Caution – avoid singular approaches to trauma!

When a Coach, Practitioner or Therapist is trained in one methodology or model, their approach can be narrow, limited and process focused not client centred.

Beware of common beliefs traps:

  • It worked for me so it will work for my clients.
  • It worked for client A, so it will work for client B.
  • It worked for clients A & B so it will work for all my clients.
  • My trainer, supervisor, colleague said it will help.
  • The book, manual, website, social media post said…

Trauma Informed = Careful = Care Full

  1. A trauma sensitive coach: is aware of the potential for undisclosed trauma in their client’s past and is careful during coaching sessions.
  2. A trauma-informed coach: is aware, careful, mindful, informed with processes, procedures and a support network and referral system in place.
  3. A trauma trained integrative coach: is trauma-sensitive, trauma-informed and trained and certified in therapeutic interventions. Has an integrative coaching approach, engages in regular supervision sessions and has commitment to continued professional development training and reflective practice.

 

Quality trauma-informed coach training will enable you to prepare you emotionally, practically and professionally for the time when a client presents with or discloses a trauma narrative in a coaching session with you. This is beyond the scope of practice, training and skillset of most classically trained coaches.

Part three of my book – The Trauma-Informed Coach opens with an at-a-glance section that demystifies trauma jargon and terminology, including summaries of the diagnostic criteria for post traumatic stress disorder PTSD from three major international sources and emergent trauma theories definitions and models. Here you will also increase your awareness of potential trauma triggers and responses. Medically, trauma is defined as an injury such as a wound to body tissue. Emotionally, it is an upset that results in severe mental or emotional stress. From a whole-person perspective, it applies to any event or experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and rebalance afterwards. Those experiencing high levels of stress and trauma may cope for a while, but in the long term they need strategies to calm and regulate their nervous system, to process events and the impact of them.

Chapter ten summarises the interconnectedness of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment theory and polyvagal theory (the range of autonomic nervous system responses to danger) in the context of trauma and adversity. The physiological and emotional impact of attachment relationships are illustrated in the case studies and explained further. To counterbalance trauma and adversity, I’ve emphasised the value of regulation strategies, protective and mitigating factors, building hope and resilience and the potential for post-traumatic growth following adversity.

The term ‘trauma-informed’ means being trauma-aware and trauma-sensitive. Reading my book will give you some knowledge of the short- and long-term impact of adversity, trauma definitions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. You can also develop processes and strategies to support your clients, including a policy to refer them to other trained professionals and relevant organisations.

Coaching and change work have many therapeutic benefits. However, it’s not the coach’s role to offer ‘therapy’ or ‘fixes’ to the client, but to meet them and accept them where they are and as who they are. Coaches work with clients in the present moment and connect them with their inner resources, identifying any obstacles to achieving desired outcomes and goals.

Curious to know more and take your coaching to the next level?  Book to attend trauma-informed training and commit to ongoing professional coaching development. Update and refine your coaching and change work skills. If you intend to sensitively guide, safeguard and coaching clients who have experienced trauma and adversity.

TEN STEPS TO BECOMING TRAUMA-INFORMED

  1. Read The Trauma-Informed Coach book
  2. Attend a comprehensive trauma-informed coach training
  3. Create a client referral procedure
  4. Create client handouts
  5. Establish robust coaching contracting and boundaries
  6. Attend safeguarding training
  7. Attend suicide awareness training
  8. Create a directory of trauma-informed contacts and colleagues
  9. Have a commitment to regular reflective practice
  10. Schedule regular coaching supervision

Train with Joanna Harper – the next Trauma-Informed Coach continued professional development training is 21, 22, 23 April 2023. Click this link to the event to register and book your place.

 

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