
Ariana Kadrijaj
Coordinatrice régionale Care Management Entreprises & Responsable GSE
SWICA
Responsable de service Care Management Entreprises Membre des cadres
Panel 4: Health Coaching Worldwide: Models, Evidence & Inspiration
Moderator: Ellen Kocher (English)
Objective: To bring global perspectives on how health coaching is structured, recognized, and implemented — and what Switzerland can learn from international models
Daniele Kallas
Health and Wellness Faculty and Coach (NBC-HWC)
Daniele is Health and Wellness Coach, trainer, and programme designer, Master’s in Health Sciences, NBHWC-certified. With 30+ years in behaviour change, I’ve led coaching and social-emotional training at Grupo RD (4,000+ professionals), coached privately since 2010 with leading hospitals in Brazil, founded Escola Amaruna (NBHWC-approved; 200+ coaches trained across Brazil and Europe), and implemented a patient-centred coaching approach at B-Life Clinic in Cascais, Portugal. I work independently, remotely, and across cultures—bringing evidence-based frameworks to support sustainable health and leadership outcomes.
Izabella Natrins
BScOT, MAdEd, MCC
Izabella Natrins is CEO of the UK & International Health Coaching Association
Council Member of the British Society for Integrative Oncology and a Registered Health Coach. She leads the professional body advancing professional standards, registration and workforce development across healthcare, public health, social care, community services, workplace wellbeing, education and independent practice. Working at the intersection of policy, regulation and health behaviour change science, she positions health coaching as essential infrastructure for prevention and long term condition support. An international speaker and thought leader, Izabella collaborates nationally and internationally to strengthen system integration, workforce capability and public protection, championing scalable, evidence informed approaches to health systems facing sustained pressure.
Mary Alice Keator
NBC-HWC
Mary Alice Keator serves as Program Approval & Continuing Education Manager at the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), where she leads program approval and continuing education strategy to strengthen standards, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. She oversees approval processes, reviewer governance, and quality improvement initiatives that support Board Certification and accreditation readiness. Mary partners closely with academic institutions, private training programs, and healthcare leaders to advance operational excellence and elevate the role of NBC-HWCs within healthcare systems. Her work focuses on strategic alignment, process integrity, and building collaborative pathways that position health and wellness coaching as a credible, evidence-informed profession.
Shiri Ben-Arzi
Founder and Director of HMCI
Health, Medical Coach, and Caregiver Coach, and the founder and director of HMCI – the Health and Medical Coaching Institute. Shiri is a coach, supervisor, workshop facilitator, author, and international lecturer. She holds certifications in Medical and Health Coaching, Caregiver Coaching, Embodiment Coaching, End-of-Life and Grief Coaching, ADHD Coaching, and Group Coaching. Additionally, she is a Grief Educator, a CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy) Practitioner, a TLT (Timeline Therapy) Master Practitioner, an EFT (Emotion Freedom Technique) Practitioner, an EmotionAid Practitioner, and an NLP Master Practitioner and trainer. Shiri served as the co-leader of the ICF Health and Wellness Community of Practice from 2019 to 2022 and as the co-president of ICF Israel from 2022 to 2024. Over the past 15 years, Shiri has worked with leading international pharmaceutical companies, medical organizations, patient advocacy groups, and hospitals. Shiri is dedicated to promoting social change in health and healthcare by advocating for a patient-centered medical practice grounded in the Coach Approach.
Claude Lenoir
President of ACDS
Claude Lenoir is a professional coach, health coach, and EMDR-DSA practitioner with over 40 years of leadership experience in France and internationally. As President of ACDS, he actively promotes the recognition of health coaching. He supports leaders, teams, and individuals through transformation, illness, or return-to-work contexts, integrating health, sustainable performance, and overall balance. Within La Vie Kintsugi, he also accompanies people living with cancer through a salutogenic, resource-based, and reconstruction-oriented approach.
Leanne Young
RHNP, RHNC, RHC, Executive Director Health Coach Alliance
and a passionate advocate for advancing the global health coaching profession. She is dedicated to promoting evidence-based practice, elevating professional standards, and expanding the integration of health coaches within healthcare systems, group insurance plans and workplace wellness initiatives. Leanne collaborates with insurers, employers, and organizations to increase access to health coaching and demonstrate its value in improving health outcomes. She brings a practical, forward-thinking perspective to scaling health coaching as an essential part of modern healthcare.
Dr. Jean-Luc Monsempes
Médecin, coach et formateur en coaching de santé, France
Médecin, exercice médical en France et à l’étranger avec Médecins Sans Frontières, et une expérience de 15 ans de l'entreprise en tant que dirigeant d'une activité d'exportation dans l'industrie pharmaceutique. Ex-dirigeant de l'Institut Repère, organisme de formation pour les métiers de la communication interpersonnelle, de l'apprentissage et du changement. Enseignant certifié en PNL, PCM et LAB Profile©, titulaire d’un DU de coaching. Certification EMDR et RTM. Formateur et consultant, mon domaine d'expertise est celui de l’application des sciences cognitives aux domaines de la santé.
We warmly thank our sponsors & partners
Special thanks to Tiziana Tuci-D’Alessandro, Founder & CEO Epinexa®
With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Tiziana Tuci‑D’Alessandro is the Founder & CEO of Epinexa®, an innovative digital ecosystem that integrates advanced technologies with health and well-being, offering everything within a single, unified environment. Born and raised in Ticino, Switzerland, and a mother of three daughters, she has developed a holistic vision of health as a dynamic interaction between body, mind, soul, environment, and culture. Epinexa® represents the realization of a vision cultivated since 1992, the result of a journey that brings together entrepreneurship, personal and spiritual growth, grounded in values of ethics, transparency, and resilience. Her mission is to connect the human and digital worlds within a single living ecosystem, placing people at its center. Through Epinexa®, she provides individuals, professionals, and organizations with reliable, structured, and accessible tools, services, and training pathways to transform well-being into concrete and lasting action. She firmly believes that health is a value to be protected with integrity and responsibility. In an increasingly complex and fragmented context, her work is dedicated to fostering clarity, trust, and quality, by building a curated and proactive community in which each person can become a conscious and empowered agent of their own well-being.