Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Coaching builds on my previous training in Trauma-Informed Mindfulness with David Treleaven and Trauma approaches in tertiary counselling and coaching education. These experiences have not only deepened my personal understanding of trauma but have also equipped me to assist others in their healing journey. When I worked at Smiling Mind delivering mindfulness training to leaders and educators trauma-informed practice was central to our approach. When we understand trauma we can understand people beyond behaviour, we gain insight into their inner experience and are able to connect more easily. Today, I want to share insights on trauma as an adaptive mechanism and how understanding it can empower growth and healing.
Trauma as an Adaptive Mechanism
Trauma, like the heightened state of a zebra being chased by a lion, triggers adaptive responses aimed at survival. Understanding trauma in this light enables us to develop a positive relationship with the experience. Many survivors emerge as torchbearers for social and environmental change, but justice alone cannot eliminate trauma. Collective growth requires addressing systemic flaws, injustices and the climate crisis we are in the midst of. Post traumatic growth is way to unlock the trapped energy of trauma and use it to fuel your determination to making wrongs, right. Think of Grace Tame's empowerment journey with this as an example. Her early traumatic experience have oriented her to move toward a life of purpose and meaning making. People in communities impacted by fire or floods use their trauma as a glue to band together and rebuild their communities. We are not meant to suffer from trauma alone.
Interpersonal Impact of Trauma
Trauma's effects are profound, often manifesting in behaviours, emotions, cognition, and even physical health. Complex trauma, particularly in interpersonal contexts like familial abuse or community violence, can lead to pervasive shame. Hypo and hyper-arousal can make regulation challenging, isolating individuals and affecting memory. Mindfulness acts as a vital tool, providing grounding and discernment amidst triggers and distress. It is recommended that you don't attempt to do this work alone and seeking the support of qualified professional mindfulness coach and counsellor and a practice community can help support you. Find connection is one of the most important aspects of recovering from the impacts of trauma, this is because trauma fragments the personality whereas connection integrates us and helps us become whole.
Trauma-Informed Support and Healing
Trauma, sometimes overlooked due to co-morbid conditions, can be multi-generational, affecting helping relationships and making personal and professional development more complex. First responders in critical incident or crisis, equipped with trauma-informed approaches, play a crucial role as do educators and other practitioners. If you or anyone you know struggles with trauma, reach out. I am here to support, or connect you with professionals who can provide the care you need. Most importantly remember that trauma is a natural response and it is important we don't pathologise the individual and work toward healing the culture. This requires strong and ethical leadership to recognise and hold the space to empower others. Together, let's continue to empower individuals affected by trauma, fostering mindfulness, understanding, and compassion. Our mindfulness PD can support practitioners, educators and leaders to understand how mindfulness can support you in holding space for people affected by trauma.
Comentarios