Frequently Asked Questions

What is a board-certified health coach?

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A National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) is a credentialed professional who has completed extensive training from an approved health and wellness coach training program and has passed a rigorous national exam developed by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners. This certification represents the gold standard in health coaching, demonstrating expertise in health education, evidence-based coaching and behavioral techniques, and a thorough knowledge of legal and ethical standards. 

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Is health coaching right for me?

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Health coaching can be a valuable investment if you are:

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• ​Ready for change. You're currently motivated to make positive lifestyle adjustments and are willing to put in the effort.

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• Seeking personalized guidance. You want a customized approach that addresses your unique needs, challenges, and goals.

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• Looking for accountability and support. You thrive with regular check-ins, encouragement, and someone to help you stay on track.

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• Prioritizing long-term well-being. You're interested in developing sustainable healthy habits that help to minimize or prevent chronic disease, improve physical and mental health, and improve the overall quality of life.

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When is the right time to hire a health coach?

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The right time to hire a health coach is when you're ready to make changes in your lifestyle to support healthier living and need guidance or support to achieve your wellness goals.

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What topics can I talk about with a health coach?

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Health coaching helps you develop healthy living habits and focuses on holistic well-being. You might choose to discuss topics in any of these wellness areas: physical, nutritional, intellectual, occupational, environmental, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

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At the start of your health coaching journey, we include a Wellness Evaluation to help identify your current needs and priorities. This allows us to create a personalized approach that fosters balance and long-term well-being in the areas that matter most to you.

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What’s the difference between a Health Coach and a Therapist? A Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist? A Personal Trainer?

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A health coach focuses on behavior change, goal setting, and providing support, resources, and accountability to help their clients improve their overall wellness. Health coaches do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat conditions and often partner with other healthcare professionals who have qualifications that offer additional care. These may be:

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• A licensed therapist addresses mental health concerns, emotions, and deeper psychological issues, developing personalized treatment plans to improve their client’s mental wellness.

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• A nutritionist (or Registered Dietitian) assesses, develops, and supports their client’s dietary changes that promote healthful eating habits, which may include personalized meal planning tailored to individual health goals.

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• A personal trainer specializes in physical fitness, creating personalized exercise programs and routines to help clients achieve their fitness goals.

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What can I expect during a health coaching session?

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Your first health coaching session usually starts with a conversation about your current lifestyle, the challenges you're facing, and what your ideal wellness looks like. This helps set the foundation for your future goals.

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Ongoing sessions involve more personalized strategies for creating short-term goals that support your long-term wellness goals. Your health coach will offer guidance and resources to help you maintain accountability, adjusting the plan as your needs evolve and goals become clearer.

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How long does a typical health coaching program last?

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Our health coaching sessions are 45 minutes in length and are offered weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs and preferences. A health coaching program may last anywhere from 3 to 6 months (or longer), depending on your objectives and choices.

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Will my health coach support me in between my coaching sessions?

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Your health coach is committed to your success and will proactively support you between sessions. This includes email check-ins and responses to any questions or concerns you may have along the way. Your coach is dedicated to your safety and, should the need arise, will provide guidance or referral to appropriate outside resources, if necessary.

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Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for health coaching?

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Health coaching may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA or FSA if it is prescribed by a physician as part of a treatment plan for a specific medical condition or disease. If you’re interested in using your HSA or FSA for health coaching, we encourage you to:

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1. Talk to your physician about whether health coaching could support your medical treatment.
    

2. Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor outlining the need for health coaching.
    

3. Check with your HSA/FSA plan administrator to confirm eligibility and understand your reimbursement process.

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If you don’t have a diagnosed condition but believe health coaching could benefit you, we still encourage you to speak with your doctor. Even without HSA/FSA coverage, health coaching helps prevent and manage chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, and can reduce costly healthcare expenses down the road.

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How do I get started with health coaching?

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Scheduling a complimentary 30-minute conversational call is the best place to start! Get your questions answered, learn more, and see if health coaching is right for you by booking a conversation on my calendar here, or you can email me to get scheduled.

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