Trauma-Informed Coaching

Specialty Certificate

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour certificate equips NBHWC-certified coaches with a trauma-informed lens to support clients impacted by trauma. Participants will explore the physiological, psychological, and behavioral impacts of trauma and learn to adapt coaching approaches to foster safety, empowerment, and resilience. All content is delivered within the NBHWC scope of practice and emphasizes appropriate referral, boundaries, and coach self-regulation.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Depression Coaching Toolkit

    • Mood Tracking Worksheets
    • NBHWC Scope & Ethics Guide
    • Peer-reviewed articles and 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 National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) and other health professionals who support individuals impacted by acute or chronic trauma. The target audience includes coaches working in behavioral health, primary care, integrative health, veteran services, community health, and justice-involved settings. It is especially relevant for professionals supporting clients with trauma histories related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), post-traumatic stress, medical trauma, grief and loss, or systemic and intergenerational trauma.

This course equips coaches with trauma-sensitive, evidence-informed strategies to foster safety, resilience, nervous system regulation, and client empowerment—while staying within the NBHWC Scope of Practice.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/Online

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:  8/8/25

Learning Objectives:

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

    • Define trauma and distinguish between acute, chronic, and complex trauma.

    • Describe how trauma impacts brain function and health behavior.

    • Identify signs of trauma responses within coaching sessions.

    • Explain polyvagal theory in the context of client regulation.

    • Recognize the six principles of trauma-informed care.

    • Demonstrate how to create psychological safety in a coaching session.

    • Apply techniques for co-regulation without crossing clinical boundaries.

    • Understand how to modify goal-setting in trauma-informed ways.

    • Determine when and how to make referrals to mental health professionals.

    • Use somatic awareness techniques to support nervous system regulation.

    • Practice reflective exercises to avoid coach burnout and secondary trauma.

    • Integrate trauma-informed coaching practices into long-term client plans.

       

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: Understanding Trauma (2 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6

This foundational module enhances coaches’ understanding of trauma within the broader context of health and wellness. By defining acute, chronic, and complex trauma, as well as exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), developmental trauma, and health disparities, coaches gain critical insight into factors that influence client well-being. Introduction to polyvagal theory provides coaches with neuroscience-informed perspectives on stress responses and regulation—skills vital for empathetic, individualized client support.

Module 2: Scope, Ethics, and Referrals (1.5 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.5, 4.2

This module ensures alignment with the NBHWC scope of practice, reinforcing ethical coaching behavior and distinguishing coaching from therapy. Coaches will deepen their understanding of boundaries, learn when and how to make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals, and refine their ethical judgment to safeguard client safety. The session emphasizes coach responsibility and professional integrity, enhancing ethical decision-making and reflective practice.

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Coaching Practices (2.5 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.3

Coaches will be introduced to the six principles of trauma-informed care (SAMHSA): safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, choice, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. This module supports coaches in adapting coaching presence, language, and session structure to foster psychological safety and client empowerment. These skills directly enhance a coach’s ability to cultivate a supportive coaching environment that honors client autonomy and cultural context.

Module 4: : Somatic Awareness & Nervous System Tools (2 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.2, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1

This module focuses on scope-appropriate somatic tools (e.g., grounding, mindful breathwork, body awareness) that coaches can safely integrate into sessions to support nervous system regulation. Coaches will learn how to recognize and respond to dysregulation, utilize co-regulation strategies within professional boundaries, and maintain their own presence and well-being. This enhances the coach’s ability to meet clients with attunement and sensitivity, improving coaching efficacy and reducing risk of harm.

Module 5: Application & Case-Based Scenarios (2 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1

Coaches will apply trauma-informed principles through the analysis of realistic coaching scenarios, guided discussion, and a live demonstration. This experiential approach strengthens practical skills in identifying trauma responses, adjusting coaching techniques, and maintaining a non-triggering, collaborative session structure. The module supports deeper integration of coaching competencies in diverse client situations.

Module 6: Integration & Certificate (2 hours)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.4, 2.6, 4.1, 4.3

In this culminating module, coaches complete an integration worksheet, written reflection, and brief knowledge check (80% passing score required). The reflection process supports self-awareness and professional growth, encouraging coaches to evaluate their personal responses, boundaries, and areas for continued development in trauma-informed care. This promotes long-term integration into coaching practice and ethical client engagement.

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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