Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching
for Eating Disorder Recovery
Course Description:
This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to ethically and effectively support individuals in recovery from eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating patterns. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and Health at Every Size® (HAES) principles, the course equips coaches with tools to foster body respect, food neutrality, emotional resilience, and collaborative recovery—all while staying within the coaching scope of practice and integrating with clinical care teams.
Target Audience:
This specialty training is intended for NBHWC-certified coaches working with clients recovering from disordered eating patterns, including binge eating, restrictive eating, and bulimia nervosa. The course is appropriate for coaches practicing in outpatient, partial hospitalization, or integrative care settings, and who are working in collaboration with licensed therapists, dietitians, or medical teams. Coaches seeking trauma-informed approaches to support body image healing, meal adherence, and long-term recovery maintenance will find this course especially relevant.
Course Overview
Estimated Course Length: 12 hours
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-100117-2
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
• Understand the spectrum of eating disorders, common comorbidities, and treatment modalities
• Identify emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns driving disordered eating
• Apply CBT-informed tools to support body image healing, emotional regulation, and behavior change
• Use trauma-informed and HAES-aligned strategies within coaching relationships
• Coach clients navigating recovery while coordinating with licensed providers
• Recognize red flags, safety concerns, and make appropriate referrals
Course Outline:
- Module 1: Eating Disorders 101 for Coaches (2 hrs)
Overview of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, and ARFID
Diagnostic features, medical risks, and co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Role of coaches within a multidisciplinary treatment team
- Module 2: Emotional and Cognitive Dimensions (2 hrs)
Body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, and emotional dysregulation
Shame, secrecy, and fear of weight gain
Building trust, nonjudgmental listening, and client-centered rapport
- Module 3: CBT Tools for Recovery Coaching (1.5 hrs)
Challenging food rules, body checking, and distorted thinking
Tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and body neutrality
Goal setting aligned with nutrition and therapeutic care plans
- Module 4: Navigating (1.5 hrs)Lapses and Body Image Distress
Understanding relapse as part of the healing process
Coaching through lapses, meal avoidance, and body image distress
Cultivating compassion and internal motivation
- Module 5: Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Care (2 hrs)
HAES® and weight-inclusive care principles
Eating disorders across diverse racial, gender, and socio-economic identities
Ethical coaching boundaries and scope of practice in eating disorder recovery
- Module 6: Somatic Awareness & Nervous System Regulation (1 hour)
Nervous system activation and eating disorders
Interoception rebuilding
Somatic tools within a coaching scope
- Module 7: Screening, Red Flags, and Referrals(1 hour)
Warning signs of eating disorders
Screening tools coaches may encounter
Building a referral network
Emergency escalation topics
- Module 8: Helpful Facts
Common misconceptions around eating disorders
The role of BMI and eating disorders
Eating disorder treatment
Materials
Materials Provided:
- Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching Toolkit
- CBT Worksheets for Body Image and Food Behaviors
- Scope of Practice & Ethical Guidelines in ED Coaching
- HAES® and Culturally Responsive Care Resources • Client Language Templates for Weight-Neutral Support
Instructional Format & Assessment:
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:
• 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.
3. 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 post quizzes for each module (requiring a score of 80% or higher)
Instructional Method:
Asynchronous/On-Demand
Participation Costs: $400
Instructors:
•Jessica Estok, LCDP MA CCTP CADC
• 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
Accessibility Accommodations:
Closed captioning of all audio and video components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email: CKing@toivoacoaching.com