FAQs

Integrative health coaching is distinct from other forms of health and wellness coaching; the word integrative acknowledging its roots in integrative medicine and its alignment with IM values of whole-person care, patient-centeredness, mindfulness, and healthy lifestyle (Smith, Lake, Simmons, Perlman, Wroth, & Wolever, 2013; Wolever, et al., 2011; Caldwell, Gray, & Wolever, 2013). Through health education and health promotion, integrative health coaches collaboratively work with clients on enhancing well-being and facilitating behavior change to achieve health-related goals. Integrative health coaches empower individuals to make lifelong health behavior changes paramount in obtaining optimal health and well-being, and facilitate implementing medical recommendations into the intricacies of their daily life. Health and Wellness Coaches partner with clients seeking self-directed, lasting changes, aligned with their values, which promote health and wellness and, thereby, enhance well-being. In the course of their work health and wellness coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in their capacity for change, and honoring that each client is an expert on his or her life, while ensuring that all interactions are respectful and non-judgmental (NBHWC, 2019).”

Individuals suffering with chronic disease and associated risks struggling to implement lasting behavior changes, whether in conjunction with medical recommendations or self-desired, work with integrative health coaches as do those who are committed to a more fulfilling life and goal achievement. Goals may range from but are not limited to weight loss, healthy eating habits, sleep and/or stress management, fitness and exercise, body image/self-esteem, organization, or time management.

Sessions can be conducted over the phone or virtually through Zoom.

As sessions can be conducted over-the-phone and virtually, there are no boundaries as to who can receive coaching services.

Therapy deals with healing pain and dysfunction stemming from past experiences that impact an individual’s emotional and psychological functioning. Mentoring involves an expert providing knowledge and guidance through advising and counseling. Consulting, another service, is the diagnosis of a problem from an expert, who often suggests and implements solutions.

Coaching, however, is focused on creating goals, generating objectives and outcomes that foster awareness and support personal growth. Coaching focuses on the present and future, rather than ruminating over past events, and creating strategies for goal achievement. It is about tapping into your autonomy and intrinsic motivation to learn, develop, and grow. Thus, coaching does not advise, prescribe, dictate, or control.

Everybody’s needs are different, and thus their program is unique. Studies show those who embed themselves in a program for at least 6 months have an increased rate of success. My personal recommendation would be to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions, and then evaluate the impact of coaching and your progress.

Absolutely. The only situation that would constitute breaking a confidentiality agreement is the knowledge of self-harm or harm to others.

Per the contract agreement, 24-hour notice is required to cancel a session without incurring a fee. At this time, we can work to reschedule your appointment for a more convenient time. Cancellations made the day of the session will still be charged the hourly fee or session rate for your package.

Being more than 15 minutes late to a session will result in a modified coaching session, resulting in less time. I understand circumstances happen beyond control, but I ask that you contact me via phone, text, or email to let me know when you are running late. Otherwise, I buffer time between sessions to accommodate running over a scheduled session by 15 minutes.

Per the contract agreement, there are opportunities for mini-sessions which are used to discuss challenges encountered or to celebrate successes. These can be done through email, online, or phone conversations, and are included in the cost of your session/package.

A National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) is a coach that demonstrates expertise and masterful skill through intensive training, education, and assessment, and we demonstrate competencies that allow us to align with public and healthcare professionals; thus being the benefits of working with a credentialed coach.

According to the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC), Health and Wellness Coaches partner with clients seeking self-directed, lasting changes, aligned with their values, which promote health and wellness and, thereby, enhance well-being. In the course of their work health and wellness coaches display unconditional positive regard for their clients and a belief in their capacity for change, and honoring that each client is an expert on his or her life, while ensuring that all interactions are respectful and non-judgmental.

Yes! I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC, July 2019) having passed the national board certification examination provided by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), a collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).