In the age of social media, it seems like everyone is a “coach” these days—spiritual coaches, life coaches, business coaches, even trauma-informed coaches. While the term “coach” might sound empowering, it’s essential to take a step back and recognise the significant difference between life coaching and therapy, particularly when coaches begin labelling themselves as “trauma-informed.” The line between personal growth and psychological healing is thin, and when coaches step into the realm of therapy without the proper qualifications, they risk causing real harm to those seeking genuine help.
Titles You See on Social Media: The Growing Problem
With the explosion of the wellness and coaching industry, certain titles and phrases are now popping up all over social media. While they might sound like the next best thing, they often mask a more troubling reality: many coaches with these labels are not equipped to deal with deep emotional wounds, and they could be making things worse for people who need professional help.
Here are some examples of the buzzwords and titles making the rounds:
“Trauma-Informed Life Coach”
This one is becoming especially popular, but let’s be clear: anyone can slap “trauma-informed” onto their bio, even if they’ve never done formal study in trauma or mental health. Just because a coach has watched a few online webinars or read a couple of books about trauma doesn’t mean they can manage the complexities of PTSD, childhood abuse, or other serious mental health challenges. It’s misleading and, at worst, it’s dangerous.“Spiritual Healer” or “Energy Healer”
Spiritual coaches often advertise their services as a way to “heal” trauma or “clear blockages” through practices like reiki, chakra balancing, or other forms of energy work. These practices can be calming and therapeutic in some contexts, but they should never be presented as substitutes for actual mental health care. Suggesting someone can heal deep trauma through crystals or energy cleansing risks glossing over the real, clinical work that needs to happen in therapy.“Manifestation Coach”
“Manifest your dream life,” they say. Coaches encouraging people to manifest everything from their perfect job to a perfect relationship can offer motivation, but it’s vital to note that manifestation is not a cure-all for real emotional or psychological issues. If someone is dealing with depression or unresolved trauma, simply repeating positive affirmations or “visualising” your best life won’t fix what’s at the root of their struggles.“Emotional Intelligence Coach”
While emotional intelligence (EQ) is certainly an important area of personal development, many so-called “EQ coaches” on social media are starting to offer advice that crosses into territory typically covered by clinical psychologists. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognise and manage one’s own emotions, but someone offering advice on how to handle deep-seated emotions from past trauma might inadvertently encourage harmful avoidance behaviours or lead clients to believe they can simply “think” their way out of painful emotions.“Holistic Trauma Coach”
Holistic coaching that promises to "heal your trauma through lifestyle changes" might seem like a gentle approach, but it’s a slippery slope. Coaches offering advice about diet, exercise, or “mind-body” healing can be beneficial in promoting general well-being, but they should not be presented as a solution to something as complex and deep as trauma. Clients with serious mental health challenges may be misled into thinking these approaches will replace therapy, which could leave them vulnerable.
The Dangerous Trend: Blurring the Line Between Coaching and Therapy
It's important to note that many coaches genuinely want to help people and do so with the best intentions. However, the line between coaching (focused on personal development and goal setting) and therapy (focused on mental health treatment) is being crossed more often than we realise.
When coaches use terms like "trauma-informed" without the qualifications or training to back it up, they run the risk of giving misleading advice. Yes, personal development can be incredibly helpful, and tools like journaling, mindfulness, or meditation can improve mental well-being. But these tools aren’t enough when it comes to treating deep, life-altering trauma or mental health conditions. Trauma can manifest as serious issues such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. These aren’t things that can be overcome with positive affirmations alone.
Why Not Go Back to School?
It’s worth asking: if life coaches can charge thousands of dollars for their programs, offering a combination of “life advice” and “spiritual healing,” why not invest that money into a formal education in psychology or mental health? Why not get a degree or diploma in counselling or therapy, where they can gain the credentials that would ensure they are genuinely qualified to help people heal from trauma?
By going down the path of formal education, an aspiring coach can gain the expertise needed to properly help those in need. Instead of spending thousands on a certification that doesn’t hold weight in the professional world, they could be learning the evidence-based methods needed to make a real difference. With the proper qualifications, they would not only be better equipped to help people but could also legally and ethically provide the mental health support that people are often seeking when they turn to “coaches.”
Why the Trend is Dangerous
Misleading Labels
As much as people want to believe in a quick fix, trauma doesn’t get solved through a few sessions of “manifesting” or “energy healing.” While these approaches can certainly complement therapy, they can’t replace it. Coaches who use terms like "trauma-informed" without having any clinical understanding of trauma may mislead their followers into thinking they’re getting the help they need, when in fact, they might be setting themselves up for more emotional distress.The Risk of Unqualified Advice
Mental health is complicated. Trauma isn’t something you can just "shake off" by changing your mindset or listening to motivational quotes. For example, a coach might tell someone to “stop feeling sorry for yourself” or “just change your perspective,” which can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and frustration. True healing requires professional guidance, time, and structured care, which can’t be rushed with “positive vibes.”False Sense of Security
For someone already vulnerable, the idea of paying for a life coach who promises healing can feel like the answer. But without the proper skills, even the most well-meaning coach could make someone feel worse by offering ineffective advice or focusing on superficial solutions.
The Bottom Line: Know Your Limits and Seek Proper Help
The rise of life coaching and spiritual healing is undeniable, but with this rise comes the responsibility to know the limits of what coaching can offer. Coaches should stick to what they are trained in—goal setting, motivation, and personal development—while leaving serious mental health work to trained professionals.
For those struggling with significant mental health challenges, it’s crucial to seek professional therapy from a licensed psychologist or counsellor who has the proper education and experience to help with trauma and emotional healing. If a coach ever claims to heal trauma or promises quick fixes, that should be a red flag.
While coaches might genuinely want to help, they are not a substitute for formal training or the structured support provided by a mental health professional. So before you invest thousands into a life coach, ask yourself: Wouldn't it make more sense to pursue a career where you can make a real, long-term impact with the credentials to back it up?
