Health and Wellness Coaching

This course focuses on exploring the implications that the rhythms of nature, living with mindfulness and skillful use of language have on health and wellness. By observing their own ways of being, doing, and speaking, and by taking on specific mindfulness practices, students begin to embody the practices that guide them in becoming a powerful healing presence and a catalyst for change in others. [3 creditS]

This class delves deeper into the spirit and practice of health and wellness coaching using the theory and skills of Motivational Interviewing, a widely recognized, evidence-based approach to behavioral change. Students receive practical skills for structuring a coaching session, planning, goal-setting with clients, and ensuring client accountability. [3 credits]

Students participate in an experiential practicum that allows them to apply and develop their coaching skills in a one-on-one setting with clients. The focus of the practicum is further development and practice of the tasks, knowledge and skills identified in the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) coaching competencies and Scope of Practice, the core competencies identified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), along with the theories, principles, tools and techniques learned and practiced in previous courses. Throughout the practicum, students receive mentoring, coaching and feedback from instructors and peers as they develop the skills of mind and heart necessary to become effective coaches. Students learn more about career options in the field of health and wellness coaching and have opportunities to talk with experienced coaches to discuss how to establish and operate a successful coaching business. Prerequisites: COA-610 and COA-616. [ 3 credits ]

This course is taken toward the end of the Masters of Arts in Health and Wellness Coaching and provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration of their coaching skills with the content of their area(s) of concentration. Students will complete two culminating assignments designed to further professional development including a capstone paper and action plan to advance his or her coaching skills. [1 credit]

Being adept in the field of Health and Wellness Coaching comes with constant practice, feedback, and skill development. This course builds upon the core courses in Health and Wellness Coaching such that it provides a deeper understanding of how to apply integrative health practices in one`s coaching practice. There will be coaching demonstrations and presentations infused into this course, with specific emphasis on coaching with mindfulness, meditation, movement, and nutrition-based modalities. [3 credits]

The Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) evaluates the students' ability to implement coaching skills and competencies while following the structure and process of a coaching session. Based on a recorded coaching session, students will receive written assessor feedback, required for professional credentialing by the International Coaching Federation. A certificate of completion, required for professional credentialing by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching, is provided with a passing score. [0 credits]

The Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) evaluates the students' ability to implement coaching skills and competencies while following the structure and process of a coaching session. Based on a recorded coaching session, students will receive written assessor feedback, required for professional credentialing by the International Coaching Federation. A certificate of completion, required for professional credentialing by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching, is provided with a passing score. Prerequisites: CPA-610 and COA-616. [ 0 credits ]

In this course students focus on their professional development as health and wellness coaches. Students generate a professional development plan that describes the next steps in expanding and/or refining their coaching skills and abilities. Students also prepare an evidence-informed health and wellness coaching prospectus on a topic of interest to the student for a specific audience, e.g. potential clients, employers, or peer/networking groups. [1 credit]