Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Diabetes Management​

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals living with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes. Participants will explore the emotional, behavioral, and social challenges of diabetes and learn how to apply evidence-based coaching tools grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care to help clients improve glycemic control, self-management, and

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12 hours

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Materials Provided:

    • Diabetes Coaching Toolkit
    • Emotional Health in Diabetes Workbook
    • NBHWC Ethics and Scope Guide
    • Evidence-based articles and coaching 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 course is designed for NBHWC-certified health and wellness coaches who are supporting clients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. The target audience includes coaches working in clinical settings, primary care practices, endocrinology departments, or community health programs who want to integrate cognitive behavioral tools into coaching conversations. Coaches who are looking to increase health literacy, support behavior change, and help clients manage diabetes-related stress, fatigue, and treatment adherence will benefit from this program.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/On-Demand

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: 8/25/25

Learning Objectives:

Understand common anxiety disorders and contributing factors

    • Understand basic pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes
    • Identify emotional and behavioral challenges common in diabetes care
    • Apply CBT-informed tools for motivation, adherence, and self-talk
    • Coach clients experiencing diabetes distress, burnout, or stigma
    • Integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive care strategies
    • Demonstrate coaching competence in a supervised practicum
    • Recognize referral needs and maintain ethical practice

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: Diabetes Overview for Coaches (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2
    • Understanding type 1, type 2, prediabetes
    • Insulin resistance, glycemic goals, common medications
    • Social determinants of diabetes outcomes

Supports coaches in building foundational awareness of diabetes-related terminology, treatment approaches, and systemic health disparities to enhance collaboration and ethical coaching within scope.

Module 2: Emotional Landscape of Diabetes (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6
    • Diabetes distress and burnout
    • Shame, stigma, and motivation fatigue
    • Empathy-centered listening and rapport

Equips coaches to hold safe, empathetic space and apply client-centered communication to support motivation and reduce shame-based barriers.

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

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
    • Addressing negative self-talk and all-or-nothing thinking
    • Tools for habit formation, activation, and problem solving
    • Goal-setting aligned with diabetes care team plans

Enables coaches to apply evidence-informed cognitive and behavioral strategies to facilitate sustainable health behavior change in collaboration with care providers.

Module 4: Coaching Through Crisis and Setbacks (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.3, 2.6, 4.4, 4.5
    • Responding to hypoglycemia anxiety, A1c disappointment
    • Encouraging resilience after setbacks

Helps coaches respond to common emotional triggers and setbacks in diabetes self-management while reinforcing client autonomy and values.

Module 5: Cultural Humility and Health Equity (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.3, 2.5, 4.5
    • Coaching across diverse communities with disproportionate diabetes burden
    • Culturally relevant resources and language

Promotes inclusive coaching practices and encourages critical awareness of identity, culture, and access in diabetes outcomes.

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

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.3, 4.4
    • Diabetes-specific coaching simulations
    • Peer coaching and reflection

Applies theory to practice using realistic case studies and peer collaboration to refine behavior change techniques and communication skills.

Module 7: Supervised Practicum (4 hrs)

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

Strengthens real-world coaching application and fosters self-awareness, ethical reflection, and ongoing skills development aligned with NBHWC standards.

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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