ABSTRACT
There has been much discussion of the boundary between coaching and therapy. Coaches have been warned to stay away from this field. Yet there are ways for coaches to intervene which are nevertheless helpful. This chapter explores the way coaches can assist those who have experienced traumatic events. Dealing with trauma involves four stages to generate a comprehensive approach - preparation, response, recovery and mitigation. This creates space for coaches to work providing it is delivered in a way that respects organisational culture, is supported within the organisation and by senior management, and uses existing social cohesion and peer support within teams.
While much of the discussion in the trauma field has been on the negative impact the chapter explores more hopeful initiatives. It introduces the idea that trauma can lead to personal growth which is a key part of the capability of the coach. There are several toolkits available which contain material which will be familiar to coaches who have worked to develop skills that offer a value in trauma work. The chapter concluders that coaching if carefully structured does have a contribution to make to the emerging conversations of interventions for trauma.
