Trauma Aware Coaching - Childhood adversity, disrupted development, and new perspectives on recovery
Hi! I'm James, the owner of trauma aware coaching.
We deliver presentations, give talks, run training, and do groupwork that enables and grows understanding of how childhood trauma unfolds developmentally through the lifespan.
Our hope is to foster society-wide understanding of the obstacles faced by those with a high-stress upbringing. We work in partnership with charities, social impact projects, local government, and organisations that champion trauma awareness or support adults after trauma.
Trauma-aware means aware of the complex chain of events that can unfold after Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are extreme, traumatic, or repetitive stressful events such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and exposure to household dysfunctions like alcoholism, substance abuse, or a suicide attempt (Anda et al., 2006).
The potential influences of ACEs throughout the lifespan - impaired neurological, social, emotional, and cognitive development - offer a compelling explanation for the mental health crisis. Greater awareness of how this process unfolds empowers acceptance, understanding, empathy, and equality.
What does Trauma-aware mean?
After experiencing childhood adversity, adults have increased chances of developing alcoholism (Dube et al., 2002), drug abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation (Dube et al., 2003), depression, obesity, smoking, poor self-rated health, and low physical exercise (Felitti et al., 1998).
Progress, positive change, and achievement can be a tricky business when the past has been lacking in so many important ways. Acknowledging and developing understanding of this long-term, complex process, and how it impacts the present, can support those disadvantaged by childhood trauma and adversity. This understanding can open a path toward targeted efforts to develop strength, potential, and capacity for positive growth.
About James
Alongside my trauma informed work, I've been creating and running on-line businesses for over a decade which continue to grow. One, wisegoals.com, supports over 100,000 visitors a year in choosing their goals carefully and patiently, so that motivation is sustainable and wellbeing isn't disregarded.
For decades I've been writing about and researching goals and goal setting from many angles. This experience supports my trauma aware work because motivation and drive are so often hampered and the very idea of goals can be hard to consider for those with past trauma. I teach in-depth knowledge of motivation and how and when goals work in a nuanced trauma-aware way.
I help those with childhood trauma, and those supporting adults with childhood adversity, understand the most relevant psychology including area's such as hope, character strengths, meaning in life, self-efficacy, change processes, and growth mindset. Trauma in childhood seriously affects the ability to learn, change, and grow. I believe this is something that can be learnt. I teach empowering skills that contribute to success.
Taken alongside my awareness and experience of trauma's impact, this provides you with a uniquely balanced and nuanced approach to recovery.
TESTIMONIALS
From my clients