The Informed Coach Webinar Series: Depression
A free educational webinar for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs). Explore how coaching skills apply when supporting clients experiencing depression — while staying within the coaching scope of practice.
This free educational session does not provide NBHWC Continuing Education (CE) credit. Continuing Education courses are available separately through Toivoa Coaching Academy; individual CE approval information is provided with each applicable course.
Alex Kirk, Ph.D., NBC-HWC
Director of Clinical Science, Mental Health · Toivoa
What This Session Covers
This session focuses on how health and wellness coaches can effectively understand and respond to depression — within the coaching scope of practice.
The Depression Landscape
Prevalence, economic impact, and why depression so often presents as a functioning problem — not a mood problem — in coaching sessions.
Clinical vs. Coaching Boundaries
What falls within coaching scope, what requires referral, and how to support clients effectively while staying within appropriate limits.
Depression as a Forecasting Problem
How weaker reward signals, inflated effort costs, and dampened anticipation shape client behavior — and what this means for your coaching approach.
Safety, Referral & Scope of Practice
When and how to refer, what to monitor, and how to maintain a coaching relationship when clinical coordination is needed.
Theory to Practice: Applied Case Examples
Walk through real coaching scenarios to see how scope, referral, behavior change, and values-based engagement apply in active client work.
Designed for Certified Health & Wellness Coaches
This webinar is intended for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) who want to deepen their understanding of mental health topics as they relate to coaching practice.
NBC-HWCs
Currently certified coaches looking to expand their knowledge of coaching clients who experience depression.
Healthcare Professionals
Nurses, therapists, social workers, and other health professionals who hold their NBC-HWC credential.
Coaches in Clinical Settings
Coaches working alongside mental health professionals who want to strengthen their interdisciplinary understanding.
Expert Perspectives on Depression & Coaching
Director of Clinical Science for Mental Health at Toivoa. Licensed psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology & Neuroscience and a prior US Navy medical officer. Teaching Faculty at Toivoa Coaching Academy.
Board Chair of Toivoa Coaching Academy, with extensive experience in healthcare administration and program leadership.
Executive Director of Toivoa Coaching Academy and an NBC-HWC with extensive experience supporting coaches in mental health-related coaching practice.
Reserve Your Free Spot
The Informed Coach Webinar Series: Depression · Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · Select one session below · Online via Microsoft Teams
Select one session: 1:00 PM ET or 6:00 PM ET
Approved Continuing Education Course
The following separately approved Continuing Education course is available through Toivoa Coaching Academy for NBC-HWCs seeking CE credit on this topic.
Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching for Depression Support
This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression. Participants will explore the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of depression and learn how to apply evidence-based tools grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Coaches will gain skills to support emotional regulation, behavioral activation, and client empowerment through structured, ethical coaching practices.
Learning Objectives
- Understand symptoms and contributing factors of depression
- Identify behavioral and cognitive patterns common in depressive states
- Apply CBT-informed tools for mood regulation and activation
- Coach clients experiencing hopelessness, low motivation, or cognitive distortions
- Integrate culturally responsive care strategies
- Recognize red flags and referral needs within scope of practice