Degree Requirements: See Requirements Tab
Completion Time: 4.5 to 5.5 years
Earned Credits: 75 to 78
The specialization in Integrative Wellness Coaching includes 15 credits of coursework designed around the fundamental coaching competencies and skills recognized by professional credentialing organizations. Drawing from current research in professional coaching, lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body interventions, students enrolled in this specialization learn how to apply evidence-based, best practice approaches to support well-being in others. Specialization requirements include:
Saybrook’s Ph.D. Mind-body Medicine IWC specialization integrates mind-body practices and evidence-based research into health and wellness coaching. The degree is uniquely designed to prepare students to effect powerful positive change for those seeking enhanced personal wellness and lifestyle balance.
By completing the required coursework in this specialization, students also complete the Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching. The Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching is approved by the International Coach Federation for 88 hours of coach training and is also an Approved Training Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Many graduates of this specialization will be able to augment their existing practitioner practices. Others will have the opportunity to build successful careers in the following areas:
- Certified wellness coaching
- Telehealth coaching
- Health education
- Community health
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations
More program information can be found in our academic catalog.
“Integrative Wellness Coaching (IWC) is at the forefront of holistic care, especially in today’s Telehealth environment. With worldwide integrative health clinics as a staple, health coaches, educators, and community health care professionals are needed now more than ever.” Julie A. Cerrato, Ph.D. ACC NBC-HWC – IWC Specialization Coordinator
The requirements for the Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine degree include 75 credits within specific categories of coursework: core (15 credits), research (21 credits), mind-body science (6 credits), practice (9 credits), electives (9 credits), and specialization (15 credits). Students who prefer to not to add a specialization will complete 15 credits of additional electives from any category or degree program. If the academic writing course is required, another elective may be added to the degree, thus increasing the requirements to 78 credits. Prerequisites must be met to register for certain courses.
Students enrolled in this degree program must attend five five-day residential conferences (RCs). They must also attend any additional RC days, as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.
“The Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization encompasses courses that reflect the ICF and NBHWC core competencies and ethical standards that prepare coaches for excellence.”
Julie A. Cerrato, Ph.D. ACC NBC-HWC – IWC Specialization
Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine
This course presents a comprehensive overview of lifestyle medicine and optimizing pathways toward greater well-being. As a foundations course, students will be introduced to holistic approaches to assess various dimensions of personal wellness. Each week, students will explore a new dimension of wellness by reviewing and critiquing literature and assessment in positive health, lifestyle medicine, health promotion, and cultural humility and sensitivity. This class is fundamental for students preparing for a career in wellness coaching and consulting. 3 credits
Positive Psychology Applications in Coaching
Students will learn about and apply the primary coaching theories within positive psychology to enhance their work with individuals and organizations focusing on human strengths and values, eudemonic well-being, and quality of life. This course emphasizes the psychosocial underpinnings related to human flourishing as well as empirically validated assessments and interventions to use with coaching clients in various settings. Finally, students will be presented with coaching tools for empowering individuals toward optimal well-being, engagement, and productivity. 3 credits
Intermediate Coaching
This intermediate-level coaching course is designed to strengthen the core coaching competencies taught in the foundational COA 5628 Evidence-Based Coaching course. Throughout the seven-week term, students will (a) discuss and practice intermediate coaching skills and competencies, (b) identify and use various health and wellness assessments related to coaching, (c) identify opportunities and approaches to integrate mind-body-spirit techniques within coaching sessions, (d) strengthen self-coaching skills and self-care practices, and (e) investigate coaching opportunities within the integrative health care field (e.g., medical, community health and wellness, private practice, corporate wellness). This is the second of three required courses in the Integrative Wellness Coaching Certificate program. 3 credits