Trauma Informed Coaching
Mar 30, 2026What if the way someone shows up today is shaped by something they don’t even fully understand yet?
In this episode, we explored a topic that is gaining real traction in the coaching space and beyond: trauma-informed coaching.
We sat down to unpack what this actually means in practice, not from a theoretical standpoint, but from the lived reality of working with people. Because the truth is, whether you are a coach, leader, or simply someone supporting others, you are already in the presence of trauma more often than you realise.
We reflected on how trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by the impact it leaves behind. Two people can experience the same situation and carry entirely different imprints from it. That insight alone shifts how we approach conversations, relationships, and growth.
Throughout the conversation, we explored how trauma can show up in coaching. Sometimes it is obvious through emotional responses, avoidance, or disconnection. Other times it is subtle, sitting beneath behaviours like self-criticism or hesitation. What stood out most for us is that coaching often surfaces self-awareness, and with that, past experiences can naturally come into view.
We shared our own reflections on moments where unexpected responses emerged, reminding us that trauma is not always something we consciously recognise. It can live in the body, revealing itself in ways that catch us off guard.
A key theme in this episode is responsibility. As coaches, we are not there to process trauma. Our role is to create a space of safety, choice, and autonomy. That means recognising when a client is present and reflective, versus when they may be re-experiencing something overwhelming. In those moments, our focus shifts to regulation, grounding, and support.
We also challenged the idea that there is a clear-cut boundary in coaching between what is acceptable and what is not. The reality is more nuanced. It comes down to self-awareness, competence, and understanding where your role begins and ends.
This episode is not about turning coaches into therapists. It is about raising awareness, deepening compassion, and equipping you to hold space in a way that is ethical, grounded, and human.
Whether you are a coach, a leader, or someone navigating your own growth, this conversation invites you to consider how trauma awareness shapes the way you show up for yourself and others.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Introduction to trauma-informed coaching
- 00:29 Why trauma awareness is rising
- 01:25 What trauma-informed coaching really means
- 02:10 Understanding the prevalence of trauma
- 03:07 Big T vs little t trauma explained
- 04:25 How trauma develops and repeats
- 05:22 How trauma shows up in coaching conversations
- 06:40 Boundaries in coaching and trauma
- 08:01 When trauma appears in coaching sessions
- 08:59 The role of safety and compassion
- 10:23 Client awareness and unconscious trauma
- 11:40 Is trauma-informed coaching different?
- 13:05 Training, knowledge, and coach capability
- 14:31 Control, contracting, and client safety
- 15:56 Self-awareness and professional boundaries
- 17:17 Real-life example of a trauma response
- 18:30 Somatic awareness and working with the body
- 19:25 Co-regulation and present moment awareness
- 20:18 Holding space when unexpected memories arise
- 22:08 Supporting clients through choice and autonomy
- 23:31 Real-world coaching scenarios
- 25:09 Coaching vs therapy boundaries
- 26:05 Final reflections and next steps
Key Lessons Learned:
- Trauma is not defined by the event, but by the impact it leaves on the individual
- You are likely interacting with people carrying trauma every day, whether visible or not
- Coaching can surface past experiences through increased self-awareness
- The role of a coach is to create safety, not to process trauma
- Recognising the difference between reflection and re-experiencing is critical
- Regulation and grounding are essential tools in trauma-informed practice
- There is no fixed boundary list, self-awareness and competence guide decisions
- Somatic awareness helps identify responses that are not cognitive
- Clients must always remain at choice in how they proceed
- Trauma-informed coaching starts with understanding your own experiences and limits
Keywords:
trauma informed coaching, what is trauma informed coaching, trauma awareness in coaching, coaching and trauma, emotional safety in coaching, somatic coaching techniques, coaching boundaries and trauma, trauma response in coaching, coaching vs therapy, ethical coaching practice, nervous system in coaching, trauma informed leadership,
Links & Resources:
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com
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