Trauma Recovery Coaches Don't Dish Out Advice: We are Gentle Guides Who Give Safe Space To Heal
Updated: May 26, 2021
I've been receiving countless messages from people on here who I don't know who are asking me for advice. Keep in mind that we have never met face to face.
I must clarify with you that I am not an attorney, doctor, therapist, pharmacist, nor a counselor. Your questions are very concerning to me.
My website and YouTube channel is NOT the place to ask for medical advice, legal advice, or to reach out to strangers who you never even met in person. With the wrong person, it can actually create more harm than good, especially if someone gives you poor advice or leads you astray.
As a Trauma Recovery Coach (soon to be certified), it is mandated by the mental health laws and code of ethics that I work within my scope of my profession. A Trauma Recovery Coach Does NOT:
1) Treat, diagnose, or access a client's mental or physical health.
2) Prescribe or give any advice about medications.
3) Prescribe any treatments.
4) Process trauma with their clients.
5) Give advice to anyone, including clients. (Trauma Recovery Coaches are more like your mentor. Your equal. We don't dish out advice. Instead, we sit with you. We guide you. We listen to you. We validate you. We offer you safe space to heal. But the client is always in charge of their life.)
6) Work with clients who are at risk of harming themselves or others.
7) Work outside their window of our competence and training.
While I do empathize and understand those who may have questions about narcissistic abuse, bullying, medicine, abuse, and other concerns, I cannot give advice, due to legalities. I will uphold my code of ethics as a Trauma Recovery Coach.
Please understand how serious this is and that it's a big responsibility. My concern for those who ask strangers (and me) for advice on here and YouTube is that:
1) In most cases, you don't know these people. (Following someone on YouTube or a website doesn't mean you know them.)
2) What is right for them may actually be wrong for you.
3) Not all advice is accurate, safe, or beneficial for you.
4) Everyone's circumstances are very different. What works great for someone else may not work good for you.
5) The risk is NOT worth it. Why take a chance on someone's advice or legal suggestions?
6) It is always best and most appropriate to seek advice through a professional (face to face and over the phone) who specializes in your concern. For example, for depression, seek the advice of a licensed therapist or psychologist. For legal help, hire an attorney who has expertise in the area of your concern.
7) Although YouTube is excellent for hearing other people's stories and personal experiences, there are pros and cons to giving and receiving advice, suggestions, and solutions to your problems.
8) Stop giving your power away. Step into your own power! Learn to advocate for YOURSELF. Learn to do research to discover possible solutions, such as credible books, blogs, articles, and business services.
9) Trust your gut instincts. If something or someone feels "off," trust it. Listen to that soft voice within you. It is guiding you. Your intuition doesn't lie.
10) YOUR ONLINE SAFETY MATTERS. It is unsafe to put your health, your life, and your safety into the hands of strangers or those who you never met face to face. Not everyone has your best interests at heart.
Please know that a big part of healing is having wisdom, discernment, and to stand strong in your clear boundaries. The best person who can help you is YOU.
In many cases, the answers and solutions are WITHIN YOU. Take the time to listen, to pray, to be mindful, and to build your awareness. I believe that it is best and most appropriate for you to seek the best solutions by trustworthy professionals; face to face or via the phone.
I am posting this because I do care about YOU, YOUR safety, YOUR health, YOUR future, and YOUR healing journey. Thank you for understanding my concern you. Please know that a big part of healing is having wisdom, discernment, and to stand strong in your clear boundaries.
The best person who can help you is YOU. In many cases, the answers and solutions are WITHIN YOU. Take the time to listen, to pray, to be mindful, and to build your awareness. I believe that it is best and most appropriate for you to seek the best solutions by trustworthy professionals; face to face or via the phone. Most trauma survivors have been abused by those who have broken their trust. Betrayal by those who should have loved us can sting. This is why it is essential to learn to heal relationally. A Trauma Recovery Coach can help you to learn how to build new relationships with other people. There is hope for healing your trauma wounds. There is hope for creating peace of mind, safety, and a beautiful future ahead of you. There is no shame in asking for help. But it must be in the right context and with the appropriate professional.