FAQs

What is a health coach?

A health coach is a professional who forms a partnership with individuals or groups to empower and support them in achieving their personal goals related to optimal health and wellness. The field draws on behavior change theories, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and healthcare research. In integrative health coaching, the focus is the health and wellbeing of the whole person, with an emphasis on self-care.

Health coaches may work alongside other professionals including medical providers and counselors to assist people in taking practical steps to meet their health and wellness goals. These goals can be medically oriented (like lowering blood pressure), activity focused (like running without pain), or more general (like feeling more energy).

How is health coaching for runners different from regular run coaching?

A traditional running coach will create training plans spelling out when to run, how far, and how hard. They'll help you prepare for a race or other specific running goal, and may also provide advice about strength, nutrition, gear, and other technical information. Some offer very individual attention and some don't.

In health coaching, I don't write you a training plan. Instead, we explore your values and goals, look at your overall health from a holistic perspective, and work on the day-to-day ways to support your overall wellbeing through running. This might include focusing on sleep, nutrition, or movement as a first step. We'll also explore how running works with your relationships, resiliency, environment, and purpose. Your goals guide the process of identifying meaningful, manageable action steps towards becoming your healthiest self.

Health coaching is also wonderful for people returning to running after a long time away, new runners who need help getting started, runners who are frustrated with constant injuries and fatigue, and people seeking to manage disease risk and improve overall health through running.

Can you be my primary care provider?

Though I am trained as a family nurse practitioner, I do not offer primary care services through flower power health. You still need a primary care provider (like a physician or nurse practitioner) who will order labs and medications for you if you need them and who will diagnose and treat medical conditions. I can work with you and your health care team to coordinate and align your care and help you get the most out of your medical care. I can also support you in identifying what kind of professional care you need and what you can manage at home.

Will my insurance pay for health coaching services?

Flower power health does not bill insurance, but some plans allow health coaching expenses to be paid for with a health savings account or flexible spending account. Check with your insurer, and we can provide receipts and documentation if needed.

What is tiered pricing?

At flower power health, we believe that health care is a human right and no one should have to go into debt to achieve health. To increase access to coaching services, we offer tiered pricing. If you make $30/hour or more or have the means, we ask you to pay Tier A. If you make less than $30 or are facing financial hardship, we ask that you pay Tier B. If you are unable to pay these fees without hardship, please contact us for other options.

What does the NBHWC credential mean?

I am certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, which means I am a graduate of an approved training program, passed a national exam, and maintain continuing education credits to ensure my practice is up to date with the latest in the field.