What Coaches Get Wrong About Trauma (And How to Get It Right)
Let’s cut the bullshit: most coaches aren’t trauma-informed, even if they think they are. Just knowing trauma exists and hoping for the best isn’t enough. Your clients deserve more. And if you’re serious about helping them, it’s time to get real about what trauma-informed coaching actually means.
First, let’s break down the difference between being trauma-aware and trauma-informed.
- Trauma-aware: You know trauma exists. You might spot it in a client, and you avoid obvious mistakes like pushing too hard or minimizing their experience.
- Trauma-informed: You know how to recognize trauma responses, support your clients in real time without causing harm, and protect your own energy in the process.
See the difference?
One is passive. The other is a skill set that changes how you coach on every level.
Trauma-informed coaching isn’t about fixing or diagnosing your clients. It’s about knowing how to hold space for what’s coming up, without making it worse for them or draining yourself.
Holding Space Without Soaking Up Your Client’s Energy
If you’ve ever left a session feeling completely wiped out – or worse, like you’re carrying your client’s emotions around for days – you’re not alone.
This happens because you haven’t been taught how to hold space without taking on someone else’s energy.
It’s not about caring less. It’s about grounding and releasing so you can stay fully present without burning out.
Here’s how you do it:
- Ground yourself before every session. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Plant your feet on the floor. Take a deep breath. Picture your energy staying anchored and steady.
- Release what isn’t yours. I like to imagine shaking off everything that doesn’t belong to me, like dirt off my boots. It’s simple but powerful.
These little rituals can save you from the emotional hangover that comes from taking on too much. They’ll help you show up stronger for your clients without sacrificing yourself in the process.
Why Trauma-Informed Coaching Matters More Than Ever
Here’s the truth: Clients are craving deeper work. They’re no longer satisfied with surface-level mindset shifts or generic advice.
They want real transformation, and if you’re not trauma-informed, you’re missing an opportunity to meet them at that level.
That’s exactly why I created my Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification.
This isn’t just another coaching course full of theory and buzzwords. It’s a 10-week deep dive into practical tools you can use right away. You’ll learn how to recognize trauma in the moment, respond effectively, and protect your own energy while doing the work.
What you’ll walk away with:
- Confidence in handling whatever comes up in a session without panicking or second-guessing yourself
- Tools to help your clients regulate their nervous systems (even when they’re spinning out)
- A deeper understanding of how trauma shows up in coaching and what to do about it
If you’ve been feeling like there’s something missing in your coaching, this is probably it.
Trauma-informed work takes your practice from good to life-changing—for you and your clients.
What’s Next?
The coaching industry is changing fast. More clients are seeking trauma-informed coaches. And more coaches are realizing they need these tools to stay relevant and effective. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start coaching at a deeper level, this certification is your next step.
[Click here to learn more and enroll.]
Final Word
Being trauma-informed isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about knowing how to hold space, how to respond with compassion and clarity, and how to protect your own energy so you can keep doing this work without burning out.
If that resonates with you, it’s time to take the next step.
The next cohort begins Feb. 27. Join us.