The world of health and wellness is large and sometimes confusing, but it does not need to be. Many wellness practitioners may have similar titles, but there are important differences in their training, approaches, certifications, and licensing requirements.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U  | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

 

Abundance Coach.  Helps clients believe in themselves so they can make changes and attract financial abundance.

 

Acupuncturist. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses needles to target different energy points and the meridians or channels through which energy flows. The typical length of a program in acupuncture is three years. There is a growing body of studies devoted to acupuncture, many of which are positive, especially when it comes to conditions like lower back pain, nausea, neck pain, and headaches. 

 

Addiction Recovery Coach. Helps encourage people suffering from addiction issues to create better habits.

 

Alternative Medicine Practitioner.  A broad designation that covers practitioners outside the typical Western paradigm.

 

Anger Management Counselor. Helps individuals dealing with explosive anger issues find ways to control their anger.

 

Aromatherapist. Works with essential oils and scents to bring about healing. Aromatherapy is often combined with yoga or massage therapy. 

 

Astrological Counselor.  Provides advice based on readings of the stars, including birth charts and current astrological conditions.

 

Ayurvedic Doctor.  Practices a holistic Indian philosophy of the body based on the belief that an individual's health depends on a balance between the body's elements. According to WebMD, Ayurveda holds that people are composed of five basic elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These commingle in different proportions to form different body types, which are called "doshas." The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and its accreditation council (NAMAC) oversee Ayurvedic qualifications in America. 

 

Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Makes diet and lifestyle advice recommendations in keeping with Ayurvedic principles, aiming to prevent disease and promote a healthy lifestyle and diet. The required training is not nearly as long as that for becoming an Ayurvedic doctor and consists of a NAMA-approved course of studies.

 

Ayurvedic Practitioner.  Receives, according to NAMA, "full clinical training in disease pathology, as seen through the Ayurvedic model”.

B

 

Bereavement Coach. Helps clients with the emotional distress of losing a loved one.

 

Biofeedback Therapist.  Employs electronic monitoring to help people gain more control over bodily functions like heart rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can help with anxiety, chronic pain, and ringing in the ear, among other difficulties. Biofeedback therapists tend to be doctors or psychologists who have added biofeedback tools to their arsenal. 

 

Birth Doula. Provides non-medical support during pregnancy and childbirth. After childbirth, birth doulas can help new mothers with the necessary skills for maternal and natal health.

 

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. Has received certification in holistic nutrition from the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP). Holistic nutrition, according to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, takes into account "a whole-life approach — when and where you eat, where your food comes from, and what your food ate.”

 

Breathwork Practitioner. Uses a variety of possible breathing techniques to alleviate mental distress or induce elevated states of consciousness.

C

 

Cancer Recovery & Prevention Coach. Supports people suffering from cancer or at risk of it to make healthy lifestyle and diet choices.

 

Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. Has received certification from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) showing study and knowledge of essential oils and their applications, as well as basic botany, organic chemistry, and aromatherapy safety issues.

 

Certified Dietary Supplement Professional. Has been certified by NANP to guide people toward supplements that are evidence-based and right for their personal health situation and individual needs.

 

Certified Health Coach.   Helps motivate clients to achieve their health goals by having clients clarify their wellness aims and subsequently providing them with benchmarks and accountability. The National Society of Health Coaches provides a pathway to certification.

 

Certified Health Education Specialist. An individual who has met the highest standards in health education determined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

 

Certified Herbalist. Uses the healing properties of plants to help their clients' health and is so certified by the American Herbalists Guild.

 

Certified Nutrition Consultant. Assesses patients' diets and lifestyles and highlights areas that can be improved. Certification comes from the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC), usually following a degree in dietetics and a series of exams.

 

Certified Nutrition Professional. Refers to either a Certified Nutrition Consultant or Certified Nutrition Specialist, with qualifications varying depending on which category is involved. The Certified Nutrition Specialist is “the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners,” according to the American Nutrition Association website. A Certified Nutrition Consultant usually completes a certificate program following a degree in dietetics.

 

Certified Nutrition Specialist. Provides advanced nutritional advice in settings like hospitals and clinics, that is, in places where clients have more specific nutritional needs. Certification is by the American Nutrition Association.

 

Chakra Healer. Channels energy to make sure the chakras are open and energy can flow freely. Chakras are an ancient Sanskrit system of energy points or centers in the body. In this system, there is a physical body and an energetic body. The energetic body has seven chakras. According to this philosophy, chakras must be open for the body to properly channel energy and avoid disease. 

 

Chakra Healing Practitioner.  Uses such modalities as meditation, yoga, and essential oils to help people balance their chakras.

 

Childbirth Educator. Offers scientific, physiological information about labor and childbirth to expectant parents.

 

Chiropractor. A trained professional who cares for the neuromusculoskeletal system and aligns the spinal column through gentle, hands-on adjustments. A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is usually a four-year program post-undergrad. 

 

Chronic Illness Recovery Coach. Helps inspire people dealing with chronic illness to see that healing is within reach and provides tools, specific goals, and strategies to heal.

 

Codependency Coach. Helps people regain their sense of self and set goals for achieving healthy relationships; holds clients accountable for maintaining boundaries in relationships to avoid codependency.

 

Cognitive Behavior Therapist. Practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which according to the American Psychological Association is based on addressing patterns of unhelpful thoughts and behavior. CBT is practically focused on the present. It is considered an effective treatment for disorders such as depression and anxiety.

 

Confidence Coach. Specializes in inspiring their clients to overcome shyness and become more confident in social settings.

 

Corporate Wellness Consultant.  Helps corporations design programs to support employees' nutritional, exercise, and stress management needs.

 

Crystal Healer. Uses the traditionally reputed healing properties of crystals.

D

 

Dietetic Technician Registered. Licensed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and generally works under a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to help supply quality food and nutrition services in settings like hospitals and clinics. A Dietetic Technician Registered may work on their own in places like schools and daycare centers to provide general nutrition education to healthy populations.

 

Divorce Recovery Coach.  Helps clients make good choices in the wake of the emotional and possibly financial trauma of divorce.

 

Dietetic Technician. Has completed a course of study in nutrition care.

 

Dietitian. Helps people form healthy habits in their nutrition and diet. If registered, see below under Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. If not registered, there are no specific requirements for the title. Some states legally require registration, however.

 

Doula. Provides support and guidance, typically during childbirth, but now also through a range of medical or life events, including miscarriage and death.

E

 

Ecotherapist. A psychologist or other mental health professional who incorporates nature-based practices into care, helping patients spend more quality time with animals or in nature to support well-being.

 

Emotion Code Practitioner. Practices an energy-based therapy developed by retired chiropractor Dr. Bradley Nelson. Practitioners help individuals identify and address emotional or energetic blocks.

 

Emotional Intelligence Coach. Uses the theory of emotional intelligence, developed by Reuven Bar-On, Ph.D., to support clients in making better decisions and improving self-awareness.

 

Empowerment Coach. Helps individuals get unstuck and feel empowered to make positive decisions and take action in their lives.

 

End-of-Life Doula. Provides emotional support, and sometimes gentle physical support, to people who are dying and to their loved ones.

 

Empty Nest Coach. Provides clients with encouragement and practical goals to help them navigate the emotional transition of children leaving home.

 

Energy Healer. Works across a range of techniques, such as Reiki, to support the body’s energy flow and promote overall well-being.

F

 

Family Coach. Helps clients improve family dynamics and navigate their unique family challenges.

 

Fertility Specialist. A doctor, typically an OB/GYN, who has undergone additional training in fertility-related issues.

 

Fitness Coach. Empowers clients to live a healthier lifestyle. Services may include personal training, nutrition guidance, and fitness-related goal setting.

G

 

Goal Attainment Coach. Works with clients to define and achieve their personal version of success.

 

Grief Counselor. Provides therapy and counseling to people who have experienced bereavement or loss.

H

 

Health Coach. Works with individuals to motivate them and help them set and achieve specific health-related goals.

 

Health & Fitness Coach. Motivates individuals to feel more in control of their health, transform their relationship with their bodies, and improve overall fitness.

 

Health Recovery Coach. Typically works with people who have experienced chronic illness and are looking to regain a sense of control over their healing and wellness journey.

 

Health & Wellness Coach. Helps clients set and achieve health goals, such as weight management, improved energy, or stress reduction. The emphasis is on behavior change and goal setting rather than personal training.

 

Herbal Practitioner. Uses plants and herbs for holistic wellness, typically within a long-standing tradition such as traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda. This term is often interchangeable with “herbalist.”

 

Herbalist. Uses plants and herbs to support the body’s natural healing processes. Herbal medicine focuses less on isolated symptoms and more on the individual and the underlying cause of their concerns. Herbs are often given in tincture or tea form.

 

Holistic Chef. Prepares food in keeping with holistic nutritional principles, with the whole body in mind. The emphasis is on maximizing nutritional value and making sure meals support a client’s overall health goals.

 

Holistic Health Coach. Encourages clients to look not only at isolated aspects of their health but also at the bigger picture, including relationships, spirituality, mindset, and lifestyle.

 

Holistic Nutritionist. Uses natural, whole foods to support overall wellness. “Holistic” means the emphasis is on the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, so a holistic nutritionist also considers a patient’s lifestyle and overall well-being, not just diet.

 

Homeopathic Practitioner. Uses the system of homeopathy, developed in Germany in the 1700s. It is based on the premise that “like cures like.” In homeopathy, a very small amount of a plant or mineral that may cause symptoms in a healthy person is diluted and given to an individual with the goal of supporting the body’s healing response.

 

Hormone Specialist. A doctor or trained professional with advanced knowledge of hormone-related conditions. Hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, serve as chemical messengers in the body and help regulate areas such as growth, stress response, and sexuality.

 

Human Design Practitioner. Uses a New Age system of thought that combines elements of Kabbalah, astrology, and Eastern meditation to help individuals understand their personal paths. Human Design was founded by Ra Uru Hu, born Alan Robert Krakower.

I

 

Infertility Coach. Helps individuals or couples find support, motivation, and balance while going through fertility-related challenges, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

 

Introvert Coach. Helps clients achieve their goals while acknowledging and embracing their unique strengths as introverts.

 

Intuitive Healer. Uses intuitive skills to support clients’ emotional, energetic, or spiritual well-being. This may involve reading or interpreting a person’s perceived energy field.

 

IVF Coach. Helps inspire and support clients undergoing IVF. IVF coaches focus on life-related concerns beyond medical treatment, such as emotional support, lifestyle choices, and stress management.

K

 

Kundalini Teacher. Trains students in breath control, movement, and energy practices intended to awaken Kundalini energy. Kundalini, meaning “coiled snake” in Sanskrit, is considered a form of divine feminine energy that some practitioners believe can lead to bliss and enlightenment.

L

 

Lactation Counselor. Helps new mothers navigate issues related to breast milk and feeding their newborns. These may include physical challenges, such as poor milk supply or sore nipples, as well as emotional or psychological concerns related to lactation or bonding.

 

Law of Attraction Coach. Inspired by the idea that inner states shape external reality, this coach helps clients adjust their mindset to create and manifest the life they want.

 

Licensed Dietitian.  A dietitian who has been recognized by either the Commission on Dietetic Registration or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, based on their education and experience. This allows them in turn to receive state licensing. 

 

Licensed Herbalist.  A herbalist who has met the requirements of an organization like the American Herbalists Guild or the American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners can be considered certified. There are, however, no licensing requirements for herbalists unless the herbalist is also an acupuncturist.

 

Life Coach. Works with clients to identify what may be holding them back and helps them overcome obstacles. A life coach can help clients recognize opportunities, identify strengths and talents, and address general issues such as confidence or abundance, as well as more specific goals such as sobriety or addiction recovery.

 

Life Force Energy Healer. Looks for perceived blockages in life force energy and uses energy-based techniques to support balance and well-being. Life force energy is often described as “prana” or “Qi,” the basic energy believed to move through every living thing. Techniques may include Reiki or other energy healing practices.

M

 

Manifestation Coach. Uses the Law of Attraction to help clients identify mental or subconscious blocks that may be preventing them from manifesting their goals.

 

Marriage Coach. Specializes in helping clients set goals related to improving the dynamics of their marriage.

 

Mastermind Coach. Facilitates a group of like-minded peers who support and coach one another. The facilitator guides the group while allowing participants to do much of the work together. The premise of mastermind coaching is that the right group of people facing similar challenges can help one another find solutions and achieve success.

 

Medical Herbalist. Interchangeable in the U.S. with "herbalist." In the U.K., it can suggest that the holder of the title has "completed degree-level qualifications, or equivalent," according to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. In the U.S., the American Herbalists Guild recommends approximately 800 hours of education and 400 hours of clinical practice to become a herbalist.

 

Medical Intuitive. Uses intuition to identify perceived areas of imbalance or concern. Some medical intuitives may receive training to enhance this skill, though this role is not the same as a licensed medical provider.

 

Meditation Guide. Helps meditators enter a calm, focused, and relaxed state. A guide may help people achieve mental clarity by encouraging them to focus on their breath, different parts of the body, or a soothing mental image.

 

Midwife. Assists in the process of labor and delivery. There are different degrees of midwife certification, including nurses who have additional qualifications as midwives. The American Midwifery Certification Board and the American College of Nurse-Midwives offer certification. 

 

Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. Focuses on mindfulness meditation, which according to the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes "being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment".

 

Motivational Coach. Offers their clients support and encouragement as they identify and work through their problems.

N

 

Native Healer.  Uses indigenous American health traditions to help clients heal their ailments, usually involving the use of traditional herbal remedies, with the overall goal of being in harmony with nature.

 

Natural Health Coach. Motivates clients to take control of their health by looking at gaps in their nutrition, physical activity, relationships, and spirituality, finding concrete ways to improve their wellness in an integrative way, and setting specific goals to enhance their wellness.

 

Nature Immersed Core Energy Coach. Helps a client locate the core issue that is holding them back and find ways to tackle it. Nature immersion draws on research in ecopsychology, showing how being in nature helps to reduce stress and promote healing.

 

Naturopath. Uses natural remedies to encourage the body to use its own self-healing capabilities.

 

Naturopathic Physician. A graduate of an accredited four-year graduate-level school of naturopathy.

 

Naturopathic Practitioner. Could refer to any naturopath (who may be non-traditionally accredited), MDs who have additional naturopathic training, or naturopathic physicians.

 

Nutrition Consultant. Looks at clients' current eating habits, points out where their nutrition is not meeting their requirements, and suggests improved meal plans.

 

Nutrition Therapist Master. Nutrition Therapist Master certification is provided by the Nutritional Therapy Institute to signify 500 hours' worth of study on the human body and its interactions with nutrition.

 

Nutritional Coach. Empowers their clients to make healthier eating choices.

 

Nutritional Studies Coach. Helps clients better understand the world of nutrition and motivates them to gain knowledge of this complex field, so as to make healthier choices.

 

Nutritional Therapist. Works with patients to help them make healthy changes to their food intake. It requires a BS or similar degree and subsequent certification by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.

 

Nutritionist. Provides information about healthy food choices and diet in order to positively affect changes to their client's health. State requirements for nutritionists differ. When certified by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, they can earn the title, of "registered dietitian" or “registered dietitian nutritionist.” When registered, these terms are interchangeable. Without registration, there are no standardized qualifications for nutritionists. A clinical nutritionist has an academic degree in nutrition and has completed additional training that varies by state. State requirements also vary as to whether nutritionists require licensing. 

P

Parenting Coach. Provides support, strategies, and tools for parents dealing with specific parenting challenges or difficult family transitions.

 

Performance Coach. Supports and motivates clients to identify areas where they can improve their career performance and continue raising the bar on their success and achievement.

 

Personal Development Coach. Focuses on holistic life improvement by helping clients identify where they are in life and where they would like to improve. Personal development coaches provide motivation, tools, and support to help clients make those improvements.

 

Personal Chef. Cooks meals for private clients. Personal chefs usually work on a retainer basis and prepare meals according to each client’s dietary needs.

 

Pilates Instructor. Delivers instruction in the exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates. These exercises may involve machines such as reformers or props such as Pilates balls. Pilates is intended to maximize core strength and flexibility in a low-impact way that supports joint health.

 

Positive Psychology Coach. Focuses on positive psychology, a field pioneered by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., that seeks to cultivate positive psychological states such as optimism and joy. Positive psychology coaches empower clients to experience more positive emotions and make changes that support well-being.

 

Pregnancy Coach. Gives pregnant clients tools, support, and motivation to navigate the physical and emotional transition of pregnancy.

 

Prenatal Fitness Instructor. Trained to help women maintain physical health before giving birth.

 

Psychologist. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments". To practice clinically, psychologists must have at least a master's degree, and many have a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree and have completed their state‘s licensing protocol. Clinical psychologists may specialize in specific areas (eg, LGBTQ issues) or techniques (like cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT).

 

Purpose Coach. Helps clients discover their purpose and take meaningful action based on that knowledge.

Q

 

Qigong Practitioner. Practices Qigong, an ancient Chinese martial art involving meditation and slow, controlled sequences of movements designed to shift energy ("Qi") in the body.

 

Qigong Teacher. Transmits Qigong teaching and exercises to others. A teacher can be certified by the National Qigong Association, ranging from "Level 1" to "Senior" according to their years of personal experience as well as formal training.

 

Qigong Therapist.  Helps transmit their own Qi to clients to help clients' Qi flow more freely (as in energy healing).

R

 

Raw Food Transition Coach. Helps clients who want to make the change to eating only raw foods, making the progression manageable.

 

Reflexologist.  A practitioner puts pressure on certain points in the feet, ears, and hands in the belief that stimulating these points can help the body and organs function better. Practitioners who have the requisite training and pass a national written and practical exam are certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board.

 

Registered Aromatherapist.  Has met the requirements for certification by the Aromatherapy Registration Council. These involve a high level of knowledge, agreeing to uphold the council's ethical standards, and a commitment to the safe and effective practice of aromatherapy.

 

Registered Dietitian.  Interchangeable with "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist“.

 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Has met the requirements laid out by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), involves a bachelor’s degree in dietetics with coursework approved by the ACEND, followed by supervised practice at a suitable facility, passing a national exam set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and fulfilling continuing education requirements. From 2024, a Master’s degree (not just a Bachelor’s) will be required to be recognized as an RDN.

Registered Holistic Nutritionist. While there is no national registry of holistic nutritionists, board certification by the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP) and the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB) is available.

 

Reiki Master.  Has completed all three levels in the study of Reiki, a Japanese energy healing system that does not involve physical touch.

 

Reiki Master Teacher.  Has achieved a slightly more refined level of energy attunement than a Reiki Master. They can be licensed by the International Center for Reiki Training but not necessarily.

 

Reiki Practitioner.  Someone who practices Reiki, a Japanese system of energy manipulation, to promote stress relief and relaxation. Typically, Reiki practitioners put their hands over (but not on) a patient's body.

 

Relationship Coach. Helps motivate and give tools to individuals to improve the quality of their relationships.

S

 

Self-Talk Coach. Helps clients create an internal monologue that is positive and supportive rather than harsh or judgmental.

 

Sex Coach. Motivates and supports clients looking to improve their sex lives, communication, intimacy, or confidence.

 

Shaman. A spiritual practitioner who invokes spirits or spiritual energies for healing, guidance, or transformation.

 

Skin Therapist. Takes a holistic approach to improving the health and appearance of the skin.

 

Sleep Coach. Helps clients develop tools and habits for better, more restful sleep.

 

Spiritual Healer. Helps channel spiritual energy to support a client’s emotional, energetic, or spiritual well-being.

 

Sports Nutritionist. Focuses on dietary strategies that support athletic performance, recovery, and overall health.

 

Stress Management Coach. Helps clients manage their response to stress, whether stress is chronic or related to specific life events or transitions.

T

 

Tai Chi Practitioner. Practices Tai Chi, an internal Chinese martial art with meditative, self-improvement, and self-defense elements.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner. Works within traditional Chinese medicine, an ancient system of herbal and energy-based medicine that includes modalities such as Chinese herbalism and acupuncture.

 

Time Management Coach. Helps clients identify where their time management can improve and develop strategies to maximize productivity.

 

Traditional Herbalist. Works within a specific herbal tradition, such as TCM or Ayurveda, using herbs and plants in a holistic way to support health.

 

Transformational Life Coach. Helps clients identify limiting patterns in their lives and gives them tools to create a richer, more fulfilling existence.

 

Trauma Coach. Helps individuals who have experienced trauma explore ways to set goals, regain stability, and move toward a fuller sense of peace and well-being.

V

Vegan Health Coach. Helps clients follow a vegan lifestyle while meeting their nutritional needs. 

W

Weight Management Coach. Helps clients take stock of their weight-related goals, create a plan to manage them, and stay accountable.

 

Wellness Educator. Teaches approaches to mental and emotional balance, such as reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-compassion and self-care. This role is often found on campuses and within corporate wellness programs.

 

Women’s Empowerment Coach. Supports women in building confidence, agency, and self-advocacy. This may involve education, leadership development, career support, or helping women feel more empowered in personal and professional settings.

Y

 

Yoga Nidra Instructor. Teaches Yoga Nidra, a relaxing and stress-reducing form of yoga. An instructor helps students achieve a state of peaceful awareness, often through guided meditation.

 

Yoga Teacher. Instructs clients in the ancient Indian system of yoga, which includes physical exercises, philosophy, meditation, and breathing techniques designed to still the mind and create a sense of calm. Individual yoga studios often provide teacher training, usually requiring 200 hours of instruction. Yoga Alliance is one organization that provides certification, though it is not universally required.

 

Yoga Therapist. Uses yoga in a therapeutic way to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Z

 

Zen Healer. Draws on the principles of Zen Buddhism, which seeks to cultivate peace through detachment, mindfulness, and quieting the ego.