A new buzzword in helping professions has crept in the past couple years, “trauma-informed.” A consensus definition derived by several experts in the field says, “trauma-informed care is a strengths based framework that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, and that creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.”
The nature of working through past trauma can be difficult and at times overwhelming. Treatment should occur in stages in order to prevent destabilization and re-traumatization. Generally, the stages mimic the outline below:
- Stage 1: Psychoeducation, creating safety, increasing skills around managing otherwise unmanageable emotions, and creating boundaries in a client’s life.
- Stage 2: Trauma processing
- Stage 3: Planning for the future and saying good-bye
However, with each stage being reserved for the work of the mental health provider, there is a risk of becoming burned out before even reaching Stage 2 or 3. The research is undeniably clear that it is time to address additional resources to benefit this important therapist/patient relationship. If we are to address the issues arising from burned out practitioners, we must provide another avenue for psychoeducation and skill development in order to preserve the time of the mental health provider to do what they do best – help a client process their trauma.
ITTC provides an integrative approach to working with trauma that provides support for both providers and survivors. In alignment with WHO recommendations on task shifting and in effort to expand human resources in mental health care, ITTC is introducing Trauma Coaching.
With the addition of Trauma Coaches, Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) can offer clients safe, non-judgemental accountability to support their journey of building emotional muscles and enhance skills that are pivotal to thriving in the present and future. ITTC Coaches are educated and trained on the manifestation of trauma, application of skills for emotional and trigger management, and are true stewards of our mental health communities. To the benefit of clinicians and clients, a Trauma Coach can supplement counseling sessions by holding a separate space for education and integration of skills, allowing for more depth of processing during therapy sessions.
What the scope of Trauma Coaching looks like:
- Used in conjunction and collaboration with other forms of therapy
- Focused on growth mindset, empowerment and strengths-based work
- Collaborative and present-oriented, offering support in a client-led manner
- NOT used as a substitute for therapy
- NOT focused on processing the trauma event or related memories
- NOT prescribing, treating, diagnosing or assessing the client’s mental health
It is crucial for therapists and coaches to understand the scope of work a Trauma Coach provides. Through clear boundaries and collaboration, coaches can be a valuable resource to mental health clinicians providing holistic care.