LGBTQIA+ in Coaching :

An Informed Approach for Health & Wellness Coaches

Course Description:

This 12-hour advanced training equips NBHWC Certified health and wellness coaches with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide affirming, inclusive, and ethically grounded support to LGBTQIA+ clients. Coaches will develop a strong foundation in inclusive language and identity concepts while deepening their understanding of minority stress, health disparities, and the unique social and developmental experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Participants will learn to recognize red flags, navigate appropriate referrals, and create coaching environments that foster safety, trust, and belonging, ultimately enhancing their ability to support diverse clients with cultural humility and competence.

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Target Audience:

NBHWC-Certified Health & Wellness Coaches

Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12

CE Credits:  12

CE Information:

The specific course info is being approved by NBHWC

Course Number: XXX

Learning Objectives:

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

  1. State what each letter in LGBTQIA+ stands for and identify what is left out of the acronym 
  2. Identify what sexual orientation vs gender identity vs gender expression mean 
  3. Explain three components of minority stress theory 
  4. Identify four ways a coaching practice can be more inclusive 
  5. Acknowledge five barriers to wellbeing a person in the LGBTQIA+ community may experience    

Course Outline:

(12 Hours Total)    

Module 1: Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Identities (2 hrs)  

  • Terminology (LGBTQIA+, nonbinary, genderfluid, intersex, asexual, etc.)   
  • Sexual orientation/ Gender identity/ Gender expression   
  • The spectrum vs. binary thinking   
  • Common myths and misconceptions  

Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 

Module 2: Minority Stress & Mental Health (3 hrs)  

  • Minority Stress Theory (chronic stress from marginalization)  
  • Identity concealment   
  • Mental health disparities and suicide risk 
  • Protective factors  
  • Applying coaching skills to LGBTQIA+ client scenarios 

Core Competencies: 1.1.3,  4.2.2, 5.1.1, 5.3.2,  

Module 3: Health Disparities & Barriers to Care and Wellness (1.5 hr)  

  • Discrimination in healthcare  
  • Implicit bias in healthcare  
  • Lack of provider knowledge  
  • Fitness spaces and inclusivity  
  • Gym culture and LGBTQIA+ experiences 

Core Competencies: 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 

Module 4: Eating Disorders & Body Image (2 hrs) 

  • Eating disorder basics  
  • Gender dysphoria vs body image concerns  
  • Disordered eating as a coping skill/ control  
  • Prevalence in the LGBTQIA+ population  
  • Ethics and when to refer out 

Core Competencies: 5.2, 5.3.1, 4.2, 4.3.9 

Module 5: Gender Affirming Care (1.5 hrs)  

  • Basics of gender affirming care (social transition/ medical transition)  
  • Body changes and identity alignment  
  • Navigating dysphoria within coaching scope  
  • Applying coaching skills to LGBTQIA+ client scenarios using gender affirming care 
  • Ethics and staying within scope 

Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 3.8.2, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3.2 

Module 6: Intersectionality & Creating Inclusive Coaching Spaces (1 hr)  

  • At the intersection of LQBTQIA+ and  
  • Race  
  • Socioeconomic status  
  • Disability  
  • Religion  
  • Age   
  • Avoiding a “one size fits all” approach 

Core Competencies: 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 

Instructional Format & Assessment

  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 demonstrations of coaching techniques through demonstrated client coach role plays 
  • Narrated PowerPoints: Similar to video lectures, these are often PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio narration by the instructor.    

  2. Reading Materials

  • 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 each module posttest (requiring a score of 80% or higher). 

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/On-Demand

Participation Costs:  $400

Instructor Qualifications:

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  

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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