How Is Coaching Different from Therapy?

A simple way to understand the difference is this:
Therapists help you feel better. Coaches help you do better.

Therapy is designed to treat mental health conditions, emotional challenges, and past trauma. Therapists are clinically licensed professionals who focus on healing, diagnosis, and emotional well-being.

Coaching, on the other hand, is forward-focused. Coaches are certified professionals who help clients set goals, overcome obstacles, and create positive change. Rather than exploring the past, coaching centers on behavior change, strengths, and a vision for the future. It’s about helping you unlock your potential and take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

How do I know if health coaching is right for me?

Health coaching might be a great fit if you’re ready to make changes in your life—but aren’t sure where to start, or how to stay consistent. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want support in reaching your wellness goals, coaching offers a structured, personalized approach to help you move forward.

You don’t need to have it all figured out—just a willingness to show up for yourself. If you're looking for accountability, clarity, and tools to create lasting change in areas like nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, or overall well-being, coaching can meet you exactly where you are and help you grow from there.

What is NBC-HWC?

NBC-HWC stands for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach—a credential awarded by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners.

This certification ensures that a coach has met rigorous standards in training, practical experience, and ethics. It also means they’ve passed a nationally recognized board exam and are committed to evidence-based practices and professional development.

Choosing an NBC-HWC means you're working with a qualified coach who’s trained to support real, sustainable behavior change—so you can trust the guidance you’re receiving is both credible and effective.

Do you accept insurance?

Currently, most major insurance providers do not cover health coaching services. There’s increasing awareness of health coaching’s benefits in preventive care and managing chronic conditions, so many hope insurance coverage will expand in the near future.

Some private insurance plans may consider reimbursement for health coaching, but coverage varies widely. It's advisable to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about potential coverage options.

Even without insurance coverage, many clients find health coaching to be a worthwhile investment in their long-term well-being.

What are common outcomes of coaching?

Health and wellness coaching helps clients achieve a variety of positive, lasting changes. Common outcomes include:

• Improved energy, sleep quality and overall well-being

• Sustainable lifestyle habits around nutrition, movement and stress management

• Increased self-awareness and confidence to make healthier choices

• Better management of chronic conditions and reduced health risks

• Enhanced motivation, accountability and goal clarity

• A stronger sense of balance and connection to one’s whole self

Because coaching is personalized, outcomes vary, but the focus is always on empowering you to create meaningful, lasting change that fits your life.