Most coaches guess. This course teaches you to diagnose.
Your client isn't exercising. Is it because they don't know how? Because they don't have time? Because they're not motivated? Each of those requires a completely different coaching strategy — and most coaches pick one based on intuition rather than evidence.
The Behaviour Change Wheel gives you a structured way to figure out exactly what's blocking your client. This course teaches you how to use it.
I keep trying different approaches but nothing sticks
My client says they want to change but won't follow through
I don't know if it's motivation or something else
I feel like I'm guessing in sessions
By the end of this course, you'll have:
A diagnostic framework for behaviour change
Understand the COM-B model — Capability, Opportunity, Motivation — and how to use it to systematically identify what's preventing your client from changing.
Precision in strategy selection
Stop guessing which intervention to try. Learn to match behaviour change techniques directly to the specific barrier your client faces.
Fluency with the Behaviour Change Wheel
Engage with the foundational research by Michie et al. that underpins modern behaviour change science — the same framework used in public health and clinical practice.
Applied practice through case studies
Work through a realistic case study where you conduct a full behavioral diagnosis, identify barriers, and recommend targeted strategies — with personalized feedback.
What's inside the course
This course builds a single, powerful skill: the ability to diagnose exactly why your client is stuck — and match the right strategy to their specific barrier. You'll move from theory to application in one course.
Learn the Behavioral Diagnosis
This learning video introduces the concept of a behavioral diagnosis and the COM-B model — Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation — the framework used by the NHS, WHO, and public health agencies worldwide to understand behaviour. You'll learn how to identify which component is creating the barrier for your client, and why that distinction changes everything about your coaching approach.
Download the full program overview
Why learn this from us
Rooted in research
The COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel are among the most cited frameworks in behavioural science — used by the NHS, WHO, and public health agencies worldwide.
Research-trained instructors
We hold a PhD and MSc in behavioural science. We've used COM-B in our own published research and work — so we teach it from experience, not just textbooks.
Applied, not just theoretical
You won't just learn what COM-B is — you'll practice using it in a realistic case study with personalized feedback. That's the difference between knowing a framework and being able to use it.
Part of a complete toolkit
This course pairs naturally with the other MHC series courses — once you diagnose the barrier, courses like Reframing and Tiny Experiments give you the tools to address it.
Is this course right for you?
This course is designed for:
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Health coaches who want a structured diagnostic approach to assess clients behaviour change needs
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Coaches who feel like they're guessing in sessions
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Healthcare professionals interested in behaviour change frameworks
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Anyone familiar with motivational interviewing who wants to add diagnostic precision
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Coaches seeking courses on evidence-based methods
This may not be the right fit if:
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You want clinical CBT training — this is an adapted coaching tool
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You're looking for the full health coaching certification (see our upcoming program)
Meet your instructors
Sean Locke, PhD
Lead Instructor · Professor of Behavioral Science
Isabelle Hill, MSc, PhD(c)
Lead Instructor · Health Behaviour Scientist
Enroll Now
Behavioural Diagnosis
CA$99
one-time
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Learning video on conducting a behavioral diagnosis using the COM-B model
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Blog post introducing the Behaviour Change Wheel framework
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Applied case study — perform a full behavioral diagnosis on a client struggling with blood pressure, with personalized feedback
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Optional: supplemental COM-B video with real-world examples, Behaviour Change Wheel research papers and behavioural scientist blog post
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Ongoing access to all course materials
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HHC Mastering Health Communication: Behavioural Diagnosis Certificate upon completion
Questions about which plan is right for you? Get in touch
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any prior knowledge of behaviour change theory?
No. This course explains the COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel from the ground up. It helps if you've done some coaching, but no specific theoretical background is required.
How is this different from what I learned in my coaching certification?
Most coaching programs teach general communication skills (like motivational interviewing) but don't teach you how to diagnose WHY a client is stuck. This course adds that diagnostic layer — so you know which tool to reach for and why.
How long does the course take?
Approximately 60 minutes for the core content (video + readings). The case study adds another 30 minutes. You'll have ongoing access to revisit everything.
What's the case study like?
You'll receive a detailed client scenario and conduct a full behavioral diagnosis — identifying COM-B barriers and recommending matched intervention strategies. You submit your analysis for personalized pass/fail feedback, with unlimited resubmissions until you pass.