Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Substance Use Disorder and Opioid Use

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Participants will explore the biopsychosocial complexities of addiction and recovery, and learn how to apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed tools, trauma-informed care principles, and harm reduction strategies within the coaching scope. Coaches will develop practical skills to support clients navigating stigma, relapse, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and co-occurring mental health challenges.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

    • SUD & OUD Recovery Coaching Toolkit
    • CBT for SUD & OUD Worksheets
    • Scope of Practice & Ethics in Addiction Coaching (NBHWC-adapted)
    • Access to curated articles, podcasts, and behavior change 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:

This advanced training is developed for NBHWC-certified coaches working alongside recovery programs, primary care, behavioral health clinics, or peer support networks. It is designed for coaches supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD), including those utilizing medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Coaches seeking to integrate trauma-informed, harm reduction–aligned, and evidence-based strategies rooted in CBT will find this program critical for delivering safe, ethical, and recovery-oriented care.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

NBHWC Certification

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:  8/5/25

Learning Objectives:

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

    • Understand the pathophysiology and treatment landscape of SUD and OUD.
    • Identify emotional, behavioral, and social challenges in SUD & OUD recovery
    • Apply CBT-informed coaching tools for managing cravings, triggers, and self-talk
    • Support clients using medication-assisted treatment (e.g., Suboxone, methadone)
    • Integrate trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and stigma-sensitive care
    • Demonstrate coaching competence through a supervised practicum
    • Recognize red flags, safety concerns, and appropriate referral pathways

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: Substance Use Disorder & Opioid Use Disorder Essentials for Coaches (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.3
    • Neurobiology of addiction and recovery
    • Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone
    • Stages of change and relapse cycle

Provides foundational knowledge critical for coaches to understand addiction physiology and recovery processes, enabling informed, compassionate support aligned with the health and wellness coaching scope.

Module 2: Emotional Landscape of SUD & OUD Recovery (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.2, 2.4
    • Shame, guilt, stigma, and internalized bias
    • Navigating ambivalence and motivation fatigue
    • Building trust and rapport with recovering individuals

Enhances coaches’ relational skills, promoting empathy and effective communication tailored to the unique emotional challenges faced by clients in recovery.

Module 3: CBT Tools for Recovery Coaching (2 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.2
    • Cognitive distortions and relapse-prone thinking
    • Craving management, grounding, and coping plans
    • Goal-setting that aligns with clinical recovery plans

Equips coaches with evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients develop coping strategies and support behavior change consistent with clinical guidelines.

Module 4: Coaching Through Triggers and Relapse (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.5, 4.3
    • Supporting clients after a slip or lapse
    • Encouraging resilience, accountability, and re-engagement

Prepares coaches to effectively navigate setbacks with clients, fostering resilience and sustained engagement in health and wellness coaching.

Module 5: Health Equity, Trauma, and Harm Reduction (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.2, 4.5
    • Coaching in communities disproportionately impacted by the substance abuse & opioid crisis
    • Addressing trauma histories with empathy and care boundaries
    • Introducing harm reduction principles within coaching ethics

Promotes culturally responsive, trauma-informed coaching practices that honor ethical boundaries and support health equity in communities affected by opioid use disorder.

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

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.1, 3.3
    • Simulation of recovery-focused coaching scenarios
    • Coaching and facilitated reflection

Offers practical experience through role-play and feedback to refine coaching presence, adaptability, and client-centered approaches.

Module 7: Supervised Practicum (4 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.4, 3.5, 4.4
    • Recorded coaching sessions with feedback
    • Evaluation by instructor.
    • Final self-assessment and growth planning

Supports integration of course content into professional practice through observation, constructive feedback, and reflective self-evaluation aligned with NBHWC coaching competencies.

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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