Working with a somatic trauma-informed coach can be life-changing if you’re recovering from emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, or complex trauma. But true healing requires more than empathy—it requires structure. One of the most vital things your coach should offer is clear, compassionate boundaries.

Boundaries are not about creating distance. They are about creating safety—especially for those who have experienced ongoing boundary violations in the past.

What Boundaries You Should Expect from a Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach

Time and Availability

Your coach should begin and end sessions on time. While emotional conversations are important, time boundaries help regulate your nervous system and prevent overwhelm. You can also expect them to respond to emails or messages only during defined working hours—this protects both your coach and your healing process.

Scope of Practice

A somatic trauma-informed coach is not a therapist, crisis responder, or legal advisor. If you’re in distress or need specialised support, they should refer you to professionals like:

• NHS 111
• Samaritans (116 123)
• Police.uk (for domestic abuse)
• Local or online mental health services

Expect them to explain this clearly and offer a list of support resources.

Professional vs Personal

A coaching relationship is not a friendship. Your coach may show empathy, but they should remain professionally boundaried at all times. If you find yourself becoming emotionally dependent or reaching out outside of agreed sessions, a trauma-informed coach will kindly but firmly realign expectations.

Financial Boundaries

A professional coach will ask for payment in advance and will not offer free sessions. This energy exchange protects the integrity of the relationship and helps you value your own healing. Some may offer sliding scale rates or limited subsidised sessions, but this will be intentional and clearly defined.

Respect and Emotional Safety

No aggression, manipulation, or abuse—toward you or from you—should be tolerated. If emotional safety is compromised, your coach has the right to pause or terminate the relationship, prioritising safety over continuation.

Additional Boundaries You Might Not Expect (But Should)

• Social Media Boundaries: Coaches may keep personal and professional accounts separate to avoid role confusion.
• Consent in Somatic Work: If physical touch is part of a session, informed consent is essential.
• Supervision and Peer Support: A good coach will have their own systems for emotional debriefing and professional reflection.
• Confidentiality and GDPR: Coaches should handle all client information securely and transparently.
• Recovery Time Between Sessions: To stay regulated and fully present, coaches often build in time between sessions for nervous system reset.

Boundaries Build the Foundation for Healing

Healthy boundaries from your coach help you feel safe, seen, and respected. They model what safety in relationship feels like—often for the first time. If you’re exploring trauma recovery, make sure your somatic trauma-informed coach embodies professionalism, presence, and ethical clarity.

When looking for a suitable somatic trauma-informed coach, ask if they are registered or aligned with the International Coaching Federation’s Ethical Code of Practice and Core Competencies.

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