Lifestyle, Mind-Body, and Behavioral Coaching
What the exam tests
This domain tests behavior-change theory, motivational interviewing, goal setting, stress and sleep coaching, movement, and referral boundaries.
Core rules
- Motivational interviewing uses OARS: open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries; avoid the righting reflex.
- The transtheoretical model describes precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse; match support to stage.
- SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Self-determination theory emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness for sustained behavior change.
- Sleep hygiene, stress regulation, and movement are core lifestyle levers; refer for mental health concerns outside scope.
Worked example
A client wants to stop drinking soda but feels overwhelmed. Reasoning: ask open questions about what matters, affirm past successes, reflect ambivalence, and negotiate one small goal, such as replacing one soda daily with sparkling water. Track confidence and barriers at follow-up. The reasoning is autonomy-supportive, small-step coaching rather than a lecture.
Traps
- Giving advice before exploring readiness.
- Setting unrealistic all-or-nothing goals.
- Diagnosing depression or anxiety.
- Ignoring relapse as part of change.