
“When you have 1,000 people receiving coaching all at once, that can change a culture very quickly.”
-Matthew DodsonOrganizational Development, Chevron
Welcome to BetterUp
Change, growth, renewal— are just a few words to describe the harmonic experience ahead. BetterUp combines personalized 1:1 coaching with curated safe spaces to help people live with greater clarity, purpose, and passion at scale. Because in order to do our best work requires having the right support and the right time. That’s where we come in.
For every unique member profile, our science-backed model populates a customized whole person approach to help people flourish both personally and professionally. This results in organizational-wide cultural transformation where people collectively lead happier lives. What could it look like if your day to day felt meaningful? In this guide, we’ll preview how this experience unfolds at BetterUp and what to expect for your member journey. Bon voyage!
-
Coaching vs. Therapy
-
The BetterUp Coaching Advantage
-
Types of Coaching
-
What to Expect in Activating Membership
-
Your Coaching Journey: Helpful Tips For Optimal Results
-
BetterUp Member Features & Resource Library
-
Helpful Resources
Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences to Know
You might be wondering how coaching differs from therapy and why we’ve chosen to focus on one. While similar in evidence-based techniques and intentional dialogue as primary tools, coaching focuses primarily on the present and future, while therapy studies past experiences that inform the present, and future. At BetterUp, we intentionally designed our approach around Coaching to focus on personal growth and professional development.
Please note, BetterUp does not provide therapy on our platform or make any type of mental health diagnosis through our services.
The BetterUp Coaching Advantage
BetterUp sets the gold standard in performance coaching by certifying that every coach is a trained professional with a background in coaching or counseling and experience supporting professionals’ growth and development. Coaches must pass through an extensive interview process, background check, and training program designed by our world-class science board. BetterUp coaches have either:
A graduate degree in a behavioral sciences field (e.g. clinical psychology, counseling, or organizational psychology) plus at least 1,000 hours of coaching or counseling experience; or
A prestigious credential in executive coaching at an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach level or equivalent. Many of our coaches are licensed therapists or psychologists, expert practitioners with doctorates, and highly sought-after executive coaches.
Types of Coaching
BetterUp began with access only to primary coaching - a coach that you build an ongoing relationship with through regular coaching sessions, and with whom you discuss long-term coaching goals. But, sometimes you need to bring in an expert for issues that are beyond your primary coach’s expertise, or you need urgent support from a coach for an upcoming meeting or difficult conversation. For that reason, BetterUp offers a suite of coaching options to meet members where they are in life’s journey.
Dedicated coaching:
Employees meet one-on-one with their coach, focusing on highly personal growth areas — leading to robust and lasting transformation. Our staple 1:1 coaching offering, dedicated coaching provides members with access to a coach on a more long-term basis - allowing the pair to establish a relationship, identify and work towards goals, and embark on the BetterUp journey with. Dedicated coaches include our professional cloud, general memberships extended to high-potential employees and emerging leaders and our Executive Cloud, coaching centered on senior leaders in large organizations (VP+) managing complex and high-pressure decisions.
On-Demand coaching:
Employees who need in-the-moment support can answer a few questions and get matched with a coach for an on-demand session that day. On-Demand coaching is designed to provide members the ability to have impromptu, short-notice sessions with an available primary coach to discuss time-sensitive coaching topics, such as an upcoming difficult conversation or challenging decision to navigate. Sessions can be scheduled within 1 hour of the current time.
Specialist Coaching:
Add expert coaches to your bench to support targeted employee needs like nutrition, sleep, diversity & inclusion, and more. Specialized programs that give members the opportunity to access highly targeted support to help them thrive - inside and outside of the office. Staffed by coaches who are qualified and have expertise in the subject matter. We offer a number of verticals and each program will select which verticals they want their team to have access to.

Coaching Circles:
Live group sessions led by a coach. Groups meet weekly to build skills and jump-start behavior change with support from their peers. Structured virtual group coaching conversations with fellow employees on a predetermined topic, such as giving and receiving feedback.
Coaching Labs:
Dive deep on topics in short single sessions that fit member’s busy schedule. An expert coach will lead members through learning, activities, and group discussion. Coaching Labs are designed as drop-in experiences where you log in, see the topics available to you, and make a selection to join a short (e.g., 60 min) session with an unlimited number of your peers. Topics include things such as navigating difficult conversations, digital detox, and building purpose in your life.
What to Expect During Activating Your Membership and Beyond

BetterUp Resource Library:
Explore the AI driven resource library with articles, videos, activities, and more to support you in key areas like resilience, remote working, and stress management.
FAQs on the member experience here