Coaching is a powerful tool for personal development, and regardless of the form it takes ― life coaching, executive coaching, or health coaching ― the common goal is always to help people become a better, more aware and engaged version of themselves. However, one particularly impactful approach is trauma informed coaching.
This coaching approach recognizes how trauma can affect people and seeks to create a safe, non-judgmental space for them to heal, grow, and move forward.
Why is understanding trauma important in coaching? First, trauma can have a long-lasting impact on how people think, feel, and behave. When coaches get a good grasp of this problem, they can provide more empathetic and effective support.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is how we interpret and respond to experiences or events that we consider distressing. This deep response can overwhelm our ability to cope. It can show up in a few different ways:
- Acute Trauma: A single, isolated event, like an accident
- Chronic Trauma: Ongoing, repeated trauma, such as long-term abuse
- Complex Trauma: Multiple, varied traumatic events, usually interpersonal, such as childhood neglect
It’s common to reprimand, frown at, or assume something is wrong with someone who may be struggling with the effects of trauma. But Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, in What Happened to You? suggest that we shift our question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This reframing of perspective helps us understand that their behaviors are often responses to difficult experiences rather than personal flaws.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Trauma:
Dr. Gabor Maté, in When the Body Says No, points out that “emotions that are suppressed do not disappear; they manifest in the body as illness.” This shows the connection between unresolved emotional trauma and physical health issues. Trauma may manifest as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
Trauma can lead to intense fear, anger, and sadness. It can even affect our relationships, how we manage stress, and, in some cases, deal a serious blow to our self-esteem.
Principles of Trauma Informed Coaching
In trauma informed coaching, certain principles guide how coaches support people seeking support after trauma.
Safety
It’s important to ensure the client feels totally safe ― both physically and emotionally. Coaches need to be mindful of boundaries and anything that could trigger the client.
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Trust is huge in this form of coaching. Coaches have to communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and keep things confidential. Clients need to know they can count on their coach and understand exactly what the process will be like.
Peer Support
Connecting clients with a supportive network of people who “get it” can be powerful. When clients can share experiences and insights with others who’ve been through similar situations, it provides tons of valuable guidance.
Working Together as Equals
In trauma informed coaching, the coach doesn’t come off as being the expert who tells the client what to do. It’s a collaborative partnership where they’re working together as equals to help the client heal and grow.
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
The main focus is helping the client regain a sense of control and celebrating their inner strength and resilience. Coaches want clients to feel like they’re driving the process, not just following orders.
Considering the Bigger Picture
Coaches also need to understand the client’s whole background and context. Factors like culture, life experiences, and gender often contribute to how trauma shows up, so it’s important to approach each client with that awareness.
Benefits of Trauma Informed Coaching
Trauma informed coaching brings some really powerful benefits to the table. For starters, it helps build a strong foundation of trust and rapport between the coach and client. When you create a safe, supportive environment and show you truly understand what the client is going through, it goes a long way in getting them to open up and fully engage in the process.
And that engagement and investment from the client? That’s huge. Clients who feel respected and empowered are way more likely to stick with the coaching long-term and keep working hard towards their goals. They know their coach “gets” them, so they’re motivated to keep showing up.
Beyond client retention, trauma informed coaching also leads to better results. Often, clients end up more satisfied because their unique needs and experiences are taken into account every step of the way. Their experience is more depthful and complete.
Perhaps one of the most important benefits, though, is the reduced risk of re-traumatization. Trauma informed coaches know how to create a safe space and avoid triggering clients. That allows for deeper, more meaningful healing to take place without the client having to worry about being re-harmed in the process.
Preparing for Your Coaching Journey
First, get clear on what you want to achieve when you’re ready to start your coaching journey. What are your goals for coaching? What kind of changes are you hoping to make in your life? Take some time to get really specific about your desired outcomes. That way, you and your coach can work together to make sure you get there.
Next up, think about how you can create a safe, comfortable space for yourself during your coaching sessions. This could include finding a quiet, private space where you feel relaxed and free from distractions. Remember, this is your time to focus on you.
And speaking of focusing on you, don’t be afraid to be an open book with your coach. The more honest and transparent you can be, the better they’ll be able to support you. Share what’s on your mind, what’s working, what’s not working ― all of it. Your coach is there to listen without judgment and help you navigate whatever comes up.
Empowering Clients Through Trauma Informed Coaching
Trauma informed coaching is essential for supporting clients who’ve experienced trauma. When coaches apply principles like safety, trust, and collaboration, they create an environment where clients feel empowered to heal and grow.
