Trauma is a term that refers to the psychological and emotional effects of experiencing or witnessing a distressing event, such as abuse, violence, accident, illness, or loss. Trauma can have lasting impacts on a person’s mental health, physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Trauma can also affect a person’s ability to engage in physical activity and exercise, which are important for health promotion and disease prevention (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Sports and fitness coaches are professionals who work with individuals or groups to help them improve their athletic performance, fitness level, or health outcomes. They may work in various settings, such as schools, gyms, sports clubs, or community centers. Sports and fitness coaches have the potential to influence the lives of many people who may have experienced trauma or are at risk of experiencing trauma. Importantly, research shows that between 65-100% of people around the world have experienced trauma or adversity – in other words, it’s more likely than not that most of the people in your gym are dealing with something challenging.
Therefore, it is essential that sports and fitness coaches understand and use the trauma-informed approach in their practice. The trauma-informed approach is a way of providing services that recognize the prevalence and impact of trauma and aims to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for trauma survivors. The trauma-informed approach also seeks to prevent re-traumatization and promote healing and recovery (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014).
Some of the benefits of using the trauma-informed approach for sports and fitness coaches are:
– It can help build trust and rapport with clients or athletes who may have experienced trauma or are vulnerable to trauma (Harris & Fallot, 2001).
– It can help identify and address the barriers or challenges that trauma survivors may face in engaging in physical activity or exercise (van der Kolk et al., 2014).
– It can help tailor the coaching interventions to meet the specific needs and goals of each client or athlete, taking into account their trauma history and current situation (Lehmann et al., 2018).
– It can help foster a positive and respectful relationship between the coach and the client or athlete, as well as among the peers or teammates (Cohen et al., 2016).
– It can help enhance the motivation, confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and coping skills of trauma survivors through physical activity or exercise (Zschucke et al., 2013).
– It can help prevent burnout and compassion fatigue among sports and fitness coaches who work with trauma survivors (Figley & Stamm, 1996).
To implement the trauma-informed approach in their practice, sports and fitness coaches need to follow some key principles:
– Safety: Ensure that the physical and emotional safety of the clients or athletes is prioritized at all times. Provide clear information about the coaching process, expectations, boundaries, and consent. Avoid any actions or words that may trigger or re-traumatize the clients or athletes. Create a comfortable and welcoming space for physical activity or exercise (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014).
– Choice: Respect the autonomy and agency of the clients or athletes. Allow them to make their own decisions about their participation, goals, preferences, and pace. Offer options and alternatives whenever possible. Do not force or pressure them to do anything they are not comfortable with (Harris & Fallot, 2001).
– Collaboration: Work with the clients or athletes as partners rather than as experts. Listen to their voices and feedback. Involve them in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the coaching interventions. Seek their input and consent before making any changes or adjustments. Acknowledge their strengths and achievements (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014).
– Empowerment: Support the clients or athletes to recognize and use their own resources and abilities. Encourage them to express their feelings, thoughts, opinions, and needs. Validate their experiences and emotions. Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. Help them set realistic and attainable goals. Celebrate their progress and success (Harris & Fallot, 2001).
In conclusion, sports and fitness coaches should understand and use the trauma-informed approach in their practice because it can benefit both themselves and their clients or athletes who may have experienced trauma or are at risk of experiencing trauma. The trauma-informed approach can help create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for physical activity or exercise that can promote health, well-being, healing, and recovery for trauma survivors.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2017). Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/
Cohen K., Mannarino A.P., & Deblinger E. (2016). Treating Trauma And Traumatic Grief In Children And Adolescents Second Edition. New York: Guilford Publications.
Figley C.R., & Stamm B.H. (1996). Psychometric review of compassion fatigue self test. In B.H Stamm (Ed.), Measurement Of Stress Trauma And Adaptation (pp.127-130). Lutherville: Sidran Press.
Harris M., & Fallot R.D. (2001). Using Trauma Theory To Design Service Systems: New Directions For Mental Health Services Number 89 San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Lehmann P., Tuval-Mashiach R., & Zilcha-Mano S. (2018). The role of therapist self-disclosure in psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review 63: 24-36.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration.(2014). SAMHSA’s Concept Of Trauma And Guidance For A Trauma-Informed Approach HHS Publication No.(SMA)14-4884 Rockville MD: Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration.
van der Kolk B.A., Stone L., West J., Rhodes A., Emerson D., Suvak M., & Spinazzola J.(2014). Yoga as an adjunctive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry 75(6): e559-e565.
Zschucke E., Renneberg B., Dimeo F., Wüstenberg T., & Ströhle A.(2013). The stress-buffering effect of acute exercise: Evidence for HPA axis negative feedback Psychoneuroendocrinology 51: 414-425.
