FAQ’s

  • Because you deserve support that’s actually built around you.

    • It’s just you and your coach. Every session is one-on-one with the same coach from start to finish. No groups, and no videos to watch alone.

    • We work with mind and body. You’ll understand why you react the way you do, and learn practical tools to work with both your thoughts and your stress response.

    • You get a clear path. Compass is a step-by-step plan created by founder Tara Palmer and taught by coaches she trains herself, every one of whom has been through it.

    • It fits your life. Sessions are on Zoom from home, payment plans are available, and you have up to 12 months to finish.

    Big Calm is coaching, not therapy. It’s for people who are managing day to day and want to feel calmer, clearer, and more like themselves.

  • Our services are provided virtually through Zoom. Our curriculum was designed to be delivered this way and works well virtually. When you sign up for a session you’ll automatically receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link. This process is easy and we can walk you through any concerns in the unlikely event you’re having difficulty.

    We do recommend a good internet connection providing at least 4 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. A 4G or 5G cellular connection also meets Zoom’s standards. We do, however, recommend that sessions be taken from a computer instead of phone or iPad (either Mac or PC is fine). In addition to better performance, a computer also allows for easier downloading of content and viewing of materials.

  • Yes! We use the latest technology across our site including encrypted credit card collection, GDPR-compliant records systems, and multi-factor protected log ins.

  • No. Big Calm is coaching and education, not therapy or health care. We don’t diagnose or treat mental health or medical conditions. Our founder, Tara Palmer, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, but at Big Calm she and every member of our team work as coaches.

    What’s the difference?
    Therapy is health care: it diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. Coaching helps you understand your patterns, build practical skills, and move toward goals you choose. At Big Calm, that includes tools for both mind and body, like breathwork and gentle, nervous-system-informed yoga.

    Is coaching right for me?
    Coaching is a good fit if you’re managing day to day and want to feel less stressed, less stuck, and more like yourself. If you’re struggling to get through the day, have a condition that needs treatment, or aren’t sure, please talk with a licensed mental health provider or your doctor first. Coaching can also work alongside therapy; just let your therapist know.

    In crisis? In the U.S., call or text 988 any time. Outside the U.S., contact your local emergency services.

  • Yes! For the Compass and Compass+ courses, we offer a 4 equal payment option. We’ll charge your card on file the first payment when you sign up and the additional payments are then due every 2 weeks after that.

  • All our offerings are multi-session packages designed to help you achieve lasting change . We’ve found this approach leads to dramatically better outcomes than a session or two.

  • Our Terms of Service do not allow for refunds. However, you do have up to 12 months to complete your package so if something comes up you will still have time to complete the full package.

  • We require at least 24 hours notice of any cancellations (more time is appreciated). Your coach has set aside the appointment time specifically for you and it is often hard to fill schedules last minute.

  • Our headquarters are in Minnesota. All of our computer systems, payment processors, and people are U.S.-based so you can feel safe and confident signing up for services with us. (We are happy to serve clients living anywhere in the world!)

  • Maybe. This is a gray area. Some plans allow for coaching expenses and others require a “letter of medical necessity” from a physician. Big Calm has no ability to determine whether or not you may use HSA dollars since this is determined by your plan administrator and various laws and regulations. Big Calm also makes no guarantees whatsoever regarding your ability to be reimbursed. Further, as stated in our Terms of Service, Big Calm does not provide medical services of any kind including counseling or therapy.

  • More than most of us realize. Your nervous system is constantly scanning for safety and danger and adjusting your body to match. When it senses a threat, it shifts you into “fight or flight”: your heart speeds up, your muscles tense, and your mind gets ready to react. When things feel safe, it shifts you back toward “rest and digest,” where you can relax, think clearly, and connect.

    That system was built for short bursts of danger. But modern stress, like packed calendars, worry about the kids, caring for aging parents, and the never-ending to-do list, can keep it switched on for weeks or years. When that happens, it often shows up as tight shoulders, restless sleep, a short fuse, or feeling wired and tired at the same time.

    Here’s the part that surprises people: you can’t always think your way out of it. Your stress response moves faster than your thoughts. That’s why Big Calm works with both. You’ll learn to notice what your nervous system is doing, understand what sets it off, and practice simple tools, like breathing, movement, and pausing, that help it settle.

    Dealing with a mental health condition? See “Is Big Calm therapy?” Coaching isn’t a substitute for treatment.

  • We’re always happy to answer other questions you may have. Please click on the “Contact” link at the top of this page to get in touch.

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