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What “trauma-informed” means (and what it doesn’t)
Trauma-informed means your coach understands how stress and past adversity can shape behavior, attention, and energy today. It informs how we structure sessions, language, pacing, boundaries, and choices.
It does not mean the coach treats trauma, provides psychotherapy, or works with acute crises. Coaching helps you build skills and outcomes; therapy addresses clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and deeper processing. We’ll compare below so you can choose confidently.
The 5 Principles We Use in Trauma-Informed Coaching
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Safety (physical + emotional)
Clear session structure, opt-out language, and predictable routines. You control pacing and content at all times. -
Choice & Consent
Every exercise is an invitation. You can pause, modify, or skip. We confirm consent before any somatic or breath practice. -
Collaboration
Plans are co-created. We agree on measurable goals, session length, and success criteria together. -
Empowerment
We highlight strengths and micro-wins. You’ll leave with 1–3 tiny actions (2–10 minutes each) that fit Colorado life. -
Cultural humility & inclusivity
We respect identity, background, and access needs—and adapt the plan (language, rituals, scheduling, budget) accordingly.
Coaching vs Therapy in Colorado: A quick guide
| Topic | Coaching (what we do) | Therapy (what we don’t do) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary aim | Goals, habits, performance, present-focused change | Diagnosis, treatment, processing trauma |
| Techniques | Mindset skills, values, habit design, nervous-system regulation drills, accountability | Evidence-based psychotherapies (e.g., CBT, EMDR), clinical treatment planning |
| Risk level | Low—skills training & life strategy | Can include deeper trauma processing and clinical risk management |
| Red flags → refer | Active self-harm thoughts, untreated substance dependence, severe dissociation, acute crises | Appropriate for licensed clinicians |
If therapy is the right next step, we’ll help you find a Colorado-licensed provider and, with your permission, collaborate for continuity.
What a trauma-informed session feels like (Colorado context)
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Start: ground with breath (30–60s) and a quick capacity check (sleep, stress, hydration—altitude matters here).
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Middle: choose one goal (e.g., assertive boundary at work, morning calm). We practice a tiny behavior and a regulation tool that supports it.
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Close: confirm one micro-commitment you can do in Windsor/Fort Collins life (school runs, I-25 commute, trail time). Update the plan in your shared notes.
We work at the right dose. Over-arousal at altitude + busy schedules can spike anxiety. Your coach balances intensity and recovery so momentum sticks.
Tools we use (always optional)
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Orienting & breath resets (e.g., 4-4-4-4 box breathing; 1–2 minute “five senses” orient)
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Somatic micro-moves (shoulder shrugs + long exhale, hand press into thigh, foot pressure for grounding)
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Cognitive scripts (“Safe to go slow.” “One boundary at a time.”)
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Habit architecture (If-Then plans for meetings, texts, social media)
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Values & boundaries (clarify non-negotiables; map hard “no’s” and gentle “yes’s”)
You can accept or decline any tool—no pressure, ever.
Safety & scope checklist (what to ask any Colorado coach)
Use this list during discovery calls:
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Qualifications & training
“Do you have training in trauma-informed practice or somatic safety?” -
Scope of practice
“How do you decide when to refer to a therapist or physician?” -
Consent & data
“Will I sign an intake + informed consent? How is my data stored?” -
Session structure
“What’s a typical session like? How do you prevent overwhelm?” -
After-session support
“Do I get written practices? How do we handle tough weeks?” -
Emergency protocol
“If I’m in crisis between sessions, what is the plan?”
If answers feel vague or defensive, keep looking. You deserve clarity.
The Colorado factor: lifestyle, altitude, and pace
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Altitude & hydration: plan water/electrolytes and gentle breath sets early on.
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Seasonal shifts: darker winters → more indoor routines; summers → early outdoor sessions (trails, Windsor Lake loop, Poudre River Trail).
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Commute reality: build 8–12-minute practices that fit meetings, pickups, and I-25 delays.
Who benefits most
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People-pleasers rebuilding boundaries & self-respect
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High performers with burnout signs who want a calm, steady gear
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Clients already in therapy who want action & accountability between sessions
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Anyone who wants skills, not just insight
Explore programs: Mindset Coaching · 12-Week Transformation
FAQs (Colorado-specific)
Q1) Can trauma-informed coaching replace therapy?
No. Coaching is skills and goals; therapy is clinical treatment. We’ll help you decide what’s appropriate and refer when therapy is the safer path.
Q2) Will we talk about my past?
Only as much as is useful for today’s choices. We work present-focused and avoid re-traumatization.
Q3) I shut down under pressure—can coaching help?
Yes. We practice low-dose regulation tools you can use in meetings, at home, or on the trail—without forcing deep processing.
Q4) How fast will I notice changes?
Most clients feel more agency and steadiness within 2–4 weeks as routines stick. Bigger life shifts build across 8–12 weeks.
Q5) Is virtual coaching okay for this?
Yes—if safety, pacing, and privacy are set. See Virtual Coaching Guide (when live).
Next step
If you want structured progress with safety and consent at the center, we’re here.
→ Book a Free Consultation
Mind Body Spirit Lab – Windsor, Colorado, USA
Call: +1 (970) 286-0047
Email: justin@mindbodyspiritlab.com
Website: https://mindbodyspiritlab.com
