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What Is the Difference Between a Trauma Empowerment Coach and a Therapist?

A trauma empowerment coach and a therapist both work with people who have experienced trauma. Their approaches and goals, however, differ quite substantially.

Trauma Empowerment Coach:

• Prioritizes creating a sense of physical and emotional safety for you.
• Focuses on helping you achieve personal and professional goals despite your trauma.
• Uses a strengths-based approach, emphasizing resilience and empowerment.
• Provides practical tools and strategies for you to manage stress and improve daily functioning.
• Sessions are often goal-oriented and forward-looking, focusing on present and future achievements.
• Typically does not diagnose or treat mental health disorders.

Therapist:

• Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including trauma-related disorders.
• Utilizes therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and other evidence-based practices.
• Explores the root causes of trauma and works through past experiences to promote healing.
• Provides in-depth psychological support, addressing both the emotional and psychological aspects of trauma.
• Licensed and trained to handle severe mental health issues and provide long-term treatment.

In essence, a trauma empowerment coach helps you move forward and achieve goals with practical strategies, while a therapist provides comprehensive treatment for the psychological impacts of trauma.

[ Read about the differences between a trauma-informed and a trauma empowerment coach ] 

How Do I Find the Best Trauma Empowerment Coach For Me? 

A trauma empowerment coach understands the impact trauma can have on your life and uses this knowledge to guide the overall coaching approach.

Not all trauma coaching is created equal however. You want to work with a certified coach who is fluid with advanced concepts around sex & relationship coaching.

Only a few choice institutions, such as the highly-accredited Somatica Institute, trains trauma empowerment coaches. Graduates of its Certification Training who successfully complete all 300 hours of the program are also recognized by the American Board of Sexology (ABS) as certified sexologists.

While many coaches are seeing clients online these days, if it’s important for you to see your chosen practitioner in person, you should try and find a coach near you. Our location-based directory can help.

Or if you prefer to work with a coach of a specific gender identity, race, or sexual orientation, our directory offers female, male, nonbinary, trans, LGBTQIA, and BIPOC coaches.