Certificate Program
Coach Approach Foundations in Healthcare Certificate
Discover how foundational coach-approach skills can reduce burnout, improve patient motivation and adherence, and help you create more effective, human-centered healthcare interactions.
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About this Certificate Program
Unlock the power of connection with the Dive Into a Coach Approach® 1.0 series. This eight-course journey helps healthcare professionals shift from giving advice to creating meaningful, lasting change through curiosity, empathy, and partnership. Learn to listen deeply, ask effective questions, and guide clients toward their own motivation and momentum. Whether in clinics, classrooms, or telehealth, you’ll turn everyday conversations into moments that inspire action and elevate outcomes. The first eight courses are accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), allowing you to earn ICF coaching credentialing credits. The foundational eight courses are also accompanied by supplemental content to further deepen and strengthen your learning.
Target audience
PT, OT, AT, SLP
Goals & objectives
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Apply core coaching principles to shift from advice-giving to client-led change
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Develop effective listening skills that uncover client values, motivations, and barriers to meaningful progress
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Use powerful, open-ended questioning techniques to guide clients toward self-generated insights and solutions
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cilitate collaborative goal-setting and action planning that enhance client ownership, accountability, and sustained momentum
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Integrate coaching strategies across clinical, educational, and telehealth settings to strengthen communication, improve outcomes, and expand professional impact
What’s included in the Certificate Program
Accredited Online Courses*
13 hours of online video lectures and patient demonstrations.
Case Study Interviews
Recorded Q&A sessions between instructors and practice managers.
Interactive Learning Assessments
Case-based quizzes to evaluate and improve clinical reasoning.
Certificate Program overview
Section 1
Section 1: Coaching Foundations 3 ItemsCoaching Fundamentals in Healthcare Course
Chapter 1: The Versatility of the Coach Approach in Healthcare
This chapter explores the wide-ranging relevance of the Coach Approach across roles, disciplines, and practice settings. Through real-world examples and reflective prompts, learners will discover how coaching can enhance outcomes with diverse patient populations and support behavior change, motivation, and resilience in clients navigating complex health journeys.
Chapter 2: What Is and Isn’t Coaching?
In this chapter, learners clarify what distinguishes coaching from other therapeutic modalities. By comparing coaching characteristics with traditional clinical approaches, participants gain insight into the Coach Approach’s emphasis on inquiry over instruction, partnership over authority, and action-oriented collaboration that energizes rather than depletes both client and clinician.
Chapter 3: Defining a Coach Approach in Healthcare
The final chapter introduces a formal definition of the Coach Approach and breaks down its essential components, such as the use of strengths-based communication, forward-focused dialogue, and cocreated action plans. Learners will be introduced to informal and formal ways of using coaching, including the Coaching Spectrum Framework™, setting the stage for future skill building and application in clinical practice.
Building Clarity: Defining the Coaching Process Course
Chapter 1: Coach Approach: Model and Comparisons
This chapter explores how the Coach Approach compares to other dialogue-based interventions, such as counseling, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Learners examine key differences in mindset, method, and clinician–client dynamics while becoming familiar with the core components of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® model and its integration into healthcare practice.
Chapter 2: Educating Patients on the Coaching Process
In this chapter, clinicians learn how to clearly and confidently explain the Coach Approach to patients. The focus is on helping clients understand their active role in the process, managing expectations, and ensuring patients feel prepared and empowered. Practical tips and customizable education scripts support healthcare providers in laying the groundwork for successful coaching interactions.
Chapter 3: Setting a Coaching Contract With Patients
This chapter introduces the concept of a coaching contract as a key strategy for clarifying session goals, aligning clinician–client expectations, and maintaining focus during the coaching dialogue. Learners explore contract-setting questions, reflect on implementation barriers, and understand how this technique aligns with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies.
Listening and Mindset: Applying the Foundations Course
Chapter 1: Mastering Listening Actively in Coaching
This chapter explores the core habits that enhance or hinder active listening in coaching. Clinicians will learn how to use paraphrasing, reflective listening, and silence to foster client insight and support aha moments that can lead to meaningful change. Practical techniques and real-world reflection activities guide learners in dialing up their listening presence.
Chapter 2: Coaching Mindset: The Amateur and the Discoverer
In this chapter, learners are introduced to two foundational coaching mindset metaphors that shape how they show up in conversations. The Amateur mindset invites clinicians to see the client as the expert in their own life, while the Discoverer mindset fosters openness and curiosity. Learners will reflect on personal tendencies, identify when they drift from an optimal mindset, and gain tools to realign for more effective and collaborative coaching.
Section 2
Section 2: Client-Centered Exploration and Action 3 ItemsDiving Deeper: Understanding the Client’s Perspective Course
Chapter 1: Clarity and Curiosity: Asking the Right Questions
This chapter introduces the use of Curiosity and Clarity Questions, a coaching technique to gain a richer understanding of the client’s view of their challenges, habits, and goals. Clinicians will learn how to develop open-ended, insight-generating questions that strengthen therapeutic alliance and set the stage for deeper exploration and client engagement.
Chapter 2: Make an Observation: The Power of Noticing
Here, learners explore how courageous, well-timed observations—such as shifts in tone, body language, or language patterns—can help clients gain awareness of blind spots and limiting beliefs. This chapter emphasizes how empathetic, professional honesty can deepen trust, open dialogue, and spark aha moments essential to behavioral change.
Chapter 3: Powerful Questions and Silence: Shifting Perspectives
This chapter highlights the transformational potential of pairing thought-provoking questions with intentional silence. Clinicians will practice using this combination to help clients reframe situations, challenge assumptions, and reflect more deeply—ultimately broadening perspective and supporting sustained personal growth.
Exploration in Action: Guiding Clients Toward Solutions Course
Chapter 1: Empowering Clients: The Case for Resisting Prescribing Solutions
This chapter explores why shifting from telling to asking enhances client motivation, retention, and follow-through. Through key behavior change theories, learners examine the risks of overprescribing and practice strategies like questioning, reflecting, and pausing to empower clients to create their own solutions.
Chapter 2: Balancing Expertise and Observing Obstacles: Supporting Client Autonomy
Here, clinicians learn when and how to offer insights while still honoring client ownership in the process. The chapter introduces criteria for responsibly sharing expertise, as well as ways to identify and name obstacles—such as emotional barriers, past challenges, or external limitations—without taking over the conversation.
Chapter 3: Exploring DIVE IN Goals™: A Practical Tool for Client Motivation
This chapter presents the DIVE IN Goals™ framework as a structured, client-led method for setting meaningful goals. Learners explore how this tool supports coaching conversations by aligning goals with values, anticipating challenges, and building accountability. Practical examples and applications help providers tailor their use across settings and populations.
Summing Up and Taking Action Course
Chapter 1: Closing the Dialogue: the Power of Sum-Up
This chapter emphasizes the importance of ending coaching conversations with a client-led reflection. Learners explore how the sum-up process reinforces awareness, solidifies commitment, and promotes accountability by allowing clients to articulate their takeaways and define their own next steps.
Chapter 2: Make a Request: Guiding Clients Toward Action
In this chapter, clinicians learn when and how to make an effective request that invites the client to take actionable steps aligned with their goals. Through case examples and SMART goal principles, learners discover how this strategy supports forward momentum without undermining client autonomy.
Chapter 3: Coaching Mindset: Environmentalist and Olympian
This chapter introduces two advanced coaching mindsets that help providers maintain a supportive, client-centered stance. The environmentalist protects the coaching space by avoiding unsolicited advice, while the Olympian mindset focuses on championing the client’s growth through strategic challenge and celebration of progress.
Section 3
Section 3: Precision Coaching and Real-World Application 2 ItemsBringing It All Together: Coaching Framework and Application Course
Chapter 1: To Dive or Not to Dive: When to Use Coaching in Practice
This chapter helps clinicians determine when a Coach Approach is most appropriate by exploring patient and practitioner readiness, communication capacity, and stage of change. Learners will review real-world decision-making tools to assess whether to engage in coaching, adapt communication, or use an alternate approach.
Chapter 2: Coaching in Action: Breaking Down a Real Coaching Session, Part 1
In this chapter, learners observe a live coaching session and identify techniques used in the Dive Into a Coach Approach® Framework. The focus is on listening for powerful questions, mindset alignment, and how the coach supports client-led insight without directing the outcome.
Chapter 3: Coaching in Action: Breaking Down a Real Coaching Session, Part 2
Building on the previous chapter, this section guides learners through deeper reflection and planning for practice integration. Participants explore their own coaching readiness, identify next steps for applying the Coach Approach, and develop action plans to translate their skills into day-to-day client care.
Laser-Focused Coaching Course
Chapter 1: Laser-Focused Coaching: Targeted and Efficient Dialogues Part 1
This chapter introduces the key features of Laser-Focused Coaching, emphasizing how to deliver structured, impactful sessions in just 10–15 minutes. Learners will observe a real coaching interaction and identify how techniques like setting a contract and using focused questioning can support clarity and client ownership.
Chapter 2: Laser-Focused Coaching: Targeted and Efficient Dialogues Part 2
Building on part 1, this chapter offers a deeper reflection and analysis of the coaching demonstration. Clinicians are invited to evaluate the coach’s use of the Dive Into a Coach Approach® Framework, reflect on personal takeaways, and explore how to refine their own technique for greater efficiency and impact.
Chapter 3: Practicing Laser-Focused Coaching in Your Healthcare Setting
In the final chapter, learners translate theory into action by creating a plan to apply Laser-Focused Coaching in their own practice. Through guided planning, they select a suitable client, practice setting a contract, apply coaching tools, and debrief their experience to enhance future sessions.
Section 4
Section 4: Supplemental Materials 5 ItemsUsing a Coach Approach With Remote Monitoring Course
Chapter 1: Coaching in Asynchronous Messaging
This chapter explores how to bring coaching techniques—such as powerful questions, strengths-based language, and autonomy-supporting prompts—into text-based interactions. Learners will review examples of tone-shifting responses and learn how to reframe typical messages to evoke curiosity, reflection, and client-led problem-solving.
Chapter 2: Coaching Through Verbal and Video Messages
In this chapter, learners apply coaching strategies to voice and video communication, where tone, pacing, eye contact, and presence all influence impact. Using real-world scenarios, the chapter demonstrates how to structure audio and video messages that maintain clarity, build trust, and invite collaboration—even without live dialogue.
Chapter 3: Overcoming Engagement Barriers in Remote Coaching
This chapter identifies common challenges that lead to client disengagement in remote care—such as misalignment with values, overwhelm, or a perceived lack of progress. Learners are guided through coaching-informed techniques such as reframing, observation, and microgoal setting to reengage clients and promote sustained action.
Mitigating Burnout: Introducing a Coach Approach in Healthcare (Recorded Webinar) Course
Chapter 1: Foundations of the Coach Approach in Healthcare
Participants will embark on a journey to grasp the essence of coaching within the healthcare realm. Through an insightful coaching demonstration, attendees will gain a firsthand understanding of health coaching and the coach approach in healthcare.
Chapter 2: Coaching Distinctions and Benefits
In this chapter, we explore the distinctions between coaching and motivational interviewing, equipping you with a sharper understanding of these two approaches. Additionally, we delve into the benefits of using a coach approach in healthcare, illuminating how it enhances patient-centered care and empowers practitioners to foster lasting positive change.
Chapter 3: A Key Coaching Competency, Digital Features, and Your Case
In this chapter, you’ll delve into the essence of a key core coaching competency, equipping yourself with a vital skill set for transformative healthcare interactions. You’ll also gain insights into the key features of digital coaching in healthcare. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to construct a compelling case for integrating the coach approach into your healthcare practice, empowering you to deliver patient-centered care that fosters lasting positive change.
Chapter 4: Question and Answer Session
In this chapter we’ll discuss the questions asked by participants during the webinar.
Mitigating Burnout: Tools for Yourself and Your Team (Recorded Webinar) Course
Chapter 1: Why Address Burnout in the Workplace?
In this chapter, participants will explore the critical importance of addressing burnout in the workplace, particularly within the healthcare sector. By examining relevant data and trends, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why tackling burnout is essential for both individual well-being and organizational health. Participants will also identify the three defining characteristics of burnout and engage in a self-assessment to evaluate their current stress levels.
Chapter 2: How to Mitigate Burnout for Yourself
In this chapter, participants will delve into effective strategies for mitigating burnout. They will practice diaphragmatic breathing and understand its benefits for stress management. Additionally, participants will explore the theory behind burnout, including its stages and underlying causes. Finally, they will develop a personalized action plan to prevent burnout, focusing on practical steps they can take to maintain their own well-being.
Chapter 3: How to Mitigate Burnout for Your Team
In this chapter, we delve deeper into the theory of burnout and present seven evidence-based strategies to mitigate it for both yourself and your team. You will also learn about an evaluation tool that can be utilized within your organization to address and reduce burnout effectively.
Chapter 4: Question and Answer Session
In this chapter, we’ll review and answer the questions asked during the webinar.
Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Solutions for Clinicians and Organizations Text And Links
Coaching in Healthcare: Moving Beyond Advice-Giving to Transform Patient Care Text And Links
Instructors
Hélène Thériault
BScOT, MAdEd, MCC
CEU approved
13
total hours*
of accredited coursework.
Medbridge accredits each course individually so you can earn CEUs as you progress.
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Browse PlansFrequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Certificate Programs.
Accreditation Hours
Each course is individually accredited and exact hours will vary by state and discipline. Check each course for specific accreditation for your license.
When do I get my certificate?
You will receive accredited certificates of completion for each course as you complete them. Once you have completed the entire Certificate Program you will receive your certificate for the program.
Do I get CEU credit?
Each course is individually accredited. Please check each course for your state and discipline. You can receive CEU credit after each course is completed.
Do I have to complete the courses in order?
It is not required that you complete the courses in order. Each Certificate Program's content is built to be completed sequentially but it is not forced to be completed this way.
How long do I have access to the Certificate Program?
You will have access to this Certificate Program for as long as you are a subscriber. Your initial subscription will last for one year from the date you purchase.
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