Coaching Protocols¶
Evidence-based coaching approaches that inform Naluma's session content, conversation design, and feature architecture. Research conducted April 2026 from RCT literature and competitor analysis.
Summary¶
Naluma's coaching sessions blend three evidence-based approaches, each contributing different elements to the conversational experience:
| Approach | Evidence Level | What It Contributes to Naluma | Primary Feature Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) | Strongest — multiple RCTs, Cochrane reviews | Session structure, module sequence, cognitive restructuring exercises | #2a Conversational Session Engine, #4 Content Library |
| ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) | Strong — large effect sizes, 18-month follow-up | Acceptance exercises, values work, defusion techniques | #2a Conversational Session Engine, #6 Progress Check-In & Trends |
| TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy) | Moderate — clinical standard, fewer RCTs | Sound therapy rationale, mixing-point concept, habituation model | #3 Sound Enrichment Player, #4 Content Library (psychoeducation) |
Blended Session Model¶
Competitor apps (Oto, MindEar) use a blended approach rather than pure CBT or ACT. Naluma follows this pattern:
| Session Type | Source Protocol | Chat Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoeducation | CBT / TRT | Naluma explains concept → reflective chips → takeaway |
| Practice | CBT / ACT | Naluma introduces exercise → readiness chip → audio session (S20) |
| Reflection | ACT | Values/acceptance questions → chips → reframe |
| Sound therapy intro | TRT | Explains mixing point → links to Sounds tab (S30) |
| Check-in | All | "How was your day?" → chips → route to appropriate session |
Interaction Model¶
Guided-only — no free text input, no LLM in MVP.
- User selects from preset chips (2–5 words each)
- Chip tap → becomes right-aligned "sent" bubble, unchosen options vanish
- Naluma responds with therapeutic content and offers next set of chips
- Footer bar reads "Naluma guides the conversation" (replacing text input area)
This avoids the risk of missed intent in a therapy context and keeps the experience clinically grounded.
Key Design Decisions¶
- No free-text input in MVP — coaching context demands high accuracy; guided chips eliminate misinterpretation risk
- Blended protocol, not pure CBT — matches competitor best practice and allows richer session variety
- CBT module sequence as backbone — strongest evidence base; ACT and TRT sessions woven in at appropriate points
- Habituation as unifying framework — TRT's habituation model provides the overarching narrative ("your brain can learn to tune it out")
Key Sources¶
- Beukes iCBT program (21 modules, 8 weeks): PMC8642102
- ACT vs TRT trial (large effect sizes): ScienceDirect
- TRT counseling protocol: PMC8632517
- Oto app feasibility study: PMC12575424
- CBT evidence review (Cochrane): PMC3936550
Subpages¶
Detailed protocol breakdowns: