Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Pain Management​

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour advanced training equips NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals living with pain. Participants will explore the emotional, behavioral, and physiological aspects of pain and learn how to apply evidence-based coaching tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care. The training emphasizes self-management strategies, coping skills, and client empowerment to improve daily functioning and quality of life.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12 hours

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

    • Chronic Pain Coaching Toolkit – Pain Psychology & CBT Workbook
    • NBHWC Ethics and Scope of Practice Guide – Evidence-based articles and session 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.

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:

The target audience is National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) seeking to fulfill their 36-hour continuing education requirement, specifically through courses that foster more understanding on how they can support clients on cognitive behavioral skills for those experiencing generalized anxiety, panic, and stress-related conditions while remaining within their scope of practice.

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:  $400

Course Creation Date:  7/21/25

Learning Objectives:

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

    • Understand basic pain physiology and types of pain
    • Identify psychological and behavioral patterns that perpetuate pain cycles
    • Apply CBT-informed tools for coping, pacing, and mindset shifts
    • Coach clients experiencing pain catastrophizing, depression, or fear-avoidance
    • Integrate trauma-informed and culturally sensitive strategies
    • Demonstrate coaching competence in a supervised practicum
    • Recognize red flags and referral needs in pain management

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: : Pain Overview for Coaches (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 3.1, 3.2
    • Differentiating acute vs. chronic pain
    • Common chronic pain conditions and treatment approaches
    • Biopsychosocial model of pain

Enhances coaches’ ability to contextualize client experiences, collaborate with care teams, and stay within scope while supporting clients managing pain.

Module 2: Emotional Experience of Chronic Pain (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4
    • Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression
    • Social isolation and identity loss
    • Building empathy and validating pain experiences

Builds coach capacity for empathetic presence and trauma-aware communication while addressing emotional impacts of pain.

Module 3: CBT Tools for Coping & Behavior Change (2 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
    • Thought reframing and acceptance techniques
    • Pacing, scheduling, and activity monitoring
    • Mind-body awareness and relaxation strategies

Supports coaches in facilitating sustainable behavior change through structured, evidence-informed strategies within coaching scope.

Module 4: Coaching Through Flare-Ups and Setbacks (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.3, 2.6, 4.4, 4.5
    • Responding to pain spikes and functional decline
    • Encouraging resilience and value-based actions

Equips coaches to support clients during setbacks with compassion and forward movement, aligned with client values.

Module 5: Cultural Humility and Pain Perception (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.3, 2.5, 4.5
    • Exploring cultural differences in pain expression and treatment
    • Addressing stigma and systemic barriers

Promotes inclusive, culturally responsive coaching by increasing awareness of how identity and context shape the pain experience.

Module 6: Case-Based Coaching Lab (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.3, 4.4
    • Pain coaching simulations

Strengthens practical coaching skills through applied practice using realistic client scenarios.

Module 7: Supervised Practicum (4 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1–1.3, 2.1–2.6, 4.1–4.5
    • Practice sessions (Recorded)
    • Instructor evaluations
    • Final self-reflection and coaching demonstration

Reinforces integration of course content into ethical, client-centered coaching practice with guided supervision and reflection.

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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