Wellness Coach

Best practices for marketing verbiage.

As a wellness coach, it's important to be mindful of how you describe your services, especially if you are not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Using the wrong terms can create confusion and legal issues if it appears that you are offering professional health services. Here are some key tips to help you stay clear of this:

1. Avoid Medical and Clinical Terms

Words like “therapy”, “diagnose,” “treat,” “prescribe,” and “cure” are tend to be reserved for licensed professionals. These terms imply that you are assessing, treating, or solving medical or psychological conditions, which could lead to misunderstandings about your role.

2. Stay Away from Titles like "Therapist" or "Counselor"

Even though coaching can involve discussions about well-being and personal growth, terms like "therapy" and "counseling" are generally linked to licensed mental health services. Use alternatives like “coaching,” “guidance,” or “support” to explain how you help your clients.

3. Avoid the Term "Patient"

Referring to your clients as “patients” suggests a medical relationship. Instead, call them “clients” or "participants" to keep the focus on a coaching or educational relationship.

4. Steer Clear of "Mental Health Services"

Offering any form of “mental health services” could easily be interpreted as providing psychological care, which is regulated. Stick to terms like “wellness support,” “stress management,” or “mindset coaching.”

5. Use Clear Disclaimers

It’s always a good idea to include a disclaimer stating that you are not a licensed health professional and that your services are meant for educational or motivational purposes. This can prevent misunderstandings and protect you legally.

6. Emphasize Your Role as a Guide

When describing your services, focus on empowerment, education, and personal growth. Use terms like “coach,” “mentor,” “guide,” or “support” to define your role.

7. Have Clear Disclaimers on your Site

It is important to have clear disclaimers on your site confirming that your offerings are not medical advice. You may want to include a short disclaimer in your footer, and longer disclaimers in your website terms and privacy policy.