Ep.3 Recognizing Trauma: Becoming Aware of Trauma in Coaching Relationships

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.

In part 1, Michael and Katie explore how coaches can develop the skills to identify and understand the presence of trauma in their clients and the importance of awareness in creating a safe and supportive coaching environment.

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Gain the ability to recognize trauma in coaching relationships and understand why it’s critical to address, even when it’s not immediately visible.
2. Understand trauma as a spectrum and how it impacts clients differently, allowing you to respond more effectively to their unique needs.
3. Learn how to create a safe, trauma-aware coaching environment that fosters trust and emotional safety for your clients.
4. Develop clarity on the boundaries between coaching and therapy and know when to refer clients to specialized professionals for further support.
5. Learn to honor and recognize the body’s natural responses to trauma, helping your clients feel validated and supported throughout their coaching journey.

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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