If you’re considering professional support for trauma-informed healing, you may be wondering about the difference between coaching and counselling—and which approach is right for you. I believe both coaching and counselling are powerful tools for healing and growth which is why I gained my certificate in counselling skills alongside my coaching training. However, currently I focus on coaching as I find it more proactive, mindset oriented, and forward focused.

Below I explore the distinction between coaching and counselling in more depth and how Somatic trauma-informed coaching can be an effective path to recovery.

What is Counselling?

Counselling typically focuses on addressing emotional and mental health challenges, especially those related to past trauma. Counsellors are trained to help individuals process emotional wounds, mental health concerns, and trauma’s lingering effects. The primary aim is to heal and understand past experiences, offering deep emotional support.

Key Focus of Counselling:

• Healing emotional wounds

• Processing mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Addressing trauma’s emotional impact

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a forward-focused partnership designed to help you achieve personal growth, set goals, and overcome challenges. Unlike counselling, coaching doesn’t focus on processing past trauma but helps you develop tools for moving forward. It’s about breaking old patterns, setting healthy boundaries, and creating lasting change in your life.

Key Focus of Coaching:

• Empowering forward movement

• Goal-setting and personal growth

• Creating lasting change

What Makes Somatic, Trauma-Informed Coaching Different?

Somatic, trauma-informed coaching integrates the mind and body in the healing process, recognizing that trauma affects not only our thoughts but our physical experiences as well. This approach combines techniques like grounding, breathwork, and Brainspotting—a powerful trauma-processing tool—to help release trauma stored in the body and brain, supporting a deep, holistic healing process.

How Somatic, Trauma-Informed Coaching Supports Healing:

• Integrates mind-body healing for deeper trauma release

• Uses Brainspotting to release deep-seated trauma and emotional blockages

• Regulates the nervous system for emotional safety and calm

• Helps create healthier patterns and relationships

Is Coaching Right for You?

If you’re ready to break free from old patterns, set personal goals, or make positive changes, coaching could be a transformative choice. It’s ideal if you’re looking to focus on the future and create new possibilities.

Is Somatic, Trauma-Informed Coaching Right for You? Somatic, trauma-informed coaching is especially helpful if you want to address trauma in a holistic way. If you’ve experienced past trauma and feel ready to heal both your mind and body, this approach can help you release deeply stored trauma using Brainspotting, build emotional resilience, and create lasting changes that support your overall well-being.

Learn more about my somatic & trauma-informed coaching services here.

Author - Rosie Fox | Somatic & Trauma-Informed Coach

International Coaching Federation, Certificate in Counselling, Brainspotting UK

You can heal your past and reclaim your life