Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Principles

in Health & Wellness Coaching

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 3-hour course introduces NBHWC-certified coaches to the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how they can be effectively integrated into health and wellness coaching. Participants will explore key CBT tools and frameworks to support behavior change, emotional regulation, and cognitive awareness while maintaining the appropriate scope of practice.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  3

CE Credits:  3

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

    • CBT Coaching Toolkit
      • Sample thought records
      • ABC worksheets
    • Scope-of-practice and ethics reference guide

Instructional Format:

Pre-recorded Lectures/Webinars:

    • Video Content: Instructors record lectures, presentations, or demonstrations that
      learners can watch at their convenience. Including slides, visual aids, and sometimes
      demonstrations of coaching techniques. 
    • Narrated PowerPoints: Similar to video lectures, these are often PowerPoint
      presentations with synchronized audio narration by the instructor.
    • Recorded Webinars: Previously live webinars that have been recorded and made
      available for asynchronous viewing.

Reading Materials:

    • Course Manuals/E-books: Comprehensive written materials that delve into the
      course topics, theories, and practical applications.
    • Articles and Research Papers: Curated readings from academic journals, industry
      publications, or reputable sources to provide in-depth information and evidence-based
      perspectives.
    • Case Studies: Written scenarios that describe client situations, allowing learners to
      apply theoretical knowledge to practical coaching challenges.

Discussion Forums (Facilitated Asynchronously):

    • While not synchronous, discussion forums allow for interaction among learners and
      with the instructor (or a teaching assistant) over time.
    • Instructor Moderation: A qualified instructor or facilitator typically monitors and
      participates in the forums, answering questions, guiding discussions, and providing
      insights.
    • Peer-to-Peer Learning: Learners can post questions, share experiences, and respond
      to others’ comments, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) who wish to integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)–informed techniques into their coaching practice, while staying within the NBHWC Scope of Practice. It is ideal for coaches working with clients experiencing negative thought patterns, behavioral avoidance, stress, or mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. The course is particularly relevant for coaches in primary care, behavioral health, integrative health, and employee wellness settings, where emotional well-being and behavior change intersect.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/Online

Accessibility Accommodations:

Closed captioning of all audio and video components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email: CKing@toivoacoaching.com

Completion Requirements:

To successfully complete the program and demonstrate mastery in an asynchronous learning environment, participants will be evaluated on the following:

    1. Completion of all modules: All assigned course modules and associated learning activities must be fully completed.
    2. Demonstration of coaching skills utilizing CBT-informed strategies: Participants will actively apply and showcase coaching skills through practical exercises and assignments, grounded in CBT-informed approaches.
    3. Successful completion of the final quiz (requiring a score of 80% or higher): A comprehensive final assessment will measure understanding of core concepts and program content, requiring a minimum passing score of 80%.
    4. Proactive engagement and integration with instructor feedback: Participants are expected to actively incorporate feedback received from instructors into their ongoing development.
    5. Submission of a reflective essay (minimum 300 words) on personal coaching growth: A written essay reflecting on the participant’s journey and evolution as a coach throughout the program, demonstrating critical self-assessment and learning

Participation Costs:  $75

Course Creation Date:  8/8/25

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

    • Define core CBT principles and their relevance in coaching contexts
    • Identify common cognitive distortions and their effects on behavior
    • Apply CBT-informed tools such as the thought record and ABC model in client sessions
    • Understand ethical considerations and referral needs when using CBT techniques”

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Hour 1: Foundations of CBT (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
    • History and core principles of CBT
    • Connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
    • Relationship between CBT and behavior change theories

NBC-HWCs gain a foundational understanding of CBT to inform their awareness of how thought patterns impact wellness behaviors and motivation, which directly supports effective client engagement and insight facilitation.

Hour 2: CBT Tools in Coaching (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3
    • Identifying automatic thoughts and distortions
    • Introduction to the ABC model and thought records
    • Client-centered application through practice scenarios

This section builds practical skills coaches can use within scope to help clients build awareness of unhelpful thinking and identify values-aligned actions. It encourages experimentation with simple tools through safe, coach-appropriate practices.

Hour 3: Scope, Ethics, and Integration (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 4.5
    • Appropriate use of CBT techniques in a coaching context
    • Scope-of-practice boundaries and referral guidelines
    • Case studies and reflective discussion

This hour ensures NBC-HWCs stay firmly within their ethical and professional scope, recognizing when to refer and how to use CBT-based approaches responsibly in support of client goals- not in place of clinical treatment.”

CE Information:

Toivoa Coaching has been approved by the NBHWC to provide continuing education for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (CEP #XXXXX).

Course Number: XXXX

Experts:

Dr. Alex Kirk, Clinical Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Brenda Buffington, EdD, NBC-HWC

Christopher King, BA Psychology, NBC-HWC

Laura Randa, BS Education, M.P.A-Healthcare

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