Frequently Asked Questions
What is life coaching?
Life coaching helps you gain clarity, move through transitions, and create intentional change in areas of life that matter to you. This may include relationships, career changes, personal growth, confidence, purpose, boundaries, decision-making, or creating a more aligned and fulfilling life.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy or counseling?
Coaching and therapy can both be valuable, but they serve different purposes.
Therapy or counseling often focuses on healing emotional wounds, processing past experiences, diagnosing and treating mental health concerns, and addressing psychological distress.
Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused and action-oriented. Coaching helps individuals who are generally functioning well gain clarity, overcome obstacles, strengthen self-awareness, and move toward meaningful goals and lasting change.
As a coach, I do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and coaching is not a substitute for therapy. In some situations, therapy may be the best fit, or coaching and therapy may complement one another.
Is coaching confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and trust are important. Coaching conversations are kept confidential. I adhere to the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) mandates strict client confidentiality and data privacy as a core component of its Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The policy requires all National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) to maintain the utmost privacy in their practices, with key principles including:
- Strict Non-Disclosure: Coaches must maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all client and sponsor information, and only release data if specifically permitted by the client or mandated by law.
- Limits of Confidentiality: Prior to or during the initial session, coaches must establish a clear agreement outlining the limits of confidentiality. This includes outlining exceptions where privacy cannot be maintained, such as suspected illegal activity, valid court orders/subpoenas, or imminent risk of danger to the client or others.
- Secure Record Keeping: Coaches must maintain, store, and dispose of all records, including electronic files, mobile data, and communications, in a manner that protects privacy and complies with all applicable regulations.
- HIPAA Alignment: While specific employment settings vary, NBHWC generally holds that health and wellness coaches should manage personal health information and client records according to the established policies and procedures of HIPAA.
For comprehensive information or to review the code of conduct in full, you can visit the official NBHWC Standards & Ethics page.
Can I use my FSA or HSA or health insurance to cover coaching expenses?
Unfortunately this is complex, and several conditions must first be met in order for FSA or HSA funds to be used for coaching services.
The first, is the coach must hold an official credential such as the NBHWC certification. I do not yet hold this certification and am on the path to have my certification by end of 2026.
Next, FSA or HSA funds can be used to pay for coaching services only if the your doctor provides an official Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) tying the coaching to a specific chronic medical condition. If this is the case, then I will provide an out-of-network superbill (a highly detailed, itemized receipt containing the Category III CPT codes and ICD-10 diagnosis codes). Then you can submit the claim directly to your private insurance provider to seek independent reimbursement.
Lastly, the answer to this question can vary depending on what state you live in. If you would like to move forward with submitting an insurance claim, please make sure you are aware of and comply with your local state laws.
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals and couples who are looking to grow, improve their well-being, strengthen relationships, navigate life transitions, or make meaningful changes. Clients often come to coaching when they feel stuck, disconnected, uncertain, or simply ready for something different.
In what areas do you specialize?
My coaching focuses on areas including:
- Career transitions and life changes
- Overall health and wellness
- Building authentic connection and relationships
- Personal growth and self-awareness
- Premarital or couples coaching
- Building healthier habits and routines
- Clarifying values and goals
If you're unsure whether coaching is the right fit for your situation, I’m happy to discuss it during an initial consultation.
What can I expect during a coaching session?
Coaching sessions are supportive, collaborative conversations focused on your goals and growth. Sessions may include exploring challenges, identifying patterns, clarifying values, developing strategies, and creating action steps that feel realistic and meaningful to you.
My approach is thoughtful, practical, and personalized to your needs, meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be.
Do you offer virtual or in-person coaching?
I offer both virtual and or in-person coaching. For in-person coaching, meeting in Fort Collins, CO or surrounding area is required. Please plan on covering this topic during our initial consultation session.
Virtual coaching allows for maximum flexibility and convenience no matter where you are located. I have also found that virtual coaching is most effective as there are fewer distractions due to new sites, smells, sounds, etc. I use Zoom as my virtual coaching software.
How long are coaching sessions?
Most coaching sessions last between 50-60 minutes, though session length may vary depending on the type of coaching and your needs.
How often will we meet?
Many clients meet weekly or biweekly, especially when starting out. Our meeting frequency will depend on your goals, schedule, and the level of support you are looking for.
How long does the coaching process last?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. I can work with you for just a few sessions to address a specific goal, or you can choose ongoing coaching for deeper growth and accountability.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a complimentary consultation to learn more about what you're looking for, answer your questions, and determine whether coaching is a good fit for both of us.
What if I’m not sure what I want to work on?
That’s completely okay. Many people begin coaching with a general feeling that something feels “off,” unclear, or ready for change. Part of the coaching process is helping you gain clarity around what matters most and where you’d like to grow.
Do you give advice or tell clients what to do?
My role is not to tell you how to live your life or make decisions for you. Instead, I help you explore possibilities, ask meaningful questions, identify what matters most, and create strategies aligned with your values and goals.
What if I’ve tried to make changes before and struggled?
You are not alone. Lasting change can be difficult, especially when life is busy or overwhelming. Coaching creates space for reflection, accountability, and sustainable progress, focusing on practical changes that fit your real life.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll talk about what brings you to coaching, what you’re hoping for, and determine whether coaching is a good fit for both of us.

"The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out."
-Ancient Proverb