Trauma-informed coaching is about creating a safe and supportive space for clients, while respecting the boundaries of your role as a coach. Following clear, ethical guidelines helps protect both you and your clients, ensuring the work is impactful and professional.

Bonus: You become the one person who “gets” your clients. This modality, when done with integrity and compassion, builds a undying loyalty and consistent referrals. People just want to feel heard and seen. Help them by becoming Trauma-Informed.

Understand Your Scope

As a coach, your role is to guide, support and empower clients, not to diagnose or treat trauma. Be clear about your boundaries and avoid stepping into therapeutic territory.

Your role involves creating an environment where clients feel heard and validated, while recognizing that deeper trauma processing requires the expertise of licensed mental health professionals.

When working with clients, explicitly communicate your scope of practice at the outset of the relationship. This clarity helps set appropriate expectations and builds trust.

For example, if a client begins discussing unresolved trauma that seems beyond your ability to address, gently explain that while you can support them in specific ways, they may benefit from additional professional help.

Recognize When to Refer

Referrals are a critical component of trauma-informed coaching. Knowing when and how to refer a client to a mental health professional ensures their needs are met ethically and effectively.

Below are key indicators that a client may require additional support:

1. Intense Emotional Dysregulation: If a client is unable to manage overwhelming emotions during or after sessions, it may indicate the need for therapeutic intervention.
2. Recurring Trauma Flashbacks: Persistent flashbacks or dissociative episodes are beyond the scope of coaching and require specialized care.
3. Stagnation or Regression: If a client shows little progress despite consistent effort, it may signal unresolved trauma requiring deeper exploration with a therapist.
4. Self-Harm or Suicidal Ideation: Immediate referral is necessary when a client exhibits signs of self-harm or expresses suicidal thoughts. Be prepared to act swiftly and responsibly.
5. Substance Abuse or Addictive Behaviors: These often require comprehensive treatment plans and the involvement of specialized professionals.

Referring a client isn’t a failure. It’s a testament to your commitment to their well-being.

Building a trusted network of licensed therapists, counselors and other mental health professionals ensures you have resources ready when needed. Familiarize yourself with their areas of expertise and maintain open communication to facilitate smooth transitions for your clients.

Providing clients with multiple options, where possible, empowers them to choose the right fit for their needs.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas can arise unexpectedly in trauma-informed work. For example, a client may disclose current abuse, self-harm, or suicidal ideation.

Here are key steps to navigate these situations:

• Prioritize Transparency: Let clients know at the beginning of your coaching relationship about any limits to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting laws.
• Client Safety Comes First: If a client’s safety is at risk, take appropriate action. This may involve reporting to authorities, contacting a mental health professional or involving emergency services.
• Seek Guidance: Consult with a supervisor, mentor or peer network to ensure your decisions align with ethical best practices. Document these consultations for accountability and clarity.

Respect Client Autonomy

Empower your clients to make their own decisions and set the pace for their healing journey. Avoid pushing them to explore areas they are not ready to confront.

This approach fosters a sense of safety and collaboration. Key principles include:

• Active Listening: Reflect and validate clients’ experiences without judgment or assumptions.
• Encouraging Agency: Use questions and exercises that help clients identify their own solutions and next steps.
• Pacing: Allow clients to progress at a speed that feels safe and manageable for them.

Ongoing Education

The field of trauma research is always evolving, and staying informed is essential to maintaining ethical and effective practices.

Commit to continuous professional development by:

• Attending workshops and conferences focused on trauma and its impacts.
• Reading recent studies, books, and resources from experts like Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score) and Peter Levine (Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma).
• Engaging in peer learning through supervision groups or online forums.
• Pursuing certifications or advanced training in trauma-informed approaches.

By adhering to these ethical guidelines, you create a coaching relationship built on trust, safety, and integrity.

Trauma-informed coaching is a collaborative process that respects the unique journey of each client. When coaches remain within their scope, refer appropriately, and commit to ongoing learning, clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to move forward.

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References:

• van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.
• Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
• SAMHSA. (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov

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Ready to become a trauma-informed coach?

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The next cohort begins Feb. 27.

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