What is Health and Wellness Coaching?
A Health and Wellness Coach is a behavior change expert and supportive partner. They work with you to help you identify your own health goals, uncover what truly motivates you, and develop a personalized, step-by-step plan to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. Your coach serves as a thought partner, helping you explore what matters most, identify practical next steps, and build habits that enhance your energy, focus, and balance at work and at home.
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is available to all Rice faculty and staff who wish to enhance a specific aspect of their health, well-being, or daily life.
Common areas of focus include:
- Managing stress and burnout
- Building sustainable movement or nutrition routines
- Improving sleep quality and recovery
- Enhancing focus and mental clarity
- Navigating transitions or maintaining work–life balance
You don’t need a specific “problem” — just a desire to feel and function at your best.
How is coaching different from therapy or fitness training?
Therapy often focuses on healing from the past and addressing mental health conditions. Coaching looks forward, helping you take practical action toward meaningful goals. Unlike fitness training, which centers on exercise, wellness coaching explores the whole picture: mindset, energy, recovery, and daily habits that support sustainable health.
What are sessions like?
Sessions are conversational and collaborative. You’ll reflect on what’s going well, explore challenges, and identify small, realistic next steps. Your coach may offer frameworks, accountability tools, or mindfulness strategies, but you set the agenda. Each session ends with clear, achievable actions to build momentum and confidence.
How often do we meet, and how long are sessions?
Most sessions last 45–60 minutes. Faculty and staff typically meet with their coach every other week, though frequency can be adjusted based on your goals and schedule.
Short “touch-base” sessions are also available once you’ve built momentum.
What does it cost?
All Rice employees receive three free coaching sessions per calendar year, offered through the Employee Well-Being program. For non-Rice affiliates or Rice employees seeking additional support, alternative packages and services are available for a nominal fee. Your greatest investment is your time, attention, and willingness to explore what supports your well-being.
Are sessions virtual or in person?
Coaching sessions are available virtually via Zoom or phone, and in person on campus. The goal is to make participation as convenient and accessible as possible.
What kinds of goals can we work on together?
Coaching is tailored to your needs. Examples include:
- Managing workload stress or decision fatigue
- Creating consistent movement, recovery, or mindfulness routines
- Improving energy and sleep
- Navigating life or career transitions
- Cultivating resilience and purpose in your work
How soon will I notice results?
Many participants feel greater clarity and motivation within the first few sessions. Lasting change often develops over 6-12 weeks, as new habits and perspectives take root.
What if I’m not sure what I want to focus on?
That’s completely fine! Many people start coaching simply wanting more balance or ease. Your coach will help you clarify what matters most and define goals that feel both realistic and meaningful.
How do I get started?
Fill out our Interest Form or by contacting the Employee Well-Being team directly by emailing RUwell@rice.edu.
Filling out the Coaching Interest Form is an opportunity to:
- Learn more about the coaching process
- Discuss your goals and interests
- Decide whether coaching is a good fit