Understanding the role of trauma in the client’s journey
In the midst of global and climate crises, research can guide coaches to show care for clients through trauma-informed coaching principles and awareness.
Also, see the steps at the end of this article!
Challenge: Seven out of ten people worldwide are struggling emotionally
Opportunity: Coaches can support people who have experienced struggles and trauma
Impact: Coaching can help people become experts in their experiences
Wisdom Weavers
Research reveals the importance of expressing care
According to Gallup research, seven out of ten people worldwide report struggling or suffering. Traumatic experiences often leave lasting effects, and while the coaching profession is not to be confused with therapy, research informs how coaches can support individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
Wisdom Weaver Dr. Jonathan Passmore asserts that “when people look back on this conversation in the archive—when they think about the work that we as researchers were doing during the 2020s—they might be asking what were coaches doing when the planet was burning? And maybe the answer then is that we have been focused on, . . . simply helping their clients to make the fire glow hotter. We’re focusing on amplifying organizational [capabilities] or individual performance.”
Wisdom Weaver Dr. Scott Taylor shared that his “colleague. . . Edward Powley at the Naval Postgraduate School has been studying when an IED and improvised explosive device goes off: What is the reaction of the people affected immediately on the scene? Whom do they turn to to lead them? Who do they turn to in that instant?”
Despite their military training, Scott explains, “What he [Edward Powley] has found is they don’t turn to the file leader, the one designated, if you will, the ‘coach to be.’ They actually turn to the person whom they think cares for them the most. . . When things get settled down, and we kind of react, then they turn to the file leader for a future direction [and] organization. But in the moment of pure chaos and complexity and trauma, they don’t turn to that person unless that individual’s one that they believe cares about them deeply by way of observation or encouragement.”
This research reminds coaches that expressing care is a valuable aspect of leadership.
Trauma-informed Coaching and the hidden scars of legacy trauma
Dr. Richard Boyatzis
Richard Boyatzis illuminates the difficulty of developing trauma awareness in coaching, “we all [feel marginalized], but you don’t necessarily know what it is, because it may not be visible, and then some of these issues that might cause variations on PTSD for any person are going to vary and they may vary from experiences like living through a horrendous tsunami, earthquake, or hurricane to fighting a war.”
Richard explains:
“[Coaches] have no idea from looking at someone, what are the aspects that they have felt traumatized in the past and what they feel marginalized about.”
Dr. Richard Boyatzis
Trauma-informed care, including coaching, can be adopted in any helping profession. There are many different types of trauma, and clients may not immediately present as being impacted by adverse events in their past. To be trauma-informed means that coaches are aware that many people have trauma, and so they create environments that are safe for all types of clients. The guiding principles of trauma-informed care align with the coaching principles of partnering with clients to make empowered decisions. Explaining the coaching process through open and transparent communication and active listening makes clients the experts of their own experiences.
Other principles include establishing physical and psychological safety and providing opportunities for peer support. Trauma-informed coaching aims not to provide therapy but to create a safe environment that empowers clients as they make changes in their lives and work. Depending on the individual client, traumatic experiences may also be an active barrier to meeting personal goals.
Wisdom Weaver Margaret Moore describes how coaches can consider the impact of legacy traumas in minority populations. She says, “If you’re working in Black populations, you really do need to understand the legacy trauma from hundreds of years ago to the traumas of today, the leadership issues in these [populations] differ.”
Legacy traumas and difficult personal experiences are not visible aspects of a person’s identity, and coaches must remain mindful of their limited knowledge of the person in front of them. Coaching can positively impact self-awareness and well-being, but it is not a substitute for therapy. Coaches can listen, empathize, and refer their clients to more specialized care when necessary.
Coaches can support people who have experienced trauma by:
Creating safe spaces for clients by withholding judgment
Encouraging clients to become experts in their own experiences
Helping clients experiencing legacy trauma to embrace self-awareness and well-being
Coaching and the United Nations Global Goals
Trauma, including racism, neglect, or physical violence, may not always be visible in clients but can negatively impact their relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Coaches who are trauma-informed can help create spaces for their clients to feel heard and empowered in their decision-making. Coaching is not a replacement for therapy. When appropriate, coaches should refer clients to other helping professionals, such as a psychotherapist. This conversation relates to United Nations Global Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Coaching is an outlet through which clients can find help to improve their lives by addressing the nuances of the person and the harsh events in the world.
About this Convening
Forty-one Wisdom Weavers from across the globe gathered to share their thoughts and observations on Shaping the Future of Coaching across three separate Future of Coaching Convenings in September 2021. Learn more about the participants and topics covered in this Convening.
For the complete report and research recommendations, see Boyatzis, R.E., Hullinger, A., Ehasz, S.F., Harvey, J., Tassarotti, S., Gallotti, A., & Penafort, F. (2022). The grand challenge for research on the future of coaching. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science. DOI: 10.1177/00218863221079937
Read the Original Article Here: https://thoughtleadership.org/understanding-the-role-of-trauma-in-the-clients-journey/
So what do we do as COACHES?
Steps for Coaches: Supporting Clients through Trauma-Informed Coaching
Educate Yourself: Take the time to deepen your understanding of trauma and its effects on individuals. Research different types of trauma and the diverse experiences that clients may have encountered. This knowledge will help you approach coaching with empathy and sensitivity.
Express Care: Recognize the importance of expressing care and compassion in your coaching practice. Create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and understood. Let them know that you genuinely care about their well-being.
Practice Active Listening: Engage in active listening techniques to truly understand your client's experiences and emotions. Pay attention not only to their words but also to their non-verbal cues. Validate their feelings and provide empathetic responses that show you are fully present.
Foster Self-Expertise: Empower your clients to become experts in their own experiences. Please encourage them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Guide them in uncovering their strengths, resilience, and potential for growth. Help them tap into their inner resources to overcome challenges.
Create a Trauma-Informed Environment: Establish an environment that promotes physical and psychological safety. Be mindful of triggers and potential retraumatization. Ensure confidentiality and confidentiality agreements to build trust. Foster peer support opportunities where clients can connect and share experiences if appropriate.
Refer to Specialized Care: Recognize the coaching limitations and when a client may require more specialized support. If you identify that a client's trauma significantly impacts their ability to achieve their goals, consider referring them to a qualified therapist or mental health professional. Collaborate with other professionals to provide holistic care.
Continual Growth and Learning: Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in trauma-informed coaching. Attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance your skills. Seek supervision or consultation to reflect on your coaching approach and ensure ethical practices.
By following these steps, coaches can create a nurturing and supportive environment that empowers clients to heal, grow, and thrive. Together, let's positively impact individuals' lives through trauma-informed coaching.
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