Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Pain Management​

About the course:

This 12-hour advanced training equips NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals living with pain. Participants explore the emotional, behavioral, and physiological aspects of pain and learn to apply evidence-based coaching tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care.

The course emphasizes self-management strategies, coping skills, and client empowerment to improve daily functioning and quality of life. All content is grounded in the biopsychosocial model of pain and maintains alignment with the originally approved course framework.

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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.

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-100113-5

Learning Objectives:

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

  • Understand basic pain physiology and common types of pain
  • Identify psychological and behavioral patterns that perpetuate pain within the biopsychosocial model
  • Recognize the role of central nervous system processes in persistent pain (e.g., neuroplastic or brain-mediated pain), within a non-diagnostic coaching scope
  • Apply CBT-informed tools such as cognitive reappraisal, pacing, and activity scheduling to support clients
  • Support clients experiencing pain catastrophizing, depression, or fear-avoidance behaviors
  • Apply behavioral strategies (e.g., gradual activity engagement, exposure-informed approaches) within coaching scope
  • Integrate trauma-informed and culturally sensitive coaching practices
  • Recognize red flags and appropriate referral needs in pain management

Course Outline:

Module 1: Overview – Definitions, Subtypes, and Impact (2 hrs)

  • Differentiating acute vs. chronic pain
  • Introduction to pain subtypes: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain
  • Physical, emotional, and functional impacts of chronic pain
  • Biopsychosocial model of pain

Module 2: Pain Mechanisms and Multimodal Management (2 hrs)

  • Introduction to basic pain physiology
  • Overview of common chronic pain conditions
  • Multimodal approaches to pain management
  • Role of brain-body interactions in persistent pain (introductory, non-clinical overview)

Module 3: Patterns of Persistent Pain and Coaching Considerations (2.5 hrs)

  • Behavioral and psychological patterns associated with persistent pain
  • Fear-avoidance, deconditioning, and activity restriction
  • Recognizing patterns of pain experience within coaching scope (non-diagnostic)

Module 4: CBT-Informed Coaching Strategies (2.5 hrs)

  • Cognitive strategies (e.g., cognitive reappraisal, cognitive defusion concepts)
  • Behavioral strategies (e.g., pacing, gradual activity engagement, pleasant activity scheduling)
  • Supporting adaptive coping and mindset shifts
  • Distinguishing coaching role within a broader care context

Module 5: Maintenance and Flare-Up Management (1 hr)

  • Differentiating maintenance vs. acute symptom phases
  • Supporting clients during flare-ups
  • Reinforcing consistency, resilience, and self-management strategies

Module 6: Coaching Applications and Scope of Practice (2 hrs)

  • Coaching skills for behavior change (SMART goals, habit formation, overcoming barriers)
  • Reinforcing scope of practice and ethical considerations
  • Identifying red flags and referral processes

Application through case-based coaching scenarios

Instructional Format & Assessment:

Instructional Format

  1. Pre-recorded Lectures/Webinars:
  • Narrated PowerPoint presentations
  • Instructional videos with coaching demonstrations
  1. Reading Materials:
  • Course slides
  • Case studies
  • Selected evidence-informed resources

Program Assessment Criteria

To successfully complete the program, participants must:

  • Complete all modules and associated learning activities
  • Demonstrate understanding of CBT-informed coaching strategies through applied exercises
  • Successfully complete module-based quizzes (minimum score of 80%)
  • Engage with case-based applications of coaching concepts
  • Complete a post-course feedback survey

Participation Costs:  $400

Materials & Instructor Qualifications

Materials Provided:

  • Chronic Pain Coaching Webinars and Slide Decks (including case examples)
  • CBT-informed tools and coaching resources
  • NBHWC Ethics and Scope of Practice Guide

Instructors

  • Dr. Margaret Tobias, Clinical Psychologist, PhD
  • 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

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