FAQs

About Coaching & How It Works

  • Holistic wellness coaching is a collaborative approach that supports the whole person. We look at the patterns that shape your health, such as stress, sleep, nutrition, movement, mindset, and environment. The goal is to help you create realistic shifts that improve how you feel now and support long-term wellbeing.

  • HWC blends evidence-informed coaching with a holistic, lifestyle-based approach grounded in real life. With a background as a registered nurse and a board-certified health coach, I understand both the medical context of health and the day-to-day patterns that shape how you feel. In our work together, I’m acting as your coach. I do not diagnose or treat. I help you connect the dots between mindset, stress, environment, routines, nourishment, and movement so you can create change that fits your life.

    This is not a one-size-fits-all plan or a quick fix. You’ll walk away with practical tools, sustainable routines, and greater self-trust so you can build steady energy, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

  • Therapy often focuses on healing the past and supporting emotional or mental health. Nutritionists primarily focus on dietary plans or medical nutrition therapy. Coaching lives in the “now and next.” It’s action-oriented to help you build habits, routines, and mindset shifts to move forward. I don’t diagnose, treat, or provide medical or nutrition therapy, I support you in integrating sustainable change into your daily life.

  • I work with individuals who are ready to feel better, translate their health goals into reality, and navigate their health with a more intentional approach. You don’t need to have everything figured out, you just need to be willing to show up.

    Coaching is not a fit if you are seeking a medical diagnosis, acute mental health treatment, or a quick fix without active participation. If you have medical concerns, I am always supportive of partnering with your healthcare provider as part of your broader care team.

  • Not at all. Some clients come in feeling low on energy, stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that aren’t serving them. Others want more consistency, accountability, or support making healthier changes. You don’t need a diagnosis or a specific concern, just a desire to feel better and take a more intentional approach to your well-being. If you’ve been thinking, “I know I can feel better than this,” coaching is a great place to start.

  • Both. I’m based in Chicago and offer in-person sessions locally. Virtual sessions are available anywhere.

  • Yes. The Focused Session is a single 75-minute session if you’re wanting clarity and direction without committing to a full series.

  • Yes. If something comes up that’s outside the scope of coaching or you’d benefit from additional support, I can help you determine the right next step. This may include a physician, therapist, registered dietitian, sleep specialist, or another specialist. When possible, I’ll share specific referrals. If I don’t have someone in mind, I’ll help you understand what to look for so you can find a strong fit.

Scope and Credentials

  • I don’t order lab tests or interpret results for diagnosis. If you choose to share lab work from your healthcare provider, I can help you focus on supportive lifestyle changes, such as sleep, stress management, nutrition, movement, and daily routines, that align with your care plan.

  • I don’t prescribe supplements or provide medical treatment. If you’re already taking supplements recommended by your healthcare provider, I can support consistency and help you observe patterns in how you feel. I do not recommend specific supplements.

  • I don’t provide prescriptive meal plans or formal macro tracking. Instead, I help you build a flexible, personalized approach to eating that supports your goals. This may include support with eating habits, practical meal frameworks, grocery guidance, blood sugar balance, digestion basics, and routines that fit your real schedule and preferences.

  • I don’t hand you a strict list of rules or prescribe exactly what to eat, take, or do. Coaching is collaborative and you stay in control. I offer guidance, education, and support as we identify what feels most sustainable for your body, lifestyle, and goals.

  • I am a Registered Nurse and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. In coaching, I am not acting as your medical provider. I do not diagnose, prescribe medications, order labs, or provide treatment.

    My role is to support you through education, lifestyle guidance, mindset work, and sustainable habit change. If anything comes up outside the scope of coaching, I will encourage you to connect with your physician or healthcare team. I can also collaborate with them if you would like a more integrated approach.

  • Being a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) means I completed accredited training, passed a national board exam, and follow nationally recognized standards for ethical, client-centered coaching.

    This credential reflects training in evidence-based behavior change, motivational interviewing, and coaching best practices. It does not mean I provide medical advice. It does mean you are working with a coach who is held to a high standard of professionalism and quality.

Policies, Payments, & Privacy

  • While I do not accept insurance, I’m happy to provide documentation upon request.

  • Many clients use employer benefits or wellness stipends for coaching. Depending on your plan, coaching may qualify under wellness, mental health, personal development, or continuing education. I can provide invoices or supporting documentation upon request.

  • Yes. If something unexpected arises, I’m happy to work with you to pause, adjust, or reschedule your coaching series. I simply ask for open communication.

    Please note that pausing or extending a series may impact your overall momentum and outcomes, but we’ll work together to find an approach that feels supportive and realistic for you.

  • I require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in forfeited session.

  • Absolutely. Anything you share with me during coaching is kept private and confidential. I do not share your personal information, health history, or session notes with anyone unless you provide written consent or I am required by law to do so (such as concerns of harm to yourself or others).

    Coaching is not the same as therapy or a HIPAA-covered medical service, but I uphold the highest standards of privacy, professionalism, and ethical conduct as a coach.

  • I take privacy and confidentiality seriously. While I am not a HIPAA-covered entity, I use tools and policies that support HIPAA-aligned privacy practices.