FAQS
What is “wellness?”
When we are in a state of wellness we live in balance, confidently managing the demands and challenges of life with resilience, pausing to savor moments of joy when they appear. Our health—how well our bodies and minds are functioning—is the foundation of wellness. How we manage stress, relate to those around us, and connect to a sense of purpose are also deeply connected to wellness.
What is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach?
Generally speaking, a wellness coach is an expert in behavior change. A certified coach has demonstrated proficiency with evidence-based coaching techniques proven to help clients achieve their goals. In my practice, I partner with clients to help them build healthy habits, primarily in the six areas of Lifestyle Medicine.
What is a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)?
The NBC-HWC credential signals to clients, collaborators, and employers that a health coach has the skills, training, and practice needed to be a professional coach. The core competencies needed to become a board-certified health coach are based on an extensive job task analysis and a survey of more than 1,000 practicing health coaches.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating, and even reversing disease by replacing unhealthy behaviors with positive ones — such as eating healthfully, being physically active, managing stress, avoiding risky substance abuse, adequate sleep, and having a strong support system. As a Lifestyle Medicine coach, I help clients create healthy habits in these six areas to create wellness.
How will I benefit from working with you?
Deciding to invest in a wellness coach holds you accountable to yourself. As your coach, with empathy, I will help you approach change with positivity and creativity. I’ll help you stay connected to your reasons for change so you can overcome challenges and continue to progress.
What makes you a good coach?
Helping others is one of the things I enjoy most. My curiosity in people, my passion for food and nutrition science, and my own wellness journey motivate me to help my clients find their path to wellness. I am certified by Wellcoaches, considered the gold standard training program for health and wellness coaches.
How does the coaching process work?
When you sign up for my coaching program (I offer three packages) we will meet by phone or video call weekly or bi-weekly. (Ideally weekly, especially in the beginning.) Each session you will set small behavioral goals to help you gradually master the healthy habits you’ve chosen to pursue. Please visit my Work With Me page for details.
Will you “tell me what to do?”
I will not tell you what to do. As your coach, I am an expert in behavior change. You are the expert in you, and always have the best answer to the question, “What is the next step?” I will use my training and experience to help you brainstorm possible paths forward and will help you gather the resources you need to be successful.
How is wellness coaching different than therapy?
A wellness coach is not a mental health professional and does not diagnose or treat mental illness. Coaching builds on client strengths and involves goal setting. In talk therapy, a licensed health care professional works with a patient to resolve mental health challenges, and goal setting is not necessarily part of treatment.
Is health and wellness coaching covered by insurance?
Not yet. The American Medical Association has issued billing codes for coaching to track its efficacy in improving patient outcomes. The industry is hopeful that Board Certified coaches will eventually be able to bill insurance. Many health systems offer basic health coaching to their members, oftentimes at no cost, so you might want to check with your provider to see what’s available to you.
Is health and wellness coaching tax deductible?
In certain circumstances, health and wellness coaching can be written off as a deductible medical expense. Please check with your tax professional for details.