Trauma Informed Coaching

Hi, I'm Sandra Cook

As a social coach in support of the morally injured and traumatized, my purpose is to encourage self-discovery, and to partner with the individuals struggling to get out from under the pain and stress brought on by past trauma, and to gain skills in managing the symptoms. I became a trauma focused coach because I came to realize that no line of work should require me to sustain moral injury. I also came to understand the importance of trusting myself and my own conscience rather than those who were put in authority over me, and to whom I had surrendered control.

What started my journey toward understanding religious trauma

While on the mission field I did whatever it took in my roles as a mother, student of culture, and educator. I had little time to reflect on the traumatic experiences my children and I endured in a low-intensity war zone.

When we arrived home from the mission field I lost my identity as a missionary educator while working low-wage jobs. Only then did I begin to reflect on the moral injuries and traumas. The pain was overwhelming. This only created more trauma and moral injury within the family.

Eventually, I learned to break the cycle of emotional flashbacks and trauma and got back on a path towards creating my best self.

Why would you want to engage my services as a Social Coach?

Issues arising from trauma, or moral injuries incurred in high-control groups, make life more difficult than it needs to be. Sadly, they may follow you for a lifetime unless you develop, maybe for the first time, an internal locus of control. Together, we can map out and achieve the goals of empowerment, a strong, authentic self, and be able to function in a healthy, balanced way. This will happen as you learn to control your own mind; when you replace that external locus of control with yourself.

Trauma and moral injuries are hard to explain!

Are you:

…exhausted, and at a loss for words while trying to explain to family members why you are so angry about a series of seemingly innocuous events (in their view)?
…exhausted, and at a loss for words to explain why you didn’t tell your parents, or your teacher, about actions that have left you with profound emotional damage?
…exhausted, and at a loss for words to explain why you froze, and how your brain hid from you the jagged wound in your psyche for years?
…exhausted, and at a loss for the words that will ‘show’ your loved ones the permanently disfigured part of yourself?
…exhausted, and at a loss for the words to help your family members ‘see’ the grotesque scar that exists only in your mind, not your body, from an attack that nobody witnessed?

What to Expect

First, we will establish our relationship in a safe and easy way to learn about where you are in your journey with your history of trauma.

Each session is carefully structured and starts with exploring and identifying the topics most relevant to your situation. I will guide you, step by step, to set goals, to move forward towards your goals while tracking your progress, and creating a restoration plan.

The Steps We Will Always Take:

First, we establish the relationship and your personal history leading you to seek this service.
Then we create your personal growth plan.
The next step is exploring areas of impact: boundaries, sex, authority, family relations.
Once we understand how everything occurred, we outline your story: Articulating your story including intros, chapter titles, and writing your conclusion.
Along the way, I will provide strategies for skill development.