Trauma-Infomred Coaching: Frequently Asked Questions

What is trauma-informed coaching? . . .

Trauma-informed coaching is a professional approach that recognises the impact of past or ongoing trauma on thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It prioritises safety, trust, and empowerment, helping clients navigate challenges with care, clarity, and support.

How is trauma-informed coaching different from therapy? . . .

Unlike therapy, coaching does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Trauma-informed coaching helps build awareness about how your history and difficult experiences may still be affecting you now, but coaching focuses on who you are now and supporting you to navigate your current challenges and move towards your future aspriations, in a safe way and at your pace.

Who can benefit from trauma-informed coaching? . . .

Anyone navigating transitions, trauma, stress, significant life changes, or patterns that feel hard to shift can benefit. It is especially supportive for people who want a safe, compassionate space to grow without pressure or judgment, and for highly sensitive people, leaders, or individuals seeking insight, integration, and a supportive space to explore challenges.

Can coaching help with overwhelm, emotional flashbacks and stress? . . .

In some cases, yes. A trauma-informed coach supports awareness and grounding techniques, helping clients notice patterns, respond rather than react, and build strategies for emotional regulation and resilience.

Is trauma-informed coaching safe for highly sensitive people? . . .

Yes, if you understand that coaching is not therapy. Coaching is tailored to each individual’s needs, respecting boundaries and energy levels while providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

How does trauma show up in everyday life and work? . . .

Trauma can influence relationships, decision-making, self-worth, and stress responses. It may appear as emotional flashbacks, overreactivity, chronic stress, difficulty trusting others, or patterns that keep repeating in life or work.

What makes a coach trauma-informed? . . .

A trauma-informed coach has training to understand how trauma affects the body, mind, and behaviour. They focus on safety, choice, trust, and collaboration, so you feel empowered in the process.

What can I expect in a trauma-informed coaching session? . . .

You can expect a calm, safe, supportive environment where you set the pace. Sessions may include reflection, practical tools, and gentle exploration of patterns. The focus is on your goals and building capacity, not reliving the past or diagnosing the issues. Joanne is not a clinician or mental health therapist.

How do I know if trauma-informed coaching is right for me? . . .

If you want support that honours your story, respects your nervous system, and focuses on practical growth while being aware of your history, trauma-informed coaching may be a good fit.