Ep.4 Navigating Trauma: Effective Strategies for Coaches Working with Trauma

Relationship Matters

In this special three-part series of the Relationship Matters Podcast, Katie Churchman talks with trauma-informed coach Michael Forlenza. Across the next three episodes, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in coaching: trauma. Click here to listen to Part 1, Recognizing Trauma: Becoming Aware of Trauma in Coaching Relationships.
In part 2, Michael and Katie delve into coaching techniques and approaches for supporting clients who have experienced trauma.

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of how to shift from judgment to empathy by asking, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”
2. Learn how to differentiate between being activated and being triggered and how to respond skillfully to support your clients’ emotional needs.
3. Develop the skill of generous listening, witnessing, and holding space to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for your clients.
4. Master techniques for recontextualizing clients’ stories and using empowering language that promotes healing and growth.
5. Understand how building genuine connection can mitigate the impact of trauma and foster deeper healing in the coaching relationship.

Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PCC, TIPC, is an experienced trauma-informed coach, leadership consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience working with leaders across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. He previously served as Assistant Dean at Duquesne University, where he helped establish an ICF-accredited Executive Coaching Program. Currently, he is a Senior Faculty Member at Lodestar Consulting, focusing on trauma-responsive leadership and coaching. Alongside being an ORSC practitioner, Michael holds advanced certifications in Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and mindfulness-based practices and continues to teach and consult on leadership and organizational trauma healing.
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