1-1 online sessions with a qualified expert
1. Discovery Session (30 minute)
by Michael Raff
Health & Wellness Coach
Overview
What you'll achieve
Clarity about what coaching is—and what it isn’t
A better understanding of how Veteran Vitality Coaching can support your goals
Space to share what brought you here and what you hope to change or improve
A sense of whether coaching is the right next step for you
An introduction to the structure, expectations, and responsibilities within the coaching relationship
Confidence moving forward with an Initial Session, if it feels like a good fit
Who this is for
Active duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and the civilian community
Individuals navigating life transitions, stress, or burnout
Anyone seeking greater health, wellbeing, and personal clarity
People who want a supportive, structured partnership to help them build sustainable habits
Individuals who are curious about coaching and wanting to understand the process before committing
It’s also a space to determine whether coaching is appropriate for your needs. If you’re experiencing challenges that fall outside the scope of coaching—such as untreated mental health or substance related concerns—we’ll discuss appropriate next steps or referrals.
What's included
A brief introduction and rapport‑building conversation
Exploration of what motivated you to seek coaching
Explanation of the coaching relationship and how sessions work
Review of the coaching agreement and expectations
Clarification of roles: Coaching is client‑centered, You are the expert in your own life, I do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide therapy, Coaching is a collaborative partnership
Time for your questions, concerns, or curiosities
Scheduling your Initial Session
Access to the VVC Personal Wellbeing Inventory to complete before your first full session
What you'll need
Michael Raff
Health & Wellness Coach
biloxi, United States
1 years experience
In 2012, my life changed forever. After surviving open‑heart surgery, I found myself at the starting line of a very different kind of race — one where I had to rebuild everything from the ground up. My health. My confidence. My identity. My purpose.
Running became my lifeline. Every mile was a reminder that I was still here, still capable, still fighting. Carrying the American flag during races became more than a tradition — it became a symbol of who I am and who I run for. It grounded me in service, resilience, and gratitude.
That journey led to the creation of Veteran Vitality Coaching.
Over the years, I became trained and certified in health and wellness coaching, a field built on partnership, empowerment, and sustainable change. A health and wellness coach is not a doctor or a therapist — we’re guides. We walk alongside individuals as they pursue self‑determined goals for better physical, mental, and emotional well‑being. We focus on building healthy habits in areas like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. We help clients develop self‑awareness, identify strengths, and create realistic action plans. And we use proven behavioral psychology techniques to support lasting lifestyle change.
Through my own life experiences, I’ve learned the power of goal setting. It helped me rebuild my life after surgery, reconnect with my identity, and rediscover my purpose. Now, I help veterans do the same.
My mission is simple:
To help veterans rediscover their strength, identity, and direction through a structured, supportive, and purpose‑driven coaching experience.
I believe every veteran deserves to feel strong again — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe in the power of community, accountability, and purpose. And I believe that with the right support, every veteran can reclaim their vitality and build a life that feels meaningful and aligned.
This isn’t just coaching for me.
It’s personal.
It’s my story.
And it’s my way of giving back to those who have served
"More from Michael
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3. Ongoing Session
Ongoing coaching sessions are where momentum builds. Each session follows a structured flow that helps you reflect on progress, explore new focus areas, and set meaningful action steps. These sessions are designed to keep you moving forward with clarity, confidence, and support.
2. Initial Session
The Initial Session is a 60–90 minute deep dive into your values, vision, strengths, and current wellbeing. It’s the foundation of our coaching partnership where we begin to understand what drives you, what you want to change, and how coaching can support your journey. If a full 90-minute session isn’t feasible, we’ll break it into manageable parts across multiple meetings, always ensuring we cover the essentials before moving into ongoing coaching.
FAQs
Still need more clarity? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is the Discovery Session a coaching session?
Not exactly. It’s an introductory conversation focused on understanding your needs, explaining the coaching process, and determining whether coaching is the right fit. We won’t dive into full goal setting or action planning yet.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No formal preparation is required. Simply come ready to talk about what brought you here and what you hope to change or improve.
What if I’m not sure what my goals are yet?
That’s completely normal. Many clients start coaching because they feel stuck or unclear. The Discovery Session helps us explore what matters most to you.
Is there any obligation to continue after the Discovery Session?
No. This session is about clarity and fit. You’re free to decide whether you want to move forward.
What happens after the Discovery Session?
If coaching feels right for you, we’ll schedule your Initial Session, and you’ll complete the VVC Personal Wellbeing Inventory beforehand. This helps us start your coaching journey with a clear understanding of your values, strengths, and priorities.
Is coaching confidential?
Yes. Coaching conversations are private within legal limits. I’ll explain confidentiality clearly during the session, so you know exactly what to expect.