FAQs—Frequently Asked Questions
I know what it’s like to have questions before investing in health and wellness. Here I have frequently asked questions (FAQs) about health coaching to help answer what might be on your mind. Your wellness is personal and investing in health coaching is part of many decisions you might make to support your health and wellness journey. Many of these questions are covered in our coaching agreement and are offered here to provide clarity on a coaching partnership, including what to expect in a coaching session, pricing, scheduling, or how coaching supports a multi-dimensional person-centered approach to health.
Who is health coaching for?
Health coaching is for anyone who is ready to make positive, lasting changes in their health and wellness.
Many clients come to coaching during a season of change, growth, or reflection. This may include young adults, parents, teens, individuals navigating a health diagnosis or chronic condition, those experiencing career or life transitions, people in midlife, retirees, or anyone who wants to age well and thrive.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, off track, or simply ready to invest in your wellness, health coaching can provide a supportive space to explore what matters most to you and create meaningful change.
Together, we'll clarify your vision for health, build on your strengths, and create realistic, sustainable steps that work for your life and move you toward the life you want to live.
Health coaching is not for you if you are looking for quick solutions, if you are unwilling to critically reflect on your own habits and lifestyle, or if you are not committed to putting in the work between sessions. Change takes effort and it takes time, and you can do it if you are ready.
How are sessions structured?
Coaching sessions are typically 30 minutes (except for our foundation session which is 45 minutes) and held virtually through Google Meet. Each session is tailored to your unique goals, needs, and where you are in your wellness journey.
Sessions often begin with a brief check-in and reflection on progress since we last met. Together, we'll explore what's most important to you, deepen your awareness, navigate challenges, and identify meaningful next steps. If you're ready, we'll refine a previous action step or create a new one that feels realistic and aligned with your goals.
Health coaching is a supportive, judgment-free space focused entirely on you—your growth, your strengths, and your vision for health. While each session follows a general structure, the conversation is always guided by what will be most helpful to you in the moment.
All sessions are conducted virtually, allowing you to join from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you feel most at ease.
What does coaching cost?
Coaching packages are designed to provide flexible support based on your goals, needs, and desired level of accountability. Options range from introductory packages to longer-term coaching partnerships, with pricing available on the Individual Coaching and Partnerships pages.
Health coaching is an investment in your wellness, helping you create sustainable changes that support your health, relationships, and quality of life. Together, we focus on building skills, confidence, and habits that continue long after our coaching sessions end.
If you're unsure which option is right for you, schedule a free Discovery Session and we can discuss what level of support best fits your goals.
I believe everyone deserves support on their wellness journey. Sliding-scale options may be available for individuals experiencing financial hardship. Additionally, the Thrive Forward Fund is available to give health coaching packages to someone you know as a gift or support someone in need.
Do you offer packages or single sessions?
All individual coaching is offered through coaching packages rather than single sessions.
Meaningful and lasting change takes time. While a single conversation can provide insight, sustainable behavior change is built through ongoing reflection, practice, support, and accountability. Coaching packages allow us to build momentum, navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and create habits that fit your life.
Is your website secure for online payments?
Yes. So Thrive Coaching LLC is committed to protecting your privacy, maintaining secure payment practices, and does not store your credit card or payment information on its website.
All online payments are processed through Stripe, a trusted and industry-leading payment platform that uses encryption and security measures designed to protect your financial information.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
Coaching packages and services are non-refundable. When you purchase a coaching package, you are reserving dedicated time, support, and resources designed to help you achieve your goals. Before purchasing, I encourage you to consider your readiness and commitment to the coaching process.
Life happens, and I understand that schedules sometimes change. If you need to reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments, may be charged a $15 fee and/or counted as a completed session within your coaching package.
My goal is to create a coaching experience that is respectful of both your time and mine. Clear communication helps us make the most of our work together and maintain momentum toward your goals.
How do I request Sliding-Scale Coaching?
I believe that everyone deserves support in their wellness journey, regardless of their financial circumstances. If you're experiencing financial hardship and would benefit from a reduced rate, you're welcome to inquire about Sliding-Scale Coaching.
I use a trust-based approach and simply ask that you share:
A little about your current financial situation
Why coaching feels important to you right now
What rate feels manageable and respectful of your circumstances
My goal is to make coaching more accessible while honoring the value of this work and serving as many people as possible with care and integrity.
If you'd like to discuss a sliding-scale option, please reach out and we can explore what might be possible together.
Do you accept insurance?
So Thrive Coaching LLC is a private-pay coaching practice and does not bill insurance directly. Health coaching is distinct from therapy and medical care and is not typically covered by health insurance plans.
Depending on your individual plan, you may be able to use HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds to pay for coaching services. Some plans may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider.
Because coverage and eligibility requirements vary, clients are responsible for confirming eligibility with their plan administrator before using HSA or FSA funds for coaching services.
Upon request, I can provide receipts or documentation needed for reimbursement consideration.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Health coaching is not medical care, and I do not prescribe medication, diagnose medical conditions, or provide treatment.
As a health coach, my role is to support you in creating sustainable lifestyle and behavior changes that align with your health goals and overall wellness. Together, we may explore areas such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, mindset, habits, and personal growth.
If you have medical concerns or are seeking treatment for a physical or mental health condition, I encourage you to consult with a licensed healthcare provider. Health coaching can be a valuable complement to medical care by providing support, accountability, and guidance as you work toward your goals.
How is coaching different from therapy?
Coaching and therapy can both be valuable forms of support, but they serve different purposes.
Health coaching is generally focused on the present and future. Together, we explore who you are and your vision for health while creating practical, sustainable steps toward meaningful change.
Therapy often focuses on supporting psychological healing, processing past experiences, trauma, or emotional challenges, and diagnosing and/or treating mental health conditions.
Health coaching is not a substitute for therapy or mental health treatment. However, many people find that coaching and therapy work well together, with coaching providing additional support as they make positive changes in their daily lives.
Is So Thrive Coaching LLC HIPAA compliant?
Health coaching is generally not subject to HIPAA regulations in the same way that healthcare providers, hospitals, or therapists are. As an independent health coaching practice, So Thrive Coaching LLC is not currently a HIPAA-covered entity.
Even so, protecting your privacy and confidentiality is a top priority. So Thrive Coaching LLC follows professional ethical standards and uses privacy-focused practices, including secure systems for virtual coaching sessions, password-protected devices, and careful handling of client information.
I am committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and confidential coaching environment so you can feel comfortable exploring your health and wellness goals.
What are your partnership, workshop, and corporate cancellation policies?
Partnership engagements, workshops, and speaking events require advance planning and preparation. For this reason, payments are non-refundable once services have been booked and agreed upon.
If your organization needs to reschedule a workshop, training, or speaking engagement, please provide as much notice as possible. Requests made at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event will generally be accommodated based on availability. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 14 days' notice may be subject to additional fees or forfeiture of the booking payment.
Specific cancellation, rescheduling, and payment terms will be outlined in the service agreement for each engagement.
My goal is to be flexible whenever possible while honoring the time, preparation, and resources dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience for your organization.
Do you have a referral discount program?
Yes! Know someone who could benefit from coaching? Share the support and save on your next package. When you refer a friend, colleague, or loved one to So Thrive Coaching, we will bless you with our gift of gratitude.
You both will receive 10% off your future session package as a thank-you for helping us expand our support network.
There's no limit to how many people you can refer because growth is even more powerful when it’s shared!
Do you have a referral statement I can share?
Absolutely! Feel free to personalize this message and share it with friends, family, or colleagues who may benefit from health coaching.
✨ I've been working with Sam at So Thrive Coaching for my health and wellness goals and wanted to share it with you. When you’re ready to make meaningful changes in your health and wellness, navigate a season of change, or simply create healthier habits that last, I highly recommend connecting with Coach Sam.
Her coaching approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping people create sustainable changes that align with what matters most to them.
You can learn more and schedule a free Discovery Session at sothrivecoaching.com.
Can I receive a tax deduction for purchasing or contributing to the Thrive Forward Fund?
No. So Thrive Coaching LLC is a for-profit business and is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the Thrive Forward Fund are not tax-deductible charitable donations, and I cannot issue charitable donation receipts for tax purposes.
If this changes in the future through a nonprofit partnership or fiscal sponsorship arrangement, additional information will be provided.
What impact does the Thrive Forward Fund have?
The Thrive Forward Fund was created to help give the gift of health coaching to someone you know or make it accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to receive support.
Contributions help provide reduced-cost or fully funded coaching opportunities for people navigating seasons of change, health challenges, life transitions, or other circumstances that make investing in coaching difficult.
By contributing, you're helping someone access support, build confidence, create healthier habits, and move toward their vision for health. Your generosity helps remove financial barriers and extends the reach of coaching to those who need it most.
Thank you for helping make wellness support more accessible to others.
Is So Thrive Coaching LLC a faith-based coaching practice?
So Thrive Coaching LLC supports the whole person, which may include physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual wellness. Coaching sessions are always centered on you, your goals, your values, and your unique journey.
As a follower of Jesus, my faith shapes how I show up as a coach: with compassion, acceptance, humility, hope, and a deep respect for the inherent worth of every person. However, coaching is not used to promote a particular belief system, and faith will never be imposed or assumed.
Clients of all faiths, spiritual backgrounds, and worldviews are welcome. If spirituality or faith is important to you, it can be explored as part of your wellness journey. If it is not, our work together will focus on the areas that matter most to you.
What if I need more support than coaching offers?
Health coaching can be a powerful source of support, accountability, and growth, but it is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, emergency or crisis services.
If at any point it becomes clear that additional support would be beneficial, we can discuss resources that may better meet your needs, such as a licensed mental health professional, healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or other specialist. My priority is always your wellness and ensuring you have access to the most appropriate support.
Seeking additional support is not a sign of failure, it is a sign of self-awareness, courage, and strength. Coaching can work alongside other forms of care, providing encouragement and accountability as you move toward your vision of health and wellness.
Can I book So Thrive Coaching LLC for workshops, conferences, or speaking engagements?
Yes! I am available for workshops, speaking engagements, wellness events, and group presentations for organizations, healthcare practices, businesses, nonprofits, churches, and community groups.
Topics may include behavior change, habit formation, stress management, sleep, nutrition, movement, resilience, and whole-person wellness.
To learn more about partnership opportunities, workshop formats, and current rates, please visit the Partnerships page or schedule a conversation to discuss your organization's needs.
What experience does So Thrive Coaching bring to the table?
I bring a unique combination of professional training, leadership experience, and real-world understanding of what it takes to create meaningful change.
I am a certified Health and Wellness Coach through mindbodygreen and am currently pursuing National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBHWC) certification. I also hold bachelor's degrees in Communications and Art, along with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and more than 15 years of experience in program management, customer success, training, and stakeholder engagement.
My background includes leading a neighborhood food bank, building community partnerships, supporting wellness initiatives, and developing training programs. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen deeply, understand complex challenges, and help people move forward with clarity and confidence.
Most importantly, I understand that lasting change is personal. I combine evidence-based coaching practices with compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person's unique journey. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to help you discover what works best for you and support you in creating sustainable changes that align with your values and vision for health.