NBC-HWC (NBHWC) flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Coaching agreement

A document or conversation establishing logistics, fees, confidentiality limits, scope, and expectations before coaching begins; it defines the structure of the professional relationship.

Session agenda

The client-chosen topic or focus for a single coaching session, set at the start and used to keep the conversation on the client's priority.

SMART goal criteria

A goal format requiring the goal to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound so progress can be verified objectively.

Coaching plan

The overarching set of goals and focus areas spanning multiple sessions, distinct from the agenda of any single meeting.

Action commitment

A specific behavior the client agrees to attempt before the next session; it is recorded and reviewed for progress at follow-up.

Scope of practice

The boundary of coaching competence: coaches do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat; needs beyond coaching are referred to licensed professionals.

Session close

The final phase of a session in which commitments are confirmed, the client summarizes takeaways, and next steps and scheduling are set.

Progress review

A structured comparison of prior action commitments against what the client actually did, used to adjust goals and plans.

Unconditional positive regard

A core relationship condition in which the coach consistently values the client as a person without judging the client's worth or choices.

Empathy in coaching

The coach's accurate understanding of the client's perspective and feelings, communicated through reflection rather than assumed or projected.

Congruence

A core condition meaning the coach is genuine and authentic, with behavior and communication consistent with the coach's actual internal state.

Reflective listening

A communication skill in which the coach restates the content or feeling of what the client said, without adding interpretation or advice.

Open-ended question

A question that invites elaboration rather than a yes/no answer, typically beginning with what, how, or tell me about.

Summarizing

A communication skill that condenses key themes or content the client has shared, confirming understanding and marking transitions in the conversation.

OARS

The core motivational interviewing skills: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries, used to guide and deepen client exploration.

Affirmation

A statement recognizing a specific client strength, effort, or value; it names concrete evidence rather than offering generic praise.

Sustain talk

Client speech favoring the status quo or arguing against change; it is a normal part of ambivalence, distinct from relational discord.

Discord

Relational friction or disengagement within the coaching alliance, such as arguing or withdrawing; it signals a need to repair the working relationship.

Precontemplation stage

The transtheoretical stage in which the client is not yet considering change and may not see the behavior as a problem; the task is raising awareness.

Contemplation stage

The transtheoretical stage in which the client is aware of a problem and weighing change; the task is exploring and tipping the decisional balance.

Preparation stage

The transtheoretical stage in which the client intends to act soon and begins forming a concrete plan; the task is building a specific action plan.

Action stage

The transtheoretical stage in which the client is actively practicing the new behavior; the task is supporting self-efficacy and problem-solving barriers.

Maintenance stage

The transtheoretical stage in which the behavior has been sustained over time; the task is relapse prevention and reinforcing long-term supports.

Decisional balance

A structured weighing of the perceived pros and cons of changing versus not changing a behavior, used to clarify ambivalence before commitment.

Self-efficacy

A person's confidence in their ability to perform a specific behavior in a specific situation; it is distinct from beliefs about outcomes.

MI four processes

The sequential motivational interviewing processes: engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning, which organize the flow of a coaching conversation.

Change talk

Client statements favoring movement toward change, including desire, ability, reasons, and need; it predicts subsequent behavior change.

Spirit of MI

The underlying stance of motivational interviewing: partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation, guiding how the coach interacts with the client.

Implementation intention

A plan specifying when, where, and how a behavior will be performed; it improves follow-through compared with a general intention to act.

Informed consent

The client's voluntary agreement to coaching after understanding the process, fees, confidentiality limits, and the right to withdraw.

Confidentiality exceptions

Limits to client privacy disclosed in advance, typically including imminent risk of harm, suspected abuse, and disclosures required by law.

Dual relationship

A situation in which the coach holds another significant role with the client, such as supervisor or family member, risking impaired objectivity.

Mandated reporting

A legal duty, varying by jurisdiction, to report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable persons to designated authorities.