Certificate Curriculum

Course Descriptions 

Please note all classes may or may not have synchronous classwork. Those courses that require an onsite requirement are noted along with any prerequisites required.

CSPH 5101 Introduction to Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices (3 credits)

This course provides a foundation of  healing traditions within cultural contexts. Students will learn about therapies and healing practices, including traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, mind-body healing, spiritual practices, energy healing, naturopathy, herbalism, movement therapies, homeopathy, manual therapies, and nutrition. No prerequisites required.

CSPH 5701 Fundamentals of Health Coaching 1 (3 credits)

This course provides a foundation of Health Coaching through skill development in Motivational Interviewing and coaching structure. We will explore basic tenets of health coaching including deep listening, effective and empathic communication, mindfulness, unconditional positive regard, and nonjudgement. In addition, this course will include tools for self-development which is key in a health coaches’ professional journey and development of emotional intelligence. We will learn how each person is intrinsically healthy, whole, and wise and how they are the expert in their journey not the health coach. There are onsite requirements for this course. No prerequisites required. Those not in Health Coaching M.A. or certificate programs must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course.

CSPH 5702 Fundamentals of Health Coaching II (4 credits)

This course expands upon students skills in motivational interviewing to include health coaching theories, coaching psychology, goal setting, and theories in behavior change and motivation. In the course students will have the opportunity to remove their “expert hat” and  deepen their understanding of coaching skills and style, empathy, deep listening, effective and empathic communication, and tools for self development. It is the role of the Health Coach to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to allow for exploration and the practice of skill building  to increase the client’s self-efficacy. In this course you will learn how to facilitate the change process by incorporating the client’s strengths and values. There are onsite requirements for this course. Prerequisites: CSPH 5701 Fundamentals of Health Coaching 1 and CSPH 5703 Health Coaching Practicum I. Those not in Health Coaching M.A. or certificate programs must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course.

CSPH 5703 Health Coaching Practicum I (1 credit)

In this course, students participate in a peer-coaching model with their fellow students in dyads or triads, to create opportunities for applying the tools and skills they are learning. The key to this course is practice not perfection in a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are welcomed and learning and growth is at the center. Prerequisites: This course must be taken concurrently or after CSPH 5701 for Health Coaching M.A. and certificate students. Those not in Health Coaching M.A. or certificate programs must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course.

CSPH 5714 Health Behavior Change Theory and Lifestyle Medicine (2 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the opportunity to explore the theoretical issues and current methodologies related to understanding and influencing health behavior change. In this course, students will  examine health-related motivation and behavior change through the study of relevant psychological, sociological, behavioral economics, and educational theory and research. Emphasis is on critique and application of behavioral and behavior-change theories and constructs not only in one-on-one coaching but understanding the systems and environments that impact health behaviors, especially within lifestyle medicine. Health coaches need to understand that health behavior change is not a sole responsibility of the individual but a collective effort. While coaching, understanding the systems at play in regards to health behavior change is key for empathy, perspective, and rapport building especially under the domain of lifestyle medicine. No prerequisites required. Those not in the Health Coaching M.A. or certificate programs must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course.

CSPH 5716 Health Coaching Practicum II (1 credit)

This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to put theory into practice health coaching real clients. Increasing confidence in coaching skills, coaching presence, and different types of client notes (healthcare/EMR notes vs. Other types) is emphasized. Students are given the opportunity to integrate and apply all previous areas of learning and to explore their resistance, learning edges, and competencies in a supportive supervisory environment. Students will be encouraged to discover their own style of Health Coaching as well as their own growth processes and use of strengths. Ethical issues, professional boundaries, referral processes, and client selection will be introduced. Prerequisites: CSPH 5701 Fundamentals of Health Coaching I and CSPH 5703 Health Coaching Practicum I. This course must be taken concurrently with 5702 Health Coaching Fundamentals II. Those not in the Health Coaching M.A. or certificate programs must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course.