What is a health coach?

Health coaches are trained to act as a mirror through which clients can better understand themselves. We hold space for clients to share their challenges and guide them as they work toward their personal goals and desired behavior change. Lifestyle changes can be challenging to apply to our actual lives, and a health coach helps you identify and overcome barriers that keep you from moving forward.

How is a health coach different from other healthcare professionals, such as a therapist or a dietitian?

Therapists, dietitians, or nutritionists have advanced education in their respective fields of mental health and nutrition science. Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches can’t diagnose or prescribe treatments. Instead, their expertise lies in supporting behavior change, helping clients make the lasting lifestyle changes they desire or that have been recommended to them by a healthcare professional.

Why should I get a health coach?

If you feel stuck or are struggling to implement changes that would better support your health and wellness, a health coach can provide the encouragement and accountability that creates momentum and equips you to sustain the change over time.

How many sessions do most beginners take?

With Awake + Align Health Coaching, the minimum 1:1 coaching program lasts 8 weeks and includes 5 sessions. This allows sufficient time to explore your goals, identify obstacles, and test several methods to see what works best for you. Ideally, a client would continue for an additional 4-8 weeks to further cement behavior changes or enroll in a maintenance program to help ensure lasting change.

What are your credentials?

I am a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a globally recognized nutrition and health coaching school for over 30 years, with NBHWC-approved training programs. This program was one year in length, taught by recognized medical experts, and included practical hands-on coaching experience.

Will the information I share with you be kept confidential?

Yes. I use the Practice Better platform for notes, communications, and video sessions and this platform is HIPAA compliant.

Can I stay in contact with you once my sessions have ended?

Yes! You’ll maintain your login access to my Practice Better portal. I also offer maintenance coaching options for past 1:1 coaching clients.

What are the benefits of engaging with a health coach versus using a wellness app?

Wellness apps can be great for tips and tracking, but often fall short in helping people problem-solve or adapting a program to their particular situation. In the intentional, thoughtful conversations that occur in coaching sessions, clients often experience personal “aha” moments, like what often happens in talk therapy.

Do you accept insurance?

Not at this time. Once I become a board-certified health coach, depending on your insurance plan, there may be options for coverage.