Trauma-informed is a phrase that gets used a lot, and it can be confusing. Some people hear it and assume it means therapy. Others assume it is a marketing term. I want to be clear about what it means in my coaching and where it stops.
In short, trauma-informed coaching is a way of working that assumes people may have had difficult experiences, and shapes the work to feel safe, respectful and collaborative. It does not mean treating trauma.
What it means
A trauma-informed approach starts from a simple question: what might have happened to this person, rather than what is wrong with them? That shift influences how I work. Common principles include:
- Safety. Physical and emotional safety come first. You should feel able to say no, pause or slow down.
- Choice. You decide what to share, what to work on and what pace feels right.
- Collaboration. We build the plan together. I am not the expert on your life.
- Trust and transparency. I explain what we are doing, why and what to expect.
- Respect for the whole person. Your background, culture, identity and strengths all matter.
- Strengths focus. Behaviours that look unhelpful now often began as ways of coping. We look at what they were protecting.
How that shows up in my work
My approach is grounded in a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences and my training as a Behaviour Specialist. I think a lot about how behaviours were conditioned over time. Many patterns that no longer serve us started out as sensible responses to circumstances. Understanding that can take the shame out of change.
In practice:
- You are never pushed to share more than you want to.
- We go at your pace, and you can say "not today".
- Sessions have structure, so you know what to expect.
- We build tools you can use, such as regulation skills, awareness of triggers and ways to respond differently.
- We look at what is happening now and what you want next, rather than digging into the past for its own sake.
What it does not mean
This is the important part.
It is not therapy. I do not diagnose, treat or process trauma. If you are living with the effects of trauma, a GP, psychologist or other qualified clinician is the right person to work with. Coaching can sit alongside therapy for some people, and it is worth checking with your clinician.
It does not mean avoiding anything hard. Coaching can still involve challenge and honest conversation. A trauma-informed approach means that challenge happens with care and consent.
It does not mean labelling people. I do not assume anyone has trauma, and I do not pin labels on people. The approach simply makes room for the possibility.
It is not a guarantee of comfort. Growth can be uncomfortable. The aim is to keep it within a range where you can cope and learn.
It does not replace safeguarding. If someone is at risk, appropriate steps are needed. For immediate danger call 000.
Why this matters for teens, schools and mentors
Young people often carry more than adults realise, and the adults around them do too. A trauma-informed lens in schools and mentoring means asking what a behaviour is communicating, building trust before expecting change and giving young people some control. It also means looking after the adults. People who work closely with distressed young people can be affected themselves, and need reflection and support.
A neurodiversity-affirming view fits alongside this. It treats differences in how people process the world as differences, and looks to adjust environments as well as skills.
How to tell if a coach works this way
If you are considering a coach, it is reasonable to ask:
- How do you handle it if something difficult comes up?
- Do I have to share my history?
- What are the limits of your role?
- When would you suggest I see a GP or psychologist?
- How will we decide what to work on, and can I change my mind?
Good answers are clear, calm and honest about limits.
A personal touchpoint
As a fighter and a parent of three boys, I know that people need to feel safe before they can grow. In the gym, that means trust in your coach. At home, it means being the adult who stays steady. I try to offer the same in my coaching.
If you would like to talk
I work with fighters, teens, adults and the professionals who care for young people. Teen Mindset is an 8-week 1:1 program for ages 13 to 17 at $1,850 AUD. Mentor and school services are quoted to suit your needs. Everything is available in person and online.
If you are curious about how I work, book a free 15-minute call. You can ask me anything about the approach and decide whether it feels right for you.
Questions
Is trauma-informed coaching the same as trauma therapy?
No. Trauma-informed coaching is an approach that keeps safety, choice and respect at the centre of the work. It does not diagnose, treat or process trauma. That belongs with a qualified therapist or psychologist.
Do I need to share my history to work with a coach?
No. You choose what to share and when. Good coaching can happen without a detailed account of your past.
What if something difficult comes up during coaching?
You can pause, slow down or stop at any time. If something difficult surfaces, a coach should help you decide whether additional support, such as a GP or psychologist, would be useful.
Can a trauma-informed approach be used with teens, schools and mentors?
Yes. The principles of safety, choice, collaboration and respect apply to young people, and to the adults who work with them.