Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Substance Use Disorder and Recovery

Course Description:

This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). 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, return to use, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and co-occurring mental health challenges.

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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), 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.

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: 100117-4

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives  

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

  • Understand the pathophysiology and treatment landscape of substance use disorder  
  • Identify emotional, behavioral, and social challenges in SUD 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  
  • Recognize red flags, safety concerns, and appropriate referral pathways   

Course Schedule:

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

  • What is substance use disorder 
  • Neurobiology of addiction and recovery  
  • Understanding MAT: buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone  

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

  • Stages of change and the relapse cycle 
  • Shame, guilt, stigma, and internalized bias  
  • Navigating ambivalence and motivation fatigue  
  • Building trust and rapport with recovering individuals  

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

  • Cognitive distortions and return to use-prone thinking  
  • Craving management, grounding, and coping plans  
  • Goal setting that aligns with clinical recovery plans  

Module 4: Coaching Through Triggers and Return to Use (1 hr)  

  • Supporting clients after a return to use through best practices 
  • Maintain accountability without judgment after a return to use 
  • Encouraging resilience, accountability, and re-engagement  

Module 5: Health Equity, Trauma, and Harm Reduction (2 hrs)  

  • Coaching in communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid crisis  
  • Addressing trauma histories with empathy and care boundaries  
  • Introducing harm reduction principles within coaching ethics  

Module 6: SUD & The Family (2 hrs)  

  • Increase understanding of SUD as a family experience 
  • Clarify myths around codependency 
  • Explore boundaries and support without control 

Module 7: Cannabis (1hr)  

  • Gain an understanding of benefits, risks, and patterns of cannabis use 
  • Summarize high level legal frameworks around status of cannabis in US 
  • Apply harm reduction principles to cannabis use 

Module 8: Key Takeaways (1hr) 

  • Review key information regarding substance use disorder and health coaching 
  • Understand how all modules have common knowledge among them 
  • Reinforce the importance of keeping within scope of practice as a health coach with SUD  

Materials & Instructor Qualifications

Instructor Qualifications:  

  • Clinician with a license as an LCDP (Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional), CADC (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor), and CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional) 
  • Expertise in CBT, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction  
  • Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., MAT providers, therapists, peer recovery specialists)  

Jessica Estok, LCDP, CADC, CCTP, MA 

  • Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional, Delaware 
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Delaware 
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional 
  • Presenter at Association for Recovery in Higher Ed National Conference (2023, 2024) 
  • ARHE National Award – Outstanding Service 2024 
  • Former Co-President ARHE Advisory Council 
  • Co-Author Ethical Considerations for the Collegiate Recovery Professional 

 

Dr. Alex Kirk, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology & Neuroscience 

  • Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy 
  • Earned Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder 
  • Specialized clinical training and research experience in anxiety/fear disorders, chronic pain and neuroplastic conditions, and sleep problems 
  • Serves on Clinical Steering Committee for international Exposure Therapy Consortium, advancing research, dissemination, and training of approach-/exposure-based therapies 
  • Former US Naval Medical Officer in Psychology, prior clinical advisor to the Defense Health Agency 

 

Christopher S. King, BA, NBC-HWC   

  • National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach    
  • Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy    

 

Brenda C. Buffington, EdD, MS, NBC-HWC, EP-C    

  • National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach    
  • Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy    
  • Presenter at Mayo Clinic (April 2025)    
  • Co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects    
  • Former faculty, The Ohio State University, Chief Wellness Office    

 

Laura Randa, BS Education, M.P.A-Healthcare   

 

  • Principle investigator on NIH-funded research project 
  • Chair, Toivoa Coaching Academy 
  • Faculty, Toivoa Coaching Academy 
  • Executive Board Member, American Association of People with Disabilities 

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

  •  Worksheets 
  • Access to curated articles, podcasts, and behavior change templates  
    •  

Instructional Format & Assessments:

  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.   

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.     

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 all final quizzes (requiring a score of 80% or higher) upon successful completion of each module. 

Accessibility Accommodations:

Closed captioning of all audio and video components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email: CKing@toivoacoaching.com

Participation Costs:  $400

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