Coaching
I provide coaching in three key domains:
What is coaching?
All coaching (including trauma-informed coaching) has these three 3 key features:
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You work with a coach to discuss a desired change in your life
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The focus is on looking towards the future rather than seeking to explore past difficulties – this is the key way in which coaching differs from therapy
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The underlying idea is that the right questions and reflections support you to find your own answers – this is the key way that coaching differs from working with a mentor/consultant.
How is trauma-informed coaching different?
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I have undertaken specific training in how trauma affects the nervous system and how trauma can affect our ability to find direction, make decisions, handle uncertainty and competing demands, or imagine new and better ways of doing things
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I can use that knowledge in the coaching sessions when needed – for example if you’re feeling ‘stuck’ or overwhelmed, or if anxiety or other emotions come up during a session
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I work with the understanding that trauma can include psychological, neurological (nervous system) and sometimes other physical effects that arise from difficult circumstances or adverse events (e.g. pressurised work environments, changes at work or in personal life, coping with competing demands, chronic health issues, loneliness, parenting, caring roles).
All of my coaching is trauma-informed. This means that my coaching recognises and responds to the ways that trauma can show up in organisations and individuals. I employ co-regulation techniques as needed on a client-led basis to support finding solutions for subjects that can leave us feeling dysregulated such as dealing with stress and burnout, finding direction, and managing competing demands.
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My research coaching can support you to identify and develop research career plans, or specific research topics, suitable study designs and plans – whether you’re thinking about doing a PhD or already a Professor. This service can also be combined with consultation if required – I have two decades of experience as a research methodologist for the National Institute for Health Research. As an experienced senior researcher and doctoral research supervisor I can also work with you to navigate the emotional challenges of research sensitive topics and/or researching in difficult situations. I also support clients to move beyond blocks in writing up papers, doctoral theses, monographs and in preparing for presentations and networking.
Trauma-informed service delivery and leadership
My trauma-informed service delivery and leadership coaching can support you to identify and implement trauma-informed approaches – moving from principles to operationalisation of practices to ensure that your organisation is Trauma-informed in delivery as well as intent, and for the benefit of staff as well as the populations you serve – whether that’s patients, students or other types of client. Using a trauma-informed approach in the coaching itself offers you a chance to practice co-regulation and think about your own self-care through a trauma-informed lens if this is something you would like to try out. You may also wish to take a look at my trauma-informed training packages, such as how to conduct trauma-informed one-to-one patient and client consultations and how to support staff resilience and wellbeing in the workplace.
Personal and professional goals
You don’t need to have experienced trauma to benefit from trauma-informed coaching. Whatever your personal story and whether your desired change is of a personal or professional nature, I offer a compassionate and non-judgemental space that supports you to identify and put into action positive changes that are purposeful and valuable to you.
JH, Trauma-informed Leader, NHS.
"Coaching with Natalie has made a real difference to my confidence as a leader at work. From the first session I felt at ease and was able to explore what it was I wanted to change. Her gentle manner allowed me to connect with the emotional aspects of what holds me back and discover my own way forward. The trauma informed approach was evident throughout and something I will take into my own role within the NHS. I highly recommend."
RF, University employee
“Working with Natalie enabled me to see beyond earlier frustrations and bad experiences. It has meant I am continuing to develop and progress in a more appreciative and empowered way.”
FB, business owner
"I totally recommend Trauma-Informed Coaching with Natalie. I hadn't had coaching before, but her professionalism and warmth immediately put me at ease. I liked how the sessions focused on a current situation, addressing what I'd like to change now in a practical way, rather than looking back intensely over the past. These sessions really helped me and created such a positive outcome."