This is Kelly, of Kelly and Chris, the PTSD Parent Podcast Team! A lot of PTSD survivors have not heard of Trauma Recovery Coaching as an option for treatment, and I am spreading the word. Therapists are at an all-time burnout rate, making appointments that much harder to find. Working with a Trauma Recovery Coach is another viable option for PTSD treatment.
So What is a Trauma Recovery Coach?
I get this question a lot, and with good reason. Becoming a Trauma Recovery Coach is on the cutting edge of mental health, which means that this is an innovative way to provide mental health care. Also, it means that nobody knows what I do, exactly.
In short, I help trauma survivors build a life they have always deserved and wanted. But how?
Here are several questions that help explain my role as a Trauma Recovery Coach. Is there a question I didn’t answer? Please add it in the comments!
Is This Therapy?
Therapy is a good place to start when explaining what a Trauma Recovery Coach does with clients. Therapists and Trauma Recovery Coaches meet with clients and work on specific issues over time. Therapists and Trauma Recovery Coaches know a ton about trauma, mental illnesses, grief and loss, and more. We all care about our clients reaching healing milestones and creating the happiness and life they have always deserved and wanted.
So what are the differences? Therapists do three things that Trauma Recovery Coaches do not do: diagnose mental illness, prescribe or suggest different medications, and create specific treatment plans. I know a lot about mental illnesses but I do not diagnose. This is out of my scope of competence. It takes several years to learn how to diagnose, and sometimes professionals still get it wrong before they get it right. I also do not suggest or prescribe medication, which is the job of a medical doctor or psychiatrist.
Last, I don’t create treatment plans. Individuals come to me and we work together on the issues and challenges that are present. We live in the now, and we lead from behind, providing voice and choice for our clients.
Is This Just Life Coaching?
I am confident about providing life coaching if that’s what clients are looking for. One aspect of life coaching in that I support my clients and what they want to do in their lives. However, I provide so much more as a Trauma Recovery Coach.
The primary difference is that Trauma Recovery Coaches are trauma-informed. We are trained to understand and address the unique challenges and mindsets that trauma survivors experience. As a trauma survivor myself, I have a unique perspective and set of skills to address trauma-related issues as we meet over time.
Do Trauma Recovery Coaches Work with PTSD?
Absolutely! Trauma Recovery Coaches have all kinds of specialties. My specific specialty is PTSD Remediation. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2006, I lived with PTSD for most of my life, until PTSD Remediation eradicated the symptoms. I continue to learn all I can about PTSD and the emotional, mental, and physiological fallout from childhood sexual abuse. That is my background and I have passion and purpose to help others with these issues.
Are Trauma Recovery Coaches Certified?
Trauma Recovery Coaches need to be certified. As of now (fall 2021), I am waiting on certification from the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching. I just need my portfolio to be approved! But I have had the necessary education for certification. Plus I will continue to studying with them – and other notable organizations – to gain more knowledge, wisdom, and experience.
What if I’m Not a Trauma Survivor?
Everyone struggles with different things. I welcome people of all kinds, trauma or not. We are in this together.
How Do I Find Out More About Trauma Recovery Coaching?
I offer a free 30-minute discovery call so that you can find out what you need to know, if we have a connection, and if you want to move forward on this journey of hope and healing. Another way is to sign up here to keep in touch and get to know me a little better!
Do you have more questions? Put them in the comments for more answers!