Trauma is Already Outside the Box; But Are You Still Thinking Inside the Box? A Primer for Refreshing Leaders

Imagine walking into the unknown, heart racing, determined. Thanks to the amazing nervous system responses to pressure, this is a high performance state for many people. The buzz! Yet deep down many people carry past echoes of times when they got pushed too far. Perhaps they sustained a mental injury, perhaps they just experienced it like a warning. Next time, they play differently – maybe smaller, more aggressive, who knows. Leadership becomes tricky, if you don’t understand this mechanism. Yet if you get how the nervous system works, you become wise to how people all around you are reacting to pressure. Becoming trauma-informed gives leaders a boost. You get to be ready, not stuck in reactions.

Trauma is Outside the “Box”!

In today’s podcast episode, (that you can listen to here) I want to take you back to one of my first podcast episodes where I give a primer on how trauma has already got “outside the box”. It is transdiagnostic (doesn’t fit one diagnostic category).

The podcast episode is largely informed by the fantastic essay “Trauma Needs a Rebrand – Trauma, Psychedelics, Limitations of Our Existing Models, and Exciting Alternatives” by Liam Farquhar that I highly recommend you read too!

In today’s fast-paced world, the delicate art of leadership requires not just intellect and authority, but also compassion, empathy, and (imo) a decent understanding of human psychology. I hold the view that this picture is incomplete if you don’t get where the nervous system fits into it… and to learn that we need to take a dive into the wisdom gathered from the fields of trauma research and recovery.

After all, if you want to increase resilience, ability to bounce back and thrive under pressure, then this is the part of the human that you need to learn from!

Here’s some snippets from the episode. Do listen through the lens of Refreshing your Leadership – what can you take away today?

Trauma Isn’t Just About What Happens To You:

It’s more about what happens inside you. Trauma occurs not from the event itself but from our body’s overwhelming response to it. This response is typical, a part of human evolution designed to protect us. Understanding this can foster immense self-compassion and resilience.

Pathologizing Trauma – Let’s Shift the Narrative:

For years, traumatic responses have been misunderstood and mislabeled as signs of dysfunction or fear. But what if we recognized these reactions as normal responses to extraordinary circumstances? This shift in perception can significantly change how we support and heal ourselves and others.

Unlocking the Polyvagal Theory:

I’ll be honest. This isn’t the simplest theory to get your head around. I’m often talking through it with other coaching psychologists who want to know more, but find it baffling. I aim to simplify without being reductive! I keep talking about it because this seems to me to be one theory that can really get to the heart of how our nervous system copes with stress. This understanding is crucial, for everyone navigating the complexities of modern life!

The Power of Non-Pathologizing (Not Focusing on what is “Wrong”):

When trauma is not viewed through a diagnostic lens, it opens up broader, more expansive ways to address and heal from it. Recognizing trauma as a universal, trans-diagnostic experience could also revolutionize mental health and personal development sectors. But let’s start with you!

Thanks for Reading, Listening and Sharing – Ripple Effect is a Go!

Remember I self-fund this blog and podcast, and offer the podcast on free platforms to help move one tiny step closer to making the world a better, braver space for all. Please share as widely as you can – it already has downloads all over the world, but we sure haven’t reached everyone yet!

Warmly,

Kate

P.S. What is a Refreshing Leader?

Remember, when we talk about #RefreshingLeaders, we’re not just talking about those in traditional leadership positions. We’re talking about leaders in all areas of life – in our communities, in our families, in groups. What defines a refreshing leader is something deeper, something that transcends titles and roles. It’s about embodying qualities that bring about positive change while inspiring others to do the same. And it starts with you.

Kate Brassington… is an executive coach with a difference…

Offering trauma-informed leadership coaching for high performance under pressure.

She coaches 1:1 (“one with one”).

Kate helps people:

• Understand and improve their own behaviour under pressure.
• Withstand high pressure environments, to sustainably produce great results.
• Learn ways to thrive in body and mind, getting the buzz without the burnout.
• Develop better leader behaviours to support high-performing teams.

She is:

• Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) Division of Coaching Psychology
• Specialist trauma-informed coach (accredited Professional Certified Coach with International Coaching Federation PCC(ICF);
• Havening Techniques ® Practitioner;
• Listed on Top 10 Professional Coaches in Luxembourg 2023 by The For Better Institute
• Further detail on her accreditations and blog are on her website;
• Hosts her podcast Refreshing Leadership;
• On LinkedIn.

Her mission:

• To ease suffering and get the fun back!

Testimonial:

“Kate gave me greater understanding of how my brain works along with actionable steps which has allowed me to navigate life with greater confidence. 100% recommended”, Business Owner

© 2024 Refreshing Leadership Podcast. All rights reserved.

#RefreshingLeadershipPodcast #CoachingPsychology #TraumaInformedLeadership #Resilience