Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching
for Depression Support
About the course:
This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression. Participants will explore the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of depression and learn how to apply evidence-based tools grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care. Coaches will gain skills to support emotional regulation, behavioral activation, and client empowerment through structured, ethical coaching practices.
Course Overview
Estimated Course Length: 12
CE Credits: 12
Course Includes
Depression Coaching Toolkit
- Mood Tracking Worksheets
- NBHWC Scope & Ethics Guide
- Peer-reviewed articles and templates
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.
- Video Content: Instructors record lectures, presentations, or demonstrations that
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.
- Course Manuals/E-books: Comprehensive written materials that delve into the
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.
- While not synchronous, discussion forums allow for interaction among learners and
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 for patients with depression, 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 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:
- Completion of all modules: All assigned course modules and associated learning activities must be fully completed.
- 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.
- 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%.
- Proactive engagement and integration with instructor feedback: Participants are expected to actively incorporate feedback received from instructors into their ongoing development.
- 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: 8/8/25
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand symptoms and contributing factors of depression
- Identify behavioral and cognitive patterns common in depressive states
- Apply CBT-informed tools for mood regulation and activation
- Coach clients experiencing hopelessness, low motivation, or cognitive distortions
- Integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive care strategies
- Demonstrate coaching competence in a supervised practicum
- Recognize red flags and referral needs within scope of practice
Course Outline:
Instructional Modules
Module 1: Depression Fundamentals for Coaches (1.5 hrs)
Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1
- Diagnostic criteria, biopsychosocial contributors
- Depression types (major, persistent, situational)
- Medication basics and treatment overview
This module builds foundational knowledge of depression’s clinical features and multifactorial influences, enabling coaches to recognize symptoms within the coaching scope and tailor support appropriately.
Module 2: Emotional Experience of Depression (1.5 hrs)
Relevant Core Competencies: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
- Hopelessness, low self-worth, and isolation
- Stigma, shame, and emotional numbing
- Building trust and safety in coaching
Enhances coaches’ ability to empathize with clients’ emotional realities, fostering a safe and supportive coaching alliance that respects client autonomy and vulnerability.
Module 3: CBT Tools for Depression Support (2 hrs)
Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 2.5, 4.2
- Challenging negative thoughts and core beliefs
- Behavioral activation and value-based goal setting
- Reinforcement and tracking tools
Equips coaches with evidence-informed CBT strategies aligned with behavior change principles to help clients develop adaptive coping and motivation.
Module 4: Coaching Through Setbacks (1 hr)
Relevant Core Competencies: 3.5, 4.3
- Navigating lack of progress and client disengagement
- Encouraging small wins and resilience
Supports coaches in maintaining client engagement through setbacks by fostering resilience and celebrating incremental progress consistent with coaching best practices.
Module 5: Cultural Humility and Mental Health Equity (1 hr)
Relevant Core Competencies: 2.2, 4.5
- Supporting diverse populations and identities
- Addressing systemic barriers and bias
Promotes culturally responsive coaching that recognizes and mitigates disparities in mental health care access and outcomes.
Module 6: Case-Based Coaching Lab (1 hr)
Relevant Core Competencies: 3.1, 3.3
- Practice coaching sessions
- Reflective listening and adaptive responses
Provides experiential learning to refine core coaching skills including active listening and responsiveness, enhancing professional competence.
Module 7: Supervised Practicum (4 hrs)
Relevant Core Competencies: 3.4, 3.5, 4.4
- Recorded coaching demonstrations
- Feedback from instructors
- Final debrief and self-assessment
Encourages reflective practice and skill integration through direct observation, feedback, and self-evaluation, reinforcing growth aligned with NBHWC standards.
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