Trauma-Informed Isn't Trauma Therapy
What I Learned After Practicing as Both an ICF Coach and a Trauma Therapist
Molly Michael, LMSW
TL;DR: After practicing as both an ICF-trained executive coach and a trauma therapist, I came to understand an important distinction: insight alone doesn't always create lasting change, especially when unresolved trauma is involved. While coaching can support personal growth, leadership, and goal-setting, trauma therapy requires specialized clinical training to recognize protective responses, work with the nervous system, and safely process difficult experiences. Both professions have tremendous value, but understanding their boundaries is essential. The question isn't simply whether coaching or therapy is better, but what kind of support you need right now.
Before becoming a trauma therapist, I trained and practiced as an ICF-trained executive coach. Later, after earning my MSW, I pursued advanced training in trauma treatment, including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Working in both professions changed the way I understand trauma, growth, and healing.
What changed most was my understanding of trauma.
As a coach, I was practicing within the limits of what I had been trained to do. It wasn't until I became a trauma therapist that I realized what I didn't know.
Like many coaches, I believed insight naturally led to change.
Trauma therapy taught me that while insight is often necessary, it is not always sufficient.
Sometimes the nervous system must first experience enough safety before insight can translate into lasting change.
→ I didn't realize how often unresolved trauma can be hidden beneath concerns like burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, relationship struggles, or simply feeling "stuck."
→ I didn't know how to recognize when someone had moved outside their window of tolerance.
→ I didn't know that a client who suddenly became quiet, seemed emotionally numb, or lost track of the conversation might actually be dissociating—a remarkable protective response of the nervous system rather than a lack of motivation or engagement.
→ I also didn't understand that some well-intentioned coaching exercises can unintentionally overwhelm a nervous system carrying unresolved trauma. Exercises such as focusing deeply on bodily sensations, staying with intense emotions, or pushing through avoidance may foster growth for some people. But without the clinical training to recognize trauma responses, it can be difficult to know when they are promoting growth—and when they are overwhelming the nervous system.
The Window of Tolerance
One of the most important concepts I learned in trauma therapy is what psychiatrist Dan Siegel calls the Window of Tolerance—the zone in which our nervous system can remain present, emotionally regulated, and capable of learning.
Within this window we can process difficult experiences without becoming overwhelmed. Outside of it, we are more likely to become flooded with emotion or to shut down through numbness or dissociation.
One of the central tasks of trauma therapy is helping clients remain within, or gently return to, that window so healing can occur safely.
Trauma therapy isn't simply having deeper conversations. It involves recognizing protective responses, understanding the nervous system, and carefully pacing the work.
Sometimes healing involves helping protective responses soften.
Other times, the most healing intervention is respecting those protections until the nervous system has enough safety and resources to move forward.
Learning to recognize that difference—and knowing how to respond—is one of the hallmarks of trauma-informed therapy.
This understanding is reflected throughout the trauma literature. Judith Herman describes establishing safety as the first stage of trauma recovery before processing traumatic memories. Pat Ogden's work in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy likewise emphasizes careful pacing, titration, and close attention to the body's responses. Across trauma therapies, the message is consistent: healing occurs by helping the nervous system process difficult experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
Coaching vs. Therapy
In recent years, many coaching programs have begun incorporating training in being trauma-informed. I see this as a positive step. The more coaches understand the effects of trauma, recognize signs such as dissociation or nervous system overwhelm, and know when to refer clients for therapy, the better served clients will be.
At the same time, being trauma-informed is not the same as being trained to treat trauma. This is where I believe the line deserves more and continued attention. Understanding that trauma exists is different from knowing how to safely process traumatic memories. It also means recognizing when protective responses need to be respected rather than bypassed. Those skills require extensive clinical education, supervised experience, and ongoing training.
This isn't just a clinical question—it's an ethical one.
Both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics emphasize practicing within the boundaries of one's competence and making appropriate referrals when a client's needs fall outside that scope.
In my experience, this isn't a limitation of either profession—it is one of their greatest strengths. Clients are best served when professionals understand not only what they are trained to do, but also where another discipline can offer something essential.
As our understanding of trauma continues to evolve, I believe the conversation between coaching and psychotherapy must evolve as well.
Becoming trauma-informed is an important step. At the same time, preserving a clear distinction between recognizing trauma and treating trauma protects both clients and the integrity of each profession.
Coaching is often about building new skills, increasing self-awareness, and reaching future goals.
Trauma therapy is often about creating enough safety within the nervous system that those goals become possible in the first place.
While there is certainly overlap, trauma work requires specialized clinical training that extends far beyond good listening, insightful questions, or personal development techniques.
One of the wisest things a coach can do is recognize when a client would benefit from trauma-informed therapy. Likewise, one of the wisest things a therapist can do is recognize when a client is ready to shift to coaching to pursue growth, leadership, purpose, and performance.
Looking back, I don't see my coaching training as inadequate—I see it as incomplete for clients carrying unresolved trauma. That realization has made me an even stronger advocate for coaching while deepening my appreciation for the specialized training required to treat trauma safely, effectively, and ethically.
The most important question isn't, "Should I choose coaching or therapy?" It is, "What does my nervous system need right now?"
How Do You Know Which One Might Be Right for You?
While there is overlap, these questions may help you decide where to begin:
Coaching may be a good fit if you're primarily looking to clarify goals, improve performance, strengthen leadership skills, increase accountability, or navigate a life or career transition.
Trauma therapy may be a better starting point if you find yourself repeatedly reacting in ways you don't fully understand, feeling emotionally "stuck," becoming overwhelmed, shutting down, experiencing panic, dissociation, or noticing that past experiences continue to shape your present relationships, emotions, or sense of self.
You may benefit from trauma therapy first if insight alone hasn't created lasting change. If you know why you struggle but still find yourself repeating the same patterns, your nervous system—not your motivation—may need attention.
Sometimes the answer is both. Many people benefit from beginning with trauma therapy to build safety and regulation, then transitioning to coaching to pursue growth, performance, leadership, and future goals. These approaches are often complementary
Further Reading
For readers interested in exploring these ideas further:
Dan Siegel — The Developing Mind and his work on the Window of Tolerance and interpersonal neurobiology.
Judith Herman — Trauma and Recovery.
Pat Ogden — Trauma and the Body; Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
International Coaching Federation — ICF Code of Ethics.
National Association of Social Workers — Code of Ethics.
Looking for a therapist in Washington, D.C., who understands the importance of specialized training and expertise for trauma healing?
Take your first step toward finding the right kind of support for your nervous system.
(Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland residents only)
About the author
Molly Michael, LMSW, is a therapist supporting adults in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland who are navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Drawing from her background working alongside military professionals, first responders, and individuals in high-stress environments, she integrates EMDR and IFS-informed therapy to help clients better understand the protective patterns, nervous system responses, and past experiences that continue to shape their lives and relationships.
The clinicians at Full Self Psychotherapy are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care both in-person and online for clients across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
