Health and Wellness Coaching

This experiential course introduces students to the process of developing a healing presence, a key component of MUIH`s academic programs. Students are introduced to MUIH`s foundational philosophical principles, as well as living in accordance with the rhythms of nature, observing symptoms of illness as our teachers, and the skillful use of language as a tool for being a catalyst for change. To deepen their capacity to be a healing presence, students learn and regularly practice mindfulness techniques such as breathing, meditation and movement. [3 credits]

Mindfulness and meditation practices encompass a wide variety of tools and techniques that can help support balance, resilience, and wellness in people`s lives. This experiential course teaches core mindfulness and meditation knowledge and skills, along with specific applications that support health and wellbeing. Through discussion posts, peer practice, self-assessments, and self-reflections of their own personal practice, students gain an appreciation for the traditional wisdom and the contemporary neuroscience of these practices. Students apply evidence-informed tools and techniques for themselves and in support of others, considering diversity and cultural identities. Prerequisites: APP-606 or IHED-610 or ISCI-630a. Note: Students need to complete one course from this prerequisites set before registering for APP-700. [3 credits]

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 course focuses on key topics of importance in Health and Wellness Coaching including concepts of wellness; key healthy lifestyle practices in nutrition; physical activity and mindfulness; health risk factors; managing chronic illness; inter-professional communication; and when to refer a client to another practitioner. [1.5 credits]

Students are introduced to the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies, the International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching (ICHWC) skills, knowledge, and tasks, and other coaching tools as they begin to build a repertoire of coaching abilities. This experiential course, which centers on practicing coaching skills with Students are introduced to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) core competencies, the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) competencies, and other coaching skills as they begin to build a repertoire of coaching abilities. This experiential course, which centers on coaching skills practice with class peers and mentors, develops observational skills, active listening, the art of evocative questioning, and the ability to guide clients through the process of goal setting and action planning. Students learn practical skills for structuring a coaching session with peer "clients," including an initial discovery session, planning, goal-setting, ensuring client accountability, and cultivating the attitudes of mind and heart necessary to become effective coaches. Prerequisites: APP-606 and COA-605. [ 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]

This course provides students with a theoretical framework for guiding coaching clients through the process of behavior change. Topics include the latest developments in the field of positive psychology and the stages of behavior change. Students are introduced to and begin to practice Motivational Interviewing, a widely recognized, evidence-based approach to behavioral change used in the health care field. Students receive practical skills for structuring a coaching session, planning, goal-setting with clients, and ensuring client accountability. Prerequisite: APP-606. [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]

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to begin practicing coaching in a group setting. Additionally, students are introduced to specific considerations for coaching diverse populations and coaching in a variety of settings. Students engage with their peers in a robust, multi-week group coaching practicum with volunteer clients, and are supported by a mentor coach leading up to and during the practicum. Prerequisite: COA-620. [ 3 credits ]

This course in advanced health and wellness coaching skills expands students coaching tools and techniques with the introduction of a variety of approaches, to include body-centered (somatic) coaching, the arts in coaching, Appreciative Inquiry, and Nonviolent Communication. Students will continue honing their skills with volunteer clients and peer practice. Students will also experience the value of reflecting on their coaching with a supervisor-mentor coach. Prerequisite: COA-620. [ 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 ]

Coaching competency assessments are required by professional credentialing bodies to ensure that coaches understand and can apply coaching skills and strategies in their coaching sessions. The Professional Coaching Competency Assessment evaluates students` ability to implement advanced coaching skills and competencies while following the structure and process of a coaching session. Based on a recorded coaching session, students receive assessor feedback on coaching skills and competencies. Passing this assessment is required for Level 2-PCC coach credentialing by the International Coaching Federation. A certificate of completion is issued with a passing score. Prerequisites: COA-620 or ICF Credential amd COA665 or COA-670. [ 0 credit ]

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]

Developing coaching abilities that are based on established coaching competencies and best practices provides the foundation for successful coaching relationships. Students learn and apply advanced coaching skills and strategies to effect deeper personal transformation and intrapersonal growth in clients. Students are introduced to advanced interpretations of coaching competencies that can be used during coaching sessions. Students practice advanced skills and competencies during mentor-led labs to facilitate integration into coaching sessions. Prerequisites: COA-665 or COA-670. [ 1 credit ]