Guide to become a trauma coach.
Becoming a trauma coach is a journey of connection, understanding, and transformation.

Trauma coaching is about holding space for individuals to feel heard, supported, and empowered. It’s about meeting them where they are, walking alongside them, and offering a pathway toward healing and clarity.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it truly means to become a trauma coach, how to build a practice that resonates with those you serve, and actionable insights that honor the delicate and transformative nature of trauma coaching.

Ready to make a difference?

What is Trauma Coaching?

Explains trauma coaching as a method to support well-being by providing clients a safe space to heal, rebuild, and overcome emotional challenges.

Trauma coaching is about creating a safe space for clients to explore their pain, heal, and rebuild. It’s not surface-level work – it’s about understanding the emotional and psychological barriers that hold people back and giving them tools to move through those challenges bravely.

Think of it like soccer training – sometimes it’s not about running drills; it’s about helping players recover from injuries and build the confidence to get back on the field.

What is a Trauma Coach?

Emmy Marie's website showcasing her as a certified trauma coach specializing in helping individuals thrive after toxic relationships.

Being a trauma coach is about being fully present for your clients. These people come to you with heavy stories, and your purpose is to provide a safe space where they feel seen and heard.

What trauma coaches don’t do

Trauma coaching is about creating transformation without overstepping. Knowing your role creates clarity for you and your clients – and makes coaching even more rewarding.

Here’s what trauma coaches leave to the experts:

  • Diagnose mental health conditions. You’re not a therapist, and that’s a good thing. Your focus is on growth, mindset shifts, and empowerment, not labels.
  • Managing crisis situations. Your role shines when clients are ready to rebuild, not when they’re in immediate distress – that’s where mental health professionals step in.
  • Act as a substitute for therapy. Think of your work as complementing therapy, not competing with it. You’re here to help clients take what they’ve learned and apply it to their lives.

How to Become a Trauma Coach

Building a career as a trauma coach means using your life experiences and empathy to uplift others while creating a business you’re proud of. You’re here because you want to help people heal and grow, and that’s powerful.

Step 1: Decide if trauma coaching is right for you

Trauma coaching is about helping people move forward, not fix their past. Ask yourself:

  • Do I genuinely want to help people create a better future?
  • Can I hold space for someone’s story without judgment?
  • Am I comfortable being a steady, supportive presence for others?

If you feel excited about those questions, you’re already off to a strong start.

Step 2: Define your niche

Elisabeth Corey's website showcasing her trauma-sensitive coaching services, focusing on helping individuals overcome sexual abuse and family-controlled trafficking.

Trauma coaching isn’t about being everything to everyone – it’s about connecting with a specific group of people who will benefit from your story and skills. Maybe you want to work with:

  • Survivors of childhood trauma building confidence as adults.
  • Parents navigating grief and family challenges.
  • Women who are rebuilding their confidence after a traumatic event like divorce.

There are no right or wrong answers here – just what feels meaningful to you.

Step 3: Understand the emotional commitment involved

Helping others heal is rewarding, but when you work with trauma, it can also be emotionally intense. To avoid burnout:

  • Set clear boundaries with your clients so you can give them your best.
  • Make time for self-care – it’s not a luxury. It’s part of the job.
  • Surround yourself with support, like mentors, peers, or friends who get what you’re building.

With the right balance, you’ll be able to pour into your clients without draining your own cup.

Step 4: Develop essential coaching skills

Trauma coaching is all about empowering people to take the next steps in their lives. To do this, you’ll need to sharpen skills like:

  • Active listening: Hear what’s said – and what isn’t – without jumping in to solve things.
  • Empathy: Show understanding and address trauma without stepping into “fix-it” mode. Meet your clients where they are and create a space where they feel safe to share.
  • Setting boundaries: Protect your energy while respecting theirs. Know where your role as a trauma coach starts and ends so you can guide responsibly.

You’ll also need to stay curious and open to learning – coaching is as much about your growth as it is theirs.

Step 5: Research trauma coach certifications

NARM Training Institute qualifications page showcasing specific training options for trauma-informed coaching, including somatic attachment and complex trauma programs.

Certifications give you the tools and confidence to coach responsibly. Some great programs include:

  • International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching (IAOTRC): Focuses on ethical, trauma-informed practices.
  • Trauma-Informed Coaching: Combines coaching skills with neuroscience-backed techniques.
  • Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification: Ideal if you want to explore mind-body approaches.

Step 6: Build a coaching framework

An example of a trauma coaching framework focusing on the healing journey through past, present, and future sessions.

Your coaching framework is your playbook – it helps you guide your clients while keeping things structured and professional. Start by thinking about:

  • The transformations you want to help your clients achieve.
  • The steps or phases they’ll go through to get there.
  • How you’ll offer your services – like one-on-one coaching, group coaching sessions, or a signature program.

For example, you could create a 12-week program that helps clients rebuild self-trust or an ongoing membership for stress management strategies.

Step 7: Share your message with the world

Marketing doesn’t have to feel salesy. Instead, consider it a way to reach people who need you. Focus on:

  • Telling your story: Share why you became a trauma coach – it’ll resonate with your audience and inspire them.
  • Providing value: Post insights, tips, or reflections showing your expertise and building trust.
  • Building connections: Use platforms like Instagram or workshops and virtual summits to engage with potential clients authentically.

For example, you could host a free webinar on overcoming self-doubt or post a short video about the benefits of trauma coaching. Keep it real and focused on connection.

What Does a Trauma Coach Do?

One of the most important things you’ll do as a trauma coach is “holding space.” What does that mean? It’s about being fully present for your clients without judgment or trying to fix things for them.

Think of it like being a supportive teammate during a tough match. You’re there to encourage, guide, and keep the momentum going. Your clients are doing the work – they’re the star players – but you’re the one making sure they feel supported and safe.

For example, you might:

  • Listen actively as a client processes a setback or shares their goals.
  • Help them reframe limiting beliefs and see new possibilities.
  • Celebrate their progress, no matter how small it seems to them, to keep them motivated.

The challenges and rewards of being a trauma coach

Being a trauma coach has its ups and downs – like any meaningful work. The key is staying connected to your “why” and remembering the impact you’re making.

The challenges:

  • Emotional commitment: Some clients will tug at your heartstrings, and it’s important to have boundaries and self-care routines.
  • Patience: Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and consistency to see progress.
  • Balancing your business: Building an online coaching business means juggling your coaching work with marketing, admin, and growth strategies.

The rewards:

  • Transforming lives: There’s nothing like seeing a client rediscover their confidence or take a step they once thought was impossible.
  • Freedom: Running an online coaching business gives you control over your time and location. Imagine coaching clients while sipping coffee on the beach or working from home in your comfy clothes.
  • Purpose: You get to wake up every day knowing your work matters – and that’s priceless.

Trauma Therapist vs. Trauma Coach vs. Trauma Counselor

A trauma therapist is a licensed professional trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using methods like CBT or EMDR. They help clients process and heal deep emotional wounds.

A trauma counselor offers short-term support, helping clients navigate specific challenges like grief or abuse recovery.

A trauma coach focuses on helping clients move forward and set goals – like boundary setting or rebuilding confidence. You’re not treating trauma. You’re guiding your clients toward their future.

How Trauma Therapy Works

Trauma therapy is a compassionate and healing process that offers a safe space for humans to explore, process, and grow. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where clients can gently uncover and heal from at least one traumatic event while feeling supported every step of the way.

7 techniques trauma coaches use

The foundation of great coaching is trust. As a trauma coach, building that trust takes intention, care, and proven techniques that create a supportive environment for growth. Here are evidence-backed strategies trauma coaches rely on:

1. Grounding exercises

These practical tools help clients stay present and reduce overwhelm during sessions. For example, you can guide clients through the “5-4-3-2-1” technique, where they focus on five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste. It’s simple but incredibly powerful for managing emotions.

2. Strength-based coaching

Your clients have more resilience than they realize. Highlight the moments when they stood up for themselves, set boundaries, or recognized something wasn’t okay. Small wins build confidence.

3. Somatic awareness

Trauma symptoms often live in the body, so helping clients connect with their physical sensations is key. Simple body scans or mindful breathing can help clients notice where they’re holding tension and release it. This builds a sense of safety and control in their own body.

4. Reflective questioning

Instead of giving answers, ask open-ended questions that guide clients to their own insights. For example, “What does safety look like for you right now?” or “What would moving forward feel like?” Research shows this approach builds hope and reduces the negative impact of trauma and limiting beliefs.

5. Reframing techniques

If a trauma survivor believes they “deserve” poor treatment, you can help them challenge that thought. For example: “What makes you believe that? What would you tell a loved one in your shoes?” Helping clients who have experienced trauma rewrite their stories is life-changing.

6. Trauma-informed check-ins

Start every session by asking permission before diving in and inviting clients to share how they’re feeling that day. This small act respects their boundaries and reinforces that they’re in control of the process.

7. Visualization and future pacing

Encourage clients to imagine a life where their relationships feel safe and supportive. What does that look like? What’s one small step they can take to move toward it? Visualizing success makes it feel real and achievable.

What is Trauma Bonding?

At its core, trauma bonding isn’t logical – it’s an emotional trauma response. It often stems from cycles of mistreatment mixed with moments of kindness. For example, a partner who puts someone down one day but surprises them with a gift with the next. The brain starts to link love with pain, creating an attachment that’s hard to shake.

These patterns can be traced back to childhood experiences – neglect, abusive parents, or relationships where love felt conditional.

As a coach, your role isn’t to diagnose. It’s to help clients spot these patterns, untangle their emotions, and take back control of their story.

Examples of trauma bonding in clients’ lives

Your clients might not call it “trauma bonding,” but you’ll hear it in their stories. For example:

  • “He’s not always like this – sometimes he’s so sweet, and I know he loves me.”
  • “I feel guilty leaving because they’ve been through so much, and I don’t want to hurt them.”
  • “If I can just be better, maybe the fights will stop.”

It’s easy to spot these patterns from the outside, but for your clients, it feels like they’re stuck in quicksand.

What Do You Need to Be a Trauma Coach?

Becoming a trauma coach requires a blend of personal qualities, ethical awareness, and practical tools. Here’s what sets successful trauma coaches apart:

  1. Emotional resilience: You need the strength to hold space for tough stories without letting them weigh you down.
  2. Connection skills: Trust and empathy are your foundation. Clients need to feel safe, understood, and supported.
  3. Ethical clarity: Know where your role begins and ends. Trauma coaching is about guiding, not diagnosing or treating.
  4. Curiosity and growth: Stay open to learning. The best coaches are always evolving.
  5. A strong “why”: Your purpose fuels you. Know the impact you want to make and let that drive you forward.

3 Top Trauma Coach Certification Programs

Great coaches are built, not born. And the right certification program can give you the tools, confidence, and credibility you need to start making a difference.

1. The International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching (IAOTRC)

Trauma Recovery Coaching Certification Program offered by the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching for recovery coaching professionals.

  • Length: 6 months (self-paced)
  • Cost: $3,000 for Level 1 certification
  • Location: Online
  • Best for: Building a solid foundation in trauma recovery coaching with an emphasis on ethics and boundaries.

IAOTRC’s Trauma Recovery Coaching Certification Program covers trauma’s impact on the brain, body, and emotions, and how to guide clients toward healing without stepping into therapy territory.

2. Level 1 Somatic Practice Essentials by Somatic Coaching Academy

Somatic Practice Essentials Level 1 Certification for CORE CENTERING™ practitioners offered by Bodymind High-Performance Solutions.

  • Length: 6 months
  • Cost: $3,597
  • Location: Online
  • Best for: Coaches who want to focus on spirituality and body-mind connection in trauma healing.

If you’re passionate about working with clients on a deeper level, the Level 1 Somatic Practice Essentials program offers techniques that go beyond traditional coaching conversations. It emphasizes somatic (body-based) techniques to help clients release trauma stored in the body.

3. Trauma-Informed Level 1 Coaching Certification by Moving the Human Spirit

Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification Level 1 by Moving the Human Spirit, focusing on trauma recovery with 106 ICF participant contact hours.

  • Length: 106 hours
  • Cost: $4,800
  • Location: Online
  • Best for: Coaches looking for a deep dive into trauma-informed practices and a supportive community.

The Trauma-Informed Level 1 Coaching Certification includes live online classes and mentorship. You’ll learn about trauma’s impact on personal and professional relationships and how to help clients rebuild their lives.

How Much Do Trauma Coaches Make?

Trauma coaching earnings vary, but here’s a snapshot based on current data:

  • Starting out: New trauma coaches earn around $43,320 annually or $3,610 monthly.
  • Mid-level income: Coaches with experience and a growing client base bring in about $57,400 annually or $4,783 monthly.
  • Established pros: The top trauma coaches make $101,500 annually or $8,458 monthly.

These numbers are averages, but your earning potential is limitless. Many coaches break six figures by creating scalable offers like courses or group programs.

Factors that affect trauma coach income

Like any coaching business, your income as a trauma coach depends on a few key factors.

  • Niche: Specializing in a specific area, like helping veterans process PTSD or supporting survivors of domestic violence, allows you to charge premium rates.
  • Business model: Are you offering one-on-one sessions, group coaching, online courses, or a mix of all three? More streams of income mean more flexibility and financial security.
  • Marketing game: The more visible you are online, the more clients you attract. Social media, email marketing, and hosting virtual events can help fill your calendar with paying clients.
  • Pricing strategy: Coaches who build confidence in their skills (and value) tend to charge more.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you coach six clients monthly at $3,000 each for a 3-month program. That’s $18,000, $6,000 a month – and you’re still working fewer hours than most full-time jobs.

How to Start a Trauma Coaching Business

Starting a trauma coaching business may take some effort, but trust me – it’s completely doable. I’ve helped plenty of coaches get started, and the formula’s the same: clarity on who you serve, offers that solve a real problem, and a solid plan to market yourself.

Finding your first clients

Most new trauma coaches start with people already in their network. Here’s how you can get going:

  • Start with friends and referrals: Reach out to people you know. Let them know what you’re doing and how you can help. A simple Facebook post or email can lead to your first client.
  • Offer free sessions: Offer three to 5 free sessions in exchange for testimonials or case studies. This builds trust and gets the ball rolling without undervaluing your work.
  • Collaborate with other professionals: Partner with therapists or wellness coaches who don’t offer coaching but need someone to support their clients post-therapy.

Marketing your practice

You don’t need flashy ads or pushy sales tactics to attract clients. People connect with authenticity. Here’s how to market yourself in a way that feels natural:

  • Share your story: Why did you become a trauma coach? Sharing your “why” helps potential clients see you as relatable and trustworthy.
  • Be consistent online: Post valuable tips, insights, or personal reflections on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. You don’t need to go viral – you just need to show up regularly.
  • Host virtual events: Running a free webinar or live Q&A is a great way to showcase your expertise and connect with people who need your help.

Tools and resources

With the right tools, you can run your coaching business easier and focus on what matters – coaching.

  • Scheduling software: Tools like Calendly or Acuity let clients book sessions without back-and-forth emails.
  • Payment platforms: Use Stripe or PayPal for secure, easy payments.
  • Client management: Platforms like ClickUp (we use this at EHQ) help you track progress, notes, and goals for each client.
  • Website: Build a simple website with Squarespace or WordPress to showcase your services, testimonials, and a way to book sessions.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for perfection. A simple setup with a Google Doc, PayPal, and Zoom can work just fine when you’re starting. You can upgrade as you grow.

Your Journey Starts Here

Starting your online business as a trauma coach is a big step – but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. From finding your first clients to creating high-ticket offers, you have everything you need to make this happen.

And once you’re up and running, it’s about building a system that works for you – so you can focus on what matters most: helping people heal and grow.

If you’re serious about creating a coaching business that brings in high-quality clients and delivers predictable income, I’ve got just the thing to help you get there.

Download my 3-Step System for creating a Wildly Successful Coaching Business.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Identify your niche and ideal client profile
✅ Develop a high-ticket offer in any industry
✅ Attract leads ready to invest in your services
✅ Create a highly profitable coaching business and work less

This is the same system that’s helped hundreds of coaches, like Michael Morgan, who generated $40,000 in his first 30 days using it.

Don’t wait – your next level of freedom and impact starts here.