Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to understand and support individuals living with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. Participants will learn the fundamentals of immunology, the psychosocial factors influencing immune health, and behavioral coaching strategies tailored to energy regulation, symptom management, and emotional well-being in clients with immune-mediated illness.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

    • Immune Health Coaching Workbook
    • Autoimmune Condition Primer
    • NBHWC Scope of Practice Guide
    • Symptom Tracker and Coaching Toolkit

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 targets NBHWC-certified coaches supporting clients living with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other chronic inflammatory conditions. It is designed for coaches working within integrative, functional, or conventional care models who aim to help clients navigate fatigue, flares, medication adherence, and the psychosocial impacts of chronic illness. The program offers tools to support resilience, pacing, and behavioral activation through a CBT-informed coaching framework.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/On-Demand

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:  $400

Course Creation Date:  8/5/25

Learning Objectives:

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

    • Explain immune system function and autoimmune disease mechanisms
    • Recognize psychosocial and behavioral factors that impact immune health
    • Use CBT-informed strategies for stress, pacing, and symptom management
    • Coach clients with conditions such as lupus, MS, RA, and long COVID
    • Apply trauma-informed care principles in chronic illness settings
    • Demonstrate effective coaching in a supervised practicum
    • Respect scope of practice and establish referral networks

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: Immune System 101 for Coaches (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.6
    • Basics of innate and adaptive immunity
    • Understanding inflammation, dysregulation, and autoimmunity
    • Common immune-related conditions: RA, MS, psoriasis, IBD

Supports coaches in recognizing basic mechanisms of immune-related chronic illness, fostering a more informed, empathetic coaching presence within scope.

Module 2: Coaching Clients with Autoimmune Disease (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6
    • Fatigue, pain, brain fog, and quality of life
    • Empathic coaching techniques for fluctuating symptoms

Improves coaches’ ability to co-create flexible, client-led goals that acknowledge variability in energy and functioning, while building rapport and motivation.

Module 3: CBT and Pacing Tools (2 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
    • Coaching for activity management and energy conservation
    • Addressing cognitive distortions and stress reactivity
    • Helping clients build realistic routines and resilience

Equips coaches with behavior-change tools to help clients develop sustainable habits, while managing thought patterns that undermine progress.

Module 4: Stress, Trauma, and Immune Function (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.3, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6
    • Chronic stress and its role in immune dysregulation
    • Trauma-informed language, boundaries, and regulation tools

Strengthens the trauma-informed skillset of NBC-HWCs, fostering psychological safety and self-regulation practices that benefit immune-compromised clients.

Module 5: Ethical Coaching and Collaboration (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 4.5
    • Understanding medication basics and boundaries on medical advice
    • Collaborating with providers and care teams

Clarifies scope limits for NBC-HWCs and enhances confidence in ethical, interprofessional communication to support whole-person care.

Module 6: Coaching Lab (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
    • Case study simulations and skill feedback
    • Sample coaching dialogues and problem-solving

Builds practical competence in real-world coaching scenarios related to autoimmune challenges, peer-supported feedback, and structured reflection.

Module 7: Supervised Practicum (3 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1–1.3, 2.1–2.6, 4.1–4.5
    • Recorded sessions
    • Instructor review
    • Final written reflection

Reinforces skill integration through observed coaching, instructor feedback, and reflective practice to promote ongoing professional growth.

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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