In the realm of coaching, we often find ourselves at the intersection of stories, emotions, and profound moments of transformation. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a live interview with Bessel van der Kolk, MD, author of The Body Keeps the Score, thanks to Animas Centre for Coaching, the school I certified with as a coach and that I rely on for my continuous growth and upskilling. Dr. van der Kolk’s groundbreaking work on trauma sheds light on how deeply our bodies and minds are connected.
I’m also deeply grateful to Animas Centre for Coaching for continually championing a coaching approach that emphasizes compassion, self-awareness, and curiosity. It’s within this spirit that I’d like to share some reflections on trauma-informed coaching—not only as a lens to understand our clients but as a way to deepen our own growth.
Trauma: More Than the Event
Trauma is often misunderstood. It’s not just the event that happened but the traces it leaves behind—the ways our bodies and minds react as if the past were happening now. For many, trauma creates a sense of being stuck in time, with overwhelming physical sensations and emotional responses that no longer serve them.
As coaches, how can we create space for these hidden stories to emerge safely and constructively? We can begin by asking thoughtful, grounding questions such as:
- Who in your life has consistently been there for you?
- Who did you feel safe with while growing up?
- Who do you think sees you as truly special today?
These questions invite clients to reflect on relationships that have shaped their sense of safety, connection, and worth—key elements that often underpin their current struggles and aspirations.
The Body as an Instrument
Van der Kolk reminds us that healing starts with the body. Practices like yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or even shared experiences such as singing, dancing, acting, or sports can be transformative. They help reconnect clients to their bodies, fostering a sense of agency and emotional regulation. As coaches, we can invite clients to notice the subtle cues within themselves when they talk about things that sound important:
- What do you feel in your body when you recall this experience?
- Does anything shift as you reflect on it?
Often, these small invitations create openings for greater awareness, grounding clients in the present moment and enabling them to access their resilience.
Attunement and Energy
One of the most striking insights I’ve taken from van der Kolk’s work is the role of the mirror neuron system—how our energy influences others and vice versa. As coaches, our ability to be attuned and self-regulated is foundational. We become instruments for our clients, reflecting their experiences with compassion while modeling emotional stability.
A question I often ask myself after a session is: How attuned was I to my own emotions and energy? It’s a practice of self-reflection that allows me to serve clients from a grounded place.
Why Trauma-Informed Coaching Matters
Whether or not our clients identify as having experienced trauma, many carry unspoken stories that shape their decisions, relationships, and sense of self. Trauma-informed coaching isn’t about diagnosing or treating; it’s about holding space, listening deeply, and empowering clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom.
By integrating approaches like embodied awareness, narrative building, and attuned presence, we can help clients move from surviving to thriving. It’s a journey of learning to feel, to trust, and to grow.
A Thank You to Thought Leaders
To Bessel van der Kolk, thank you for your tireless work in demystifying trauma and its pathways to healing. And to Animas Centre for Coaching, thank you for inspiring coaches to lead with heart, curiosity, and the courage to explore these profound topics.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What role do you think the body plays in transformation? Are there practices or questions you’ve found particularly powerful in creating space for reflection and healing? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below.
