Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching
for Depression Support
Course Description:
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). Coaches will gain skills to support emotional regulation, behavioral activation, and client empowerment through structured, ethical coaching practices.
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.
Course Overview
Estimated Course Length: 12
CE Credits: 12
CE Information:
Toivoa Coaching has been approved by the NBHWC to provide continuing education for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches.
Course Number: CEA-100118-3
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 culturally responsive care strategies
• Recognize red flags and referral needs within scope of practice
Course Outline:
Module 1: Overview – Presentation, Course, & Context (2 hrs)
- Diagnostic criteria, biopsychosocial contributors
- Depression types (major, persistent, situational)
- Commonly overlapping presentations
Module 2: Etiology & Maintaining Mechanisms (2 hrs)
- Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects of depression
- Self-reinforcing cycle of depression
- Rumination, behavioral withdrawal, and reward disruption as central mechanisms of depression
Module 3: Assessment & Risk Stratification (2 hrs)
- Assessing depressive mechanisms
- Applying assessment results to coaching context
- Reviewing PHQ-9 as primary depressive screener
- Understanding how/when to assess for cognitive, emotional, or behavioral mechanisms of depression
- Outlining risk stratification and when to refer based on assessment
Module 4: Treatment (3 hrs)
- Treatment approaches for depression
- Distinguishing support within coaching scope versus clinical scope
- Applying CBT principles to coaching
- Addressing depressive thoughts and behaviors within coaching scope
- Outlining referral requirements
Module 5: Maintenance & Relapse Prevention (1 hr)
- Identifying warning signs for recurring episodes
- Predictors of relapse and how to navigate
- Tools to minimize the probability, severity, or frequency of recurrence
Module 6: Coaching Application (2 hrs)
- Reviewing full content and applying within coaching scope
- Outlining parameters of how coaches can take CBT-informed strategies and use within coaching frame
Instructional Format & Assessment
Instructional Format:
1. 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.
2. Reading Materials:
• Case Studies: Written scenarios that describe client situations, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical coaching challenges.
Program Assessment Criteria
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.
– 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%.
Instructional Method:
Asynchronous/Online
Participation Costs: $400
Materials
• NBHWC Scope & Ethics Guide
• Peer-reviewed articles and templates
Experts:
Dr. Alex Kirk, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology & Neuroscience
- Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy
- Earned Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder
- Specialized clinical training and research experience in anxiety/fear disorders, chronic pain and neuroplastic conditions, and sleep problems
- Serves on Clinical Steering Committee for international Exposure Therapy Consortium, advancing research, dissemination, and training of approach-/exposure-based therapies
- Former US Naval Medical Officer in Psychology, prior clinical advisor to the Defense Health Agency
Laura Randa, BS Education, M.P.A-Healthcare
- Principle investigator on NIH-funded research project
- Chair, Toivoa Coaching Academy
- Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy.
- Executive Board Member, American Association of People with Disabilities
Brenda C. Buffington, EdD, MS, NBC-HWC, EP-C
- National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
- Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy
- Presenter at Mayo Clinic (April 2025)
- Co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects
- Former faculty, The Ohio State University, Chief Wellness Office
Christopher S. King, BA, NBC-HWC
- National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
- Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy
Accessibility Accommodations:
Closed captioning of all audio and video components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email: CKing@toivoacoaching.com