SESSION DETAILS

2. Initial Session

by Michael Raff

English

1-1 Sessions

90 minutes

25 USD per session

Overview

What you'll achieve

Clarity on your personal values, vision, and strengths

Insight into your current state of wellbeing and where you want to be

Identification of key focus areas for coaching

A long-term SMART goal aligned with your priorities

A clear next step to begin taking action between sessions

A sense of empowerment, direction, and readiness to move forward

Who this is for

Active duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and the civilian community

Individuals seeking greater health, purpose, and personal clarity

People who are ready to explore what matters most and take meaningful steps toward change

Clients who want a structured, supportive space to reflect and set goals

Anyone beginning their coaching journey and wanting to start with intention

What's included

A grounding check-in and Pause Notice Choose© moment

Exploration of your values, vision, strengths, and purpose

Review of your VVC Personal Wellbeing Inventory

Identification of areas you want to focus on

Creation of a long-term SMART goal

Commitment to a first action step

Scheduling of your next session

What you'll need

Profile image

Michael Raff

Health & Wellness Coach

Location

biloxi, United States

Experience

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

"
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More from Michael

FAQs

Still need more clarity? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

Why is the Initial Session longer than other sessions?

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This session lays the foundation for our entire coaching relationship. We take time to explore your values, vision, strengths, and current wellbeing so that future sessions are focused, personalized, and impactful.

What if I can’t do a full 90-minute session?

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No problem. We can split the session into two shorter meetings. The important thing is that we cover all the foundational components before moving into ongoing coaching.

Do I need to prepare anything?

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Yes—please complete the VVC Personal Wellbeing Inventory beforehand. It helps guide our conversation and ensures we start with clarity.

Will I set goals in this session?

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Yes. You’ll identify a long-term SMART goal and commit to a first action step to work on between sessions.

Is this session confidential?

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Absolutely. Coaching conversations are private within legal limits. I’ll explain confidentiality clearly so you know what to expect.