Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions?

I've got answers! Dive into these FAQs to learn more about spiritual and mental wellness coaching, my approach, and how I can support you on your journey to an inner wholeness which bears outer fruit. Discover the insights you need to take the next step towards embracing your true self and living a fulfilling life. Other questions welcome through email, chat, or over your beverage of choice!

1. What is spiritual and mental wellness coaching?

Spiritual and mental wellness coaching is a collaborative process that blends psychology, spirituality, and holistic well-being to support personal growth, resilience, and life balance.

Spiritual coaching helps individuals explore and nurture their spiritual beliefs, values, and practices, fostering authentic living and a deeper sense of purpose.
Mental wellness coaching focuses on personal and professional growth, helping individuals integrate positive change, build support systems, and work toward goals like improved relationships, work-life balance, and overall well-being.

Unlike therapy, coaching does not diagnose or treat mental health disorders but rather supports those who are functioning well and seeking guidance in specific areas of life.

2. How is coaching different from therapy, counseling, or consulting?

While therapy focuses on healing past trauma and diagnosing/treating mental health conditions, coaching is future-focused and action-oriented.

Key differences:

Approach – Coaching emphasizes empowerment and self-discovery rather than clinical treatment.
Process – Coaching is a collaborative and long-term process rooted in personal and professional development.
Roles – Therapists analyze past experiences; coaches facilitate self-exploration and goal-setting.
Focus – Coaching helps individuals gain clarity, build confidence, and take actionable steps toward meaningful change.

Other Relevant disclaimers regarding my particular scope of practice include but are not limited to:

Not a Replacement for Therapy or Medical Treatment: Coaching is not therapy or medical care. Therapy focuses on healing past wounds, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, often addressing deep-rooted emotional distress and behavioral challenges. Coaching, on the other hand, works with individuals who are generally functioning well but seek guidance, clarity, and personal growth. While coaching can complement therapy, it does not diagnose, treat, or provide clinical interventions for mental health disorders.

Professional Boundaries: Clear boundaries are maintained to uphold the integrity of the coaching relationship, including providing advice beyond coaching expertise.
No Legal, Financial, or Medical Advice: Coaching does not provide legal, financial, or medical guidance. Clients should seek qualified professionals for these matters.
Not for Crisis Situations: Coaching is not for emergencies or acute mental health crises. Clients in distress should seek immediate support from emergency services or licensed professionals.
Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for their decisions, actions, and outcomes. Coaching offers guidance, but the path forward is ultimately in the client’s hands.
Commitment to Ethical Standards: Coaching adheres to professional ethical guidelines, such as those set by the International Coach Federation (ICF), ensuring integrity and client rights.

3. Who can benefit from spiritual and mental wellness coaching?

Anyone seeking support in identity, purpose, spirituality, or mental well-being can benefit from coaching, especially those experiencing:

Burnout, imposter syndrome, or compassion fatigue
A desire for greater meaning and satisfaction in life
A need to align spiritual values with daily life and responsibilities
Struggles with decision-making and confidence
A longing for more presence, mindfulness, and resilience

4. What can I expect from a coaching session?

Sessions are tailored to your needs and goals, providing a sacred, open, and empowering space for self-exploration.

You set the focus—whether it’s a specific goal, a recent experience, or a broader life challenge.
I offer active listening, reflective dialogue, and open-ended questions to help you gain clarity.
Together, we identify actionable steps and create a plan for accountability.

If you’re unsure of what you need, I help you uncover and clarify your path forward.

5. How many coaching sessions will I need?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term coaching, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll determine a plan that best suits your needs.

6. Is coaching confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a core principle of coaching. While coaching is not bound by the same legal protections as therapy, I uphold professional ethics and privacy standards, ensuring a safe and trusted space.

7. What makes Rachel Shepherd LLC unique?

I offer spiritually informed, holistic coaching that is a unique blend of my personal experience, academic expertise, and practical wisdom. My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and empowerment, helping clients navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity.

8. Do I need to have a specific religious or spiritual belief to benefit from coaching?

No. Coaching is inclusive and open to individuals of all faith backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, or secular perspectives. I honor and respect your unique journey.

9. How do I get started with coaching?

It’s easy! Schedule a free consultation, where we’ll discuss your goals, assess your needs, and determine if coaching is the right fit. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to support your growth.

Your privacy matters deeply to me. This policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit my website or work with me.

What I Collect: Information you provide (such as your name, email address, or phone number) when you sign up for emails, fill out a contact form, or purchase services. Information automatically collected (such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited) through cookies and analytics tools.

How I Use Your Information: To respond to your inquiries and deliver services you’ve requested. To send occasional updates, resources, or offers (only if you’ve opted in).To improve my website and services.

How Your Information Is Shared: I do not sell or rent your personal information. I may share it only with trusted service providers (such as payment processors, scheduling software, or email platforms) who help me run my business and are required to keep your data safe.

Cookies: This site may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.

Your Rights: You can request to view, update, or delete your personal information by contacting me at: rachel@rachelshepherdllc.com.

Security: I take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

Terms & Conditions -- Last updated: August 2025

Welcome to my website. By accessing and using this site, you agree to these terms:

Intellectual Property: All content on this site (text, graphics, images, resources) is my property or used with permission. You may not copy, distribute, or use it without my written consent.

Use of This Site: You agree to use this site for lawful purposes only.

Purchases and Payments: If you purchase services, you agree to pay the listed price and follow any payment plan terms we’ve agreed upon.

No Guarantees: While I do my best to support you, I cannot guarantee specific results from coaching.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, I am not liable for any damages arising from your use of this site or services.

Changes: I may update these terms at any time and will post the revised version here.

Coaching Disclaimer -- Last updated: August 2025

The information, resources, and coaching services provided through this website and my practice are intended for personal growth, education, and development.

Not Therapy or Medical Care: I am not a licensed mental health provider, medical professional, or attorney, and my services are not a substitute for professional mental health care, medical treatment, or legal advice.

Personal Responsibility: By engaging with my services, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results.

No Guarantees: I cannot and do not guarantee specific outcomes. Each client’s progress depends on many factors, including your own effort, circumstances, and openness to the process.

Seek Professional Support When Needed: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or medical emergency, please seek help from a qualified professional immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign up to stay in the loop as new information and opportunities roll out through newsletter and mailing list!