Coaching for Health Volunteer Training
Are you interested in volunteering with Pain BC’s Coaching for Health program? We are currently seeking volunteers to participate in the upcoming volunteer training session.
This free, online training program provides learners with a knowledge base around the fundamentals of motivational interviewing, active listening, a foundational education on chronic pain, as well as self-management strategies.
People with lived experience of pain are encouraged to apply, as are those with similar work experience who would like to support those living with pain through an anti-oppressive and strength-based health coaching program.
This free, online training program provides learners with a knowledge base around the fundamentals of motivational interviewing, active listening, a foundational education on chronic pain, as well as self-management strategies.
People with lived experience of pain are encouraged to apply, as are those with similar work experience who would like to support those living with pain through an anti-oppressive and strength-based health coaching program.
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Audience
Coaches & Volunteers
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Modules
5
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Duration
40 hours
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Certificate
Upon Completion
Learning outcomes
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Explain foundational pain science, including the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors of chronic pain.
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Understand and empathize with the lived experience of individuals navigating the daily physical and emotional realities of pain.
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Analyze pain treatment approaches and understand holistic strategies for managing chronic pain.
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Support self-management and behaviour change by learning how to empower and guide clients toward sustainable health goals.
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Navigate program processes and obligations, mastering the operational structure and ethical boundaries required of a Pain BC volunteer.
Modules
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to participate?
To be eligible to participate in the training, you must meet the following requirements:
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Currently living in British Columbia, Canada
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18+ years old
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Can complete a criminal record check
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Understanding of the impact/dynamics of chronic pain on well-being or personal experience of chronic pain, including successfully using self-management strategies to return to function
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Reliability, non-judgmental attitude, openness to learn, share, and receive feedback, and commitment to supporting individuals and families from all backgrounds and cultures achieve better health outcomes
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Ability to recognize the need for support and direction
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Proficiency speaking and writing English (Second language is an asset)
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Computer competence, access to secure email, access to a private phone line and personal computer with video and a microphone
What is the training format?
The Coaching for Health volunteer training
is a hybrid course. It has virtual live sessions and online course content. The
course begins January 1, 2027 and ends February 25, 2027.
Learners must attend six weekly interactive virtual live sessions. These sessions are three hours each and incorporate regular breaks. Virtual live sessions will not be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Between virtual live sessions, learners can expect to spend at least three to five hours per week on the following assignments:
To assess practical coaching skills, learners will pair up to record a practice coaching session, and then they will complete a peer-evaluation.
Learners must attend six weekly interactive virtual live sessions. These sessions are three hours each and incorporate regular breaks. Virtual live sessions will not be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Between virtual live sessions, learners can expect to spend at least three to five hours per week on the following assignments:
- Online self-paced modules
- Peer activities with an assigned group within your training cohort
To assess practical coaching skills, learners will pair up to record a practice coaching session, and then they will complete a peer-evaluation.
When are the virtual live sessions?
The virtual live sessions are held weekly on Thursdays from January 14, 2027 until February 18, 2027 from 12:00pm–3:00pm Pacific Time, with the session on February 4, 2027 running an extra half hour.
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January 14: Introduction to coaching, guiding frameworks, strength-based and anti-oppressive approaches, and self-compassion.
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January 21: Introduction to motivational interviewing, self-disclosure, stages of change, and grounding and containment.
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January 28: Pain science, rolling with resistance, and motivational interviewing practice.
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February 4: 12:00pm–3:30pm: How to ask about suicide, providing support as a coach, and safety planning.
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February 11: The coaching model, self-management, and grief.
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February 18: Self-care, program logistics, and Pain BC resources.
What topics are covered in the online modules?
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Module 1 - Your role as a coach
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Module 2 - Coaching overview
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Module 3 - Introduction to pain
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Module 4 - Living with pain
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Module 5 - Managing pain
What is Coaching for Health?
Coaching for Health is a free, telephone and virtual, volunteer coaching program designed to help people living with pain learn self-management skills, regain function and improve their well-being. Coaching for Health aims to assist people over age 18 who have a diagnosis of a chronic pain condition or have been living with persistent pain for at least six months.
Coaching has been shown to be effective
when a client needs help getting started with self-management, is stuck or
unmotivated to change behaviours that impact their health. Clients are offered
up to 12 weekly or bi-weekly (once every two weeks) 30–60-minute coaching
sessions.
Coaching for Health is available to BC residents only.
What is the role of a volunteer coach?
Volunteer coaches assist individuals who live with chronic pain to learn self-management skills by providing telephone and/or video coaching services.
Volunteer coaches are trained in specialized coaching techniques that
use transformative dialogue to empower people to change health-related
behaviours and establish better self-management. Volunteer training also
encompasses topics such as pain physiology, clients’ lived experience,
self-management of chronic pain and self-management resources.
What is the time commitment for a volunteer coach?
Volunteer coaches are expected to commit to the following:
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Minimum of one year of volunteering with the Coaching for Health program
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Completion of all training including: home/online preparation, video conference training, and orientation meetings with a more experienced volunteer or staff
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100 hours of coaching (commitment of up to 4 hours per week: 2 client sessions + session documentation + debrief as needed with Program Lead) over 8 to 12 months or until the 100 hours have been completed
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Attendance at regular group debriefs (1 hour per session)
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Participation in regular volunteer educational sessions throughout the year (1 hour per session)
What are the benefits of coaching?
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Increased confidence in engagement of self-management practices
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Shift towards regaining / improving function
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Moving clients towards active engagement in their health
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Improved mental health and well-being
Meet the Coaching for Health program team
Linda Duarte, Coaching for Health Lead
Linda is supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of Pain BC's Coaching for Health program. She is a Registered Clinical Counselor with over 25 years of experience in a variety of community settings including health, addiction and mental health. She is highly committed to working with clients and volunteer coaches in a collaborative, trauma informed and evidence based manner. She is honored to be part of the Pain BC team.
Shirvin Lee, Clinical Counsellor
Shirvin is a clinical counsellor who supports Pain BC's Support Services programs. She has a master's degree in counselling psychology with a background in addictions, substance use, anxiety, and trauma. She is passionate about normalizing mental health, particularly with a cultural lens. Her focus is to meet people where they're at and support them at a pace that works for them.
Have questions about the upcoming training?
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming training, please contact us at coachingforhealth@painbc.ca.
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