Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation

About the course:

This 12-hour NBHWC-approved specialty training prepares certified coaches to support clients in reducing or quitting tobacco and nicotine use using a cognitive behavioral health coaching model. Coaches will learn the biological, psychological, and social foundations of nicotine addiction, develop coaching skills aligned with evidence-based smoking cessation strategies, and integrate trauma-informed, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing approaches. Participants will build skills in supporting clients through ambivalence, withdrawal, relapse prevention, and long-term behavior change.

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Target Audience:

Target Audience: This course is intended for NBHWC-certified coaches working with clients who are actively attempting to quit smoking or reduce tobacco use. The target audience includes coaches in primary care, corporate wellness, public health, and community-based programs who want to apply CBT-informed techniques to support cessation, relapse prevention, and long-term behavior change. The training is appropriate for coaches working independently or as part of interdisciplinary teams addressing nicotine dependence and overall health improvement.

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-100117-5

Learning Objectives:

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

  1. Describe the neurobiology of nicotine addiction and withdrawal.
  2. Identify common cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns in tobacco and nicotine use.
  3. Apply CBT-informed tools for managing cravings, triggers, and related thought patterns.
  4. Integrate harm reduction and motivational interviewing strategies ethically.
  5. Support clients using nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and other cessation support medications while remaining within scope.
  6. Recognize red flags and appropriately refer to clinical support when needed.

Course Outline:

Module

Title

Duration

Topics

Module 1

Overview and Impact

2 hrs

Overview of tobacco and nicotine products and trends, long-term health consequences and quitting benefits, and economic and disability impact.

Module 2

Neurobiology of Nicotine Dependence

2 hrs

Neurobiology of acute and chronic nicotine use, emphasizing role in developing dependence and challenges for cessation

Module 3

Evidence Based Treatment

2 hrs

Overview of screening and assessment guidelines, cessation support medications, behavioral and digital cessation support

Module 4

Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Nicotine Dependence

2 hr

Identifying thought distortions, planning for cravings, cognitive reframing, behavioral support strategies

Module 5

Cessation Support Coaching Skills

2 hr

Applying motivational interviewing, general education, and goal-setting skills to cognitive behavioral cessation coaching framework.

Module 6

Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Maintenance

2 hr

Supporting clients post-lapse, keeping lapses from becoming relapses, sustaining long-term commitment and motivation.

Instructional Format, Assessment, and Materials

Instructional Format:   

  1. Pre-recorded Lectures/Webinars:
    • Video Content with Narrated PowerPoints: Instructors record lectures, presentations, or demonstrations that learners can watch at their convenience. Including slides, visual aids, and sometimes demonstrations of coaching techniques.
    • Recorded Webinars: Previously live webinars that have been recorded and made available for asynchronous viewing.
  1. Reading Materials:
    • 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.
  •  

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%.

Materials Provided

  • Smoking Cessation Coaching Presentations
  • NBHWC Scope of Practice & Ethics Guide for Addiction-Adjacent Coaching
  • Curated articles, books, and practice guidelines for further reading

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous

Participation Costs:  $400

Instructor Qualifications:

  • Dr. Margaret Tobias, PhD
    Clinical Psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapies for anxiety, mood, and trauma related disorders, as well as comorbid substance use concerns.
  • Dr. Alex Kirk, PhD
    Clinical Psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use and addiction recovery. Experienced trainer in relapse prevention and health behavior change.
  • Dr. Brenda Buffington, EdD, NBC-HWC
    Nationally recognized educator and board-certified coach focused on trauma-informed coaching, health equity, and sustainable behavior change.
  • Christopher King, NBC-HWC
    Experienced NBC-HWC-certified coach with expertise in health coaching, motivational interviewing, and peer-based supervision.

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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