NETA Wellness Coach study plan

Define each of the six domains in your own words and map how Stages of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente) and Motivational Interviewing overlap in a one-page diagram.

List the four processes of Motivational Interviewing (engaging, focusing, evoking, planning) and write two example questions a coach could ask at each stage.

Compare at least three behavioral change models (Transtheoretical Model, Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory) by writing one paragraph on what each explains best and where each falls short.

Draft a 10-item self-quiz on the stages of change and score it, logging any missed items for review.

Apply the decisional balance technique by writing out pros and cons for a sample client considering a health behavior change.

Identify at least five MI-inconsistent responses (righting reflex, unsolicited advice, premature planning) in sample dialogue and rewrite each as an MI-consistent response.

Explain change talk versus sustain talk in writing, giving three verbatim examples of each.

Practice a 15-minute role-play of the engaging process and record a self-reflection on what you did well and what to improve.

Distinguish the four types of change talk (desire, ability, reason, need) and write two evoking prompts for each type.

Describe the OARS skills (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) and write three examples of each in a coaching context.

List common barriers to change (ambivalence, low self-efficacy, social pressure, cost, time) and match each to an MI strategy that addresses it.

Role-play a 20-minute session focused on evoking change talk and note every instance of change talk you elicited.

Demonstrate the difference between simple and complex reflections by writing ten of each based on a sample client statement.

Explain the sustain talk/change talk ratio and describe how to respond when sustain talk dominates a session.

Identify at least four signs of readiness for planning and write a transition statement for each.

Complete a full 30-minute mock coaching session and self-score it against an MI fidelity checklist you build.

Compare SMART, SMARTER, and goal-attainment scaling approaches, writing one paragraph on when each fits a wellness coaching context.

Convert five vague client wishes into specific, measurable, time-bound goals.

Explain how adult learning principles (self-direction, relevance, experience, problem-centered orientation) shape how you co-create goals with clients.

Draft three coaching questions that draw on a client's prior experience to build confidence in a new goal.

Build a goal-setting worksheet that walks a client from aspiration to a specific action plan with confidence rating.

Describe the difference between outcome goals, performance goals, and process goals and give two examples of each relevant to wellness.

Apply reflective listening and summarizing to a sample goal-setting conversation, writing the coach's turns verbatim.

Explain how to handle a client who sets an unrealistic goal, using at least three communication techniques.

Define the core interpersonal communication skills (active listening, empathy, paraphrasing, summarizing, open questions) and write one example of each in a coaching exchange.

Explain cultural humility and describe three adjustments a coach can make when a client's background or values differ from their own.

Describe how to give feedback that respects adult learners' autonomy and prior experience, giving two sample scripts.

Analyze a sample coaching transcript for communication breakdowns and propose specific repairs.

Synthesize all six domains into a one-page coaching framework that shows how learning, communication, behavior change, MI, goal-setting, and barrier management connect.

Complete a timed 50-question mixed practice exam covering all domains and score at least 80%.

Review every missed item and write a corrected explanation for each in your own words.

Deliver a full 45-minute mock coaching session integrating MI, goal-setting, adult learning principles, and barrier planning.