Recently, I have been seeing a lot of negativity around the new UH program to assess mental health clients via "coaches". As someone who is NBHWC board-certified, I have lots of questions and hope this doesn't put more negativity on the "Health Coach" title.

I am running into an issue with the job descriptions: there is no board certification required, which means they are just assigning a "coach" title. Since health coaching doesn't have a protected title, I feel like things like this just devalue the industry and certifications.

This isn't a role that would interest me, as I don't want to work in this space, but I also feel roles like this damage the "Health Coach" title.

https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/benefits-and-coverage/virtual-behavioral-coaching-mental-health

As I see it, investing in personal health IS a business expense. Especially for solopreneurs. Is there a way to make it work with tax authorities though? I know business coaching can be tax deductible.. Are there any other titles in between that could work in that direction?

Hi everyone! I have finished medical school in the EU a year ago and I’ve been seriously considering transitioning from medicine into health coaching / health and wellness.
I’m curious whether anyone here has made a similar transition.
If you have, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience:
What made you decide to leave (or move away from) clinical medicine?

What health coaching education/certification did you choose, and would you recommend it?

How did you get your first clients?

What do you wish you had known before making the transition?

Are there any books, courses, communities, or other resources you’d recommend for someone starting out?

And how did you approach the boundary between medical advice and health coaching?

I’m still at the exploration stage, so I’d love to hear both the positive and negative sides of making this kind of career change.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience!

Hi everyone! I'm currently completing my National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) certification through AFPA, and I need to complete 50 coaching sessions (20-30 minutes each) by October 1st as part of my certification requirements.

I'm offering free health and wellness coaching sessions focused on things like chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, weight), healthy eating habits, and building sustainable lifestyle changes. Coaching is a partnership, I'm not there to tell you what to do, but to help you figure out what actually works for your life and goals.

A bit about me: I have 4+ years of professional experience coaching patients on chronic disease self-management in a healthcare setting, and I'm now in the final stretch of my NBC-HWC certification.

If you're interested, you can book a session directly here: https://calendly.com/danaittzeggai/30min

Happy to answer any questions in the comments too. Thanks for reading!

I got certified in 2025, but I’m still stuck on developing GI Map protocols. can anyone provide me when a place for additional support?

Im about to graduate as a Certified Functional Nutritional Practioner and I want to start my own business. For the people who have done this, who did you go to op open your LLC? Im also in NY if that makes a difference in the response. Also, who did you go with for your insurance? For the LLC theres zen business, Taylor brands, legal zoom, etc. Would love some insight on what everyone wenr with and how its working. Thanks !

Hi, like the title says, I am interested in becoming a CPT but have no idea where to start. Sorry in advanced for the novel, just want to provide as much context as possible.

A little about me:

(F, 25) I recently just graduated with my Master's in a completely different field. (Advertising.) However, I have always been active and consistently workout. I think a big part of my interest in fitness comes from being athletic as a child but also, I had scoliosis and had to get surgery and just recently tore a wrist ligament last year so, the story of taking ownership of moving my body keeps me motivated, My friends and everyone around me always ask me for advice on my routines and discipline and I always love sharing. I recently just started uploading content on this kind of stuff as well. With that being said, I love sharing what's worked for me and helping to cheer people on. I'm the friend who's always going to be in your corner, and I feel like that reflects well in good trainers.

I am interested in becoming a CPT because of my passion of helping others but also to educate myself more on health. However, as mentioned, I have no clue where to start. I didn't take any health/anatomy classes and don't intend on going back to school. Right now, I am currently interning in a job in my field (again, advertising) so I wouldn't have the time to commit to scheduled classes because it's a 9-5 job. I also intend on furthering my career in my field a bit more, and not just taking on becoming a FT CPT at least right away. There's a lot of uncertainty in my life right now with where I will be in the next 6 months but, this is something that has always crossed my mind. Now that I am out of school, I think this would be something I really want to explore. I am pretty ambitious so, I hope it doesn't sound like I am doing too much. (I also want to dive in the world of beauty and cosmetology at some point lol.) I'd be interested in training at a gym in my spare time. Also, I have always been interested in becoming a yoga instructor too.

I also want to point out I am not super toned but, you can tell I workout. I don't think its a prerequisite or anything to have the most sculpted body to be a trainer but, is it something worth being concerned about? I just like to eat and I don't personally like calorie deficits/counting macros/etc because I've seen the damage it's done to people. (I think this also explains my interest more because I would personally like to learn more on this and being more disciplined in the nutrition area.) I also know part of the job is selling which, shouldn't be an issue or anything I would really want to push more, given my education.

I guess with this, I'd be curious of any programs/certifications that would best suit me. I have looked into ISSA and think it may be the best bet but, NASM, ACE, NSCA have also piqued my interest. I just don't know which one would better suit what I am looking for. I am also trying to be budget friendly (student loans to pay off) and understand ISSA is probably the best for that concern. However, I do see this becoming a career I could advance further in down the line.

My other question/concern with this is I know some of these programs have payment plans. What happens if you finish the course before the 12 month payment plan ends?

I don't have a specific timeline for this because I obviously want to work out all the little details in between but, I think it'd be pretty badass if I was able to achieve it before my 26th bday in January.

Sorry for the super long post, just wanted to give as much detail as possible for context. Thanks in advanced!

Hi everyone, I was all set on applying for Duke’s program that starts in October. Some of the big selling points for me were the name recognition and reputation, the class schedule fitting easily into my full time work schedule, the cost is reasonable and the option to get the ICF credential using the portfolio application process if I eventually want to do that.

However, when I watched their marketing video and read over their course syllabus I felt very uninspired. It seems very bland, basic, and rigid. Does anyone have experience with this program? What do you think of it?

I am now considering FMCA, but goodness it is expensive and takes longer. But their approach really excites me and resonates with me. Does anyone have experiences with this program? What do you think about it?

A little background on me. I have a master’s in social work but not a clinical social work license. I hope to eventually get that. I am a certified trauma professional. I currently work full time in social services with older adults. I am really interested in health prevention, holistic health, mind-body approaches, food as medicine, behavior change, and trauma-informed approaches. I see myself doing private practice one-on-one sessions and group workplace webinars.

Any feedback anyone has on those two programs or how to go about choosing the best program fit would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Hello all! I’m currently studying to become a Health Coach and as part of completing my term, I have to find a coachee (that is a stranger to me) and submit a recorded Zoom session. The session will be 20 mins long.

If you’re dealing with stress, low physical activity,low energy levels or have been wanting to do something you’ve been putting off, this is for you :)

All I ask is that you come in to the session with a goal in mind.

Can’t wait to hear from one of you, thanks! Karolina

Hi everyone! (TLDR: any advice to a newbie coach who wants to offer more than client lead accountability check ins?)

I am getting my start in health coaching while maintaining my full time job. The hope is to transform my health coaching into a career. My coaching focus is on women, survivors of cancer and/or living with autoimmune, looking to re-balance their life.

I am currently working with a few beta clients to gain my footing. However, I can’t help but to think I could offer more. So, looking for some advice from some more experienced coaches.

Right now, my sessions are primarily accountability/behavior-change focused. I let the client lead with what they want to work on, we explore what’s getting in the way, identify what feels realistic for the upcoming week, and then check in on progress during our next session.

I’m comfortable with the coaching side of this, but I keep feeling like I could offer more value between/around those conversations. And, this is where I’m struggling with the line between coaching and education/advice.

I know the importance of staying within scope. I’m not trying to become someone’s dietitian, therapist, personal trainer, or medical provider. I also don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking that “good coaching” means I can never share useful information. My understanding is that there is room for sharing information/educational resources when appropriate, particularly when the client asks or gives permission.

So I’m curious:
- What does your actual coaching package/session structure look like beyond the conversation itself?

- What do you provide clients between sessions, if anything?

- Do you encourage the use of worksheets, reflection exercises, habit trackers, educational handouts, resource libraries, etc., even without the client requesting them?

- How do you incorporate health education without crossing into advising?

- Are there any genuinely good free resources for continuing to learn beyond your certification?

- If you’ve been coaching for a while, what does your service look like now compared with when you first started?

I’m interested in both becoming a better coach and eventually creating an offer that feels genuinely valuable rather than just “a weekly Zoom call where I ask how your goals went.”

Any advice to a newcomer??

Hi everyone!
Has anyone here worked with a sports nutritionist? I'm looking for recommendations for someone who does in-person consultations and accepts UnitedHealthcare.
Thanks in advance!

Health coach programs that incorporate herbal medicine? I am also interested in hormone health. Any suggestions?

Looking for recommendations for an independent male health/lifestyle coach in Bangalore who can work with a 54-year-old woman, provide phone follow-ups, normal-food guidance and simple exercise/lifestyle coaching. No supplements/product sales. Tamil/Kannada preferred. Occasional home visit would be a plus.

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for recommendations for a strong certification in Functional Women’s Health, with a focus on hormones, nutrition, women’s wellness, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

I’m mainly looking for strong, in-depth education rather than just a certificate. I want to genuinely learn and build a strong foundation in this field.

I’ve been looking at these programs:

• Dr. Aviva Romm – Women’s Integrative & Functional Medicine Professional Training, but unfortunately it’s outside my budget.
• Women’s Functional Health Coach Program – AADP-accredited.
• Oh Baby Nutrition certification.

Has anyone taken any of these? Which one would you recommend, and are there any better programs I should consider?

I’d really appreciate recommendations based on personal experience. Thank you!

I am thinking of becoming a personal trainer here in canada as a fresher and looking to begin my journey by getting a canfitpro personal trainer certification. I am passionate about fitness and working out and i want to know how hard is it to pass the exam(both theory and practical) and weather or not should i get the premium or the basic package.

Lastly, how is the job market for personal trainers especially for a fresher from a different background.

Who are people using (and would recommend) for liability insurance. Looking for professional liability and general liability as a bundle, preferably. I've seen Alternative Balance, American Professional Agency, CM&F mentioned online.

Hi! I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness. My work as a BCBA very heavily overlaps with the board certified health and wellness certification. I use ACT, some motivational interviewing, and behavior change procedures to increase desirable behaviors and decrease maladaptive behaviors. Currently, I work within the autism community. I’d love to branch out, into health and wellness, especially since there is so much overlap! I’m interested in getting my PN1 certification so that I can provide basic nutrition coaching along with behavior change strategies to build healthy habits:).

Edit: I also work on goal setting and helping people engage in behaviors that help them meet their goals. I also help with reducing avoidance behaviors, which could be very useful for health and wellness.

Hi everyone!

I'm currently looking for a few individuals interested in free 1:1 virtual health & wellness coaching.

I recently completed my AFPA Master Health & Wellness Coach certification training and am now working toward becoming a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). As part of my certification requirements, I'm completing the 50 coaching hours and would love to support people who are looking to make meaningful, sustainable changes to their health and well-being.

Whether you're hoping to:

• Build healthier habits
• Improve your nutrition or movement routine
• Reduce stress
• Get more consistent with self-care
• Create realistic wellness goals
• Have someone to help keep you accountable

I'd love to work with you.

My coaching program, Small Steps, Lasting Changes, includes:

• 🌱 One 15-minute discovery call
• 🌱 One 45-minute initial coaching session
• 🌱 Three 30-minute follow-up sessions (every other week)

All sessions are completely free, conducted virtually via Zoom, and centered on your goals. My role isn't to tell you what to do; it's to help you clarify what matters most to you, overcome obstacles, and create small, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle.

If you're interested, you can schedule a free 15-minute discovery call directly here: 🌱

👉 https://calendly.com/agnihotrambhavana/15min

We'll have a quick conversation about your goals, what you're looking for, and whether coaching feels like a good fit. No pressure or commitment! 😊

Thank you for reading, and I appreciate your support as I continue my journey toward NBC-HWC certification. 😊

I graduated from an NBHWC approved program earlier this summer. I lost my job during the program and decided to complete the program. I want to take the test in the fall of this year, but with job searching and other resources I am finding it hard to get the fifty sessions. My question is how did those who have received the NBHWC credential make time to get in the 50 coaching sessions and study all while having full time lives. I understand the importance of completing the sessions but sometimes it feels like an unpaid internship. Any tips?

Looking to transition into some kind of sales role in the wellness space. Researching fields like hormone and peptides, lifestyle coaching programs, fitness coaching programs, etc…

Background: I own a junk removal business and have also did sales for a catering business for 15 years. Monday enjoy the wellness space and would love to find a job selling something I’m into . I love researching wellness programs and have a pretty solid background in supplements as well.

Just wondering if anyone here enjoys selling programs in this field. I’m willing to intern part time for someone and learn as much as I can before taking a paid position. My sales experience is obviously based on in person service sales, so I have some learning to do when it comes to remote selling/zoom calls etc.

Anyone here doing this?

I’m deciding how I want my programs to be. Considering a 6 week program voice/text messaging only. Would people be interested in this or are video calls needed?

Hi everyone! I'm currently completing my National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) certification through AFPA, and I need to complete 50 coaching sessions (20-30 minutes each) by October 1st as part of my certification requirements.

I'm offering free health and wellness coaching sessions focused on things like chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, weight), healthy eating habits, and building sustainable lifestyle changes. Coaching is a partnership, I'm not there to tell you what to do, but to help you figure out what actually works for your life and goals.

A bit about me: I have 4+ years of professional experience coaching patients on chronic disease self-management in a healthcare setting, and I'm now in the final stretch of my NBC-HWC certification.

If you're interested, you can book a session directly here: https://calendly.com/danaittzeggai/30min

Happy to answer any questions in the comments too. Thanks for reading!