Trauma-Informed Coaching for First Responders: A Culturally Competent Approach

Understanding the Cultural Landscape of First Responders

First responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers serve on the frontlines of trauma, often for decades.

Their professional lives are marked by discipline, operational urgency, and a high likelihood of witnessing violence, suffering, and death. While this article focuses on first responders, it is crucial to begin by honoring the immense sacrifices made by military veterans, whose service has shaped our understanding of trauma, resilience, and reintegration.

This distinction is not meant to diminish the veteran experience; rather, paint a clearer picture of the chronic and cumulative trauma faced by first responders who remain in active service within their communities year after year.

Most military veterans experience trauma during a limited deployment cycle, typically lasting 6 to 12 months (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Of those who serve, only 10–20% are exposed to direct combat zones (Midwest Disability). In contrast, first responders often serve 20- to 30-year careers in which traumatic exposure is routine.

According to the Wallace Police Department, a law enforcement officer may encounter up to 178 traumatic events over the span of their career. Compare this to the three to four traumatic events the average civilian faces in a lifetime, and the magnitude of the psychological burden carried by first responders becomes alarmingly clear.

Moreover, first responder culture often promotes what has been described as “toxic resiliency” — a mindset that equates emotional stoicism with strength and discourages expressions of vulnerability.

While resilience is essential, its misapplication becomes harmful when it prevents individuals from seeking help or processing trauma (Papazoglou & Tuttle). This culture of suffering in silence presents a significant barrier in the coaching relationship, where vulnerability and reflection are essential for growth.

The cumulative and chronic nature of trauma in first responder roles requires coaching approaches that are not only trauma-informed, but also deeply culturally competent. By understanding the context of their service, not just the symptoms of stress — coaches can more effectively support these individuals on their journey toward self-development.

Trauma and Its Coaching Implications

Coaching emphasizes forward motion, clarity, and transformation; however, when trauma is present — particularly complex trauma experienced through cumulative exposure, this forward momentum can stall. First responders may arrive in coaching with the desire for change but find themselves unable to act due to unresolved neurological and emotional disruptions.

According to SAMHSA, trauma can manifest neurologically and cognitively, with symptoms like avoidance, emotional numbing, and overarousal interfering with functioning. As Harper emphasizes, the role of a coach is not to diagnose or treat trauma, but to create a psychologically safe space where clients feel seen and supported.

A Disparity in Trauma Exposure: First Responders and the Public

Research and field reports consistently highlight the extraordinary burden of trauma exposure among first responders. As stated earlier, the average person may experience three to four traumatic events across their entire lifetime, law enforcement officers may encounter up to 178 traumatic incidents over the course of their careers.

This reality is supported by academic research. Jetelina found that approximately 25% of police officers screen positive for a mental illness, a figure that greatly exceeds the general population. Unfortunately, stigma, confidentiality concerns, and cultural barriers often prevent these professionals from seeking help.

These findings reinforce the urgent need for trauma-informed coaching strategies tailored to the lived realities of frontline responders. Their experiences, shaped by duty and service, also carry chronic psychological impacts that require compassion, presence, and skilled support.

Distinguishing Coaching From Therapy

Although coaching and therapy share foundational elements such as empathy, trust-building, and goal setting, their purposes are distinctly different. Therapy is designed to explore and heal past trauma, while coaching focuses on the future, helping clients identify goals, take action, and create meaningful change.

Trauma often blurs these boundaries. First responders, who are at elevated risk for PTSD and suicidal ideation (Ravindran) may bring unresolved emotional wounds into coaching sessions. In such cases, trauma-informed coaches must recognize when a client’s psychological pain exceeds the scope of coaching.

According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), it is not only appropriate but ethically necessary to refer clients to qualified mental health professionals when their needs fall outside a coach’s competencies.

Importantly, referral should not be seen as abandonment. Instead, it represents an ethical alignment with the client’s best interests and an opportunity for collaborative care. When coaches identify signs such as persistent emotional dysregulation, avoidance of core issues, or expressions of suicidal thoughts, they should initiate a referral while continuing to offer support within their scope. As ICF guidelines advise, coaches should cultivate professional relationships with mental health providers and, where appropriate, work in tandem to support the client’s broader well-being.

This coordinated approach, where therapy addresses underlying trauma and coaching supports future growth, offers clients a holistic path forward — allowing healing and goal achievement to coexist.

Building Cultural Competency Through Humility

Trauma-informed coaching for first responders requires not only an understanding of their profession but also cultural humility — an ongoing commitment to self-awareness, listening, and respectful curiosity (Tervalon & Murray-García).

First responders are not a homogeneous group. Race, gender, generation, and community context all shape how individuals express stress, process trauma, and seek help. For instance, a Latina firefighter may experience different systemic and cultural challenges than a white male paramedic.

Microaggression, however unintentional, can alienate clients and erode trust. Sue emphasizes how even subtle invalidations can compound stress. Coaches must practice sensitivity and restraint, resisting the urge to “fix” and instead cultivating presence and attuned listening.

Pathways to Post-Traumatic Growth

While trauma can disrupt personal and professional life, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth. This concept, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), describes how adversity can foster deeper meaning, purpose, and self-awareness.

Chopko found that many police officers report enhanced empathy and leadership capacity as a result of working through trauma. The coach’s role in this context is to help clients reframe their experiences and identify new possibilities for personal and professional development.

According to Lindsay and Spittle, trauma-informed coaches must be adaptable — willing to adjust their style, pace, and session structure to meet the unique needs of each client.

Recognizing Red Flags and Making Ethical Referrals

Coaches working with trauma exposed populations must be vigilant for signs of serious psychological distress. These red flags include:

• Dissociation or emotional shutdown.
• Intrusive memories or flashbacks.
• Avoidance of core issues.
• Substance use.
• Suicidal thoughts or expressions.

Ravindran highlight the elevated suicide risk among transitioning military personnel — a risk that increasingly applies to first responders as well. When such signs arise, referral to a licensed mental health provider is imperative. A trauma-informed coach maintains an ethical boundary while remaining a supportive presence.

Coaching With Courage and Cultural Awareness

To coach first responders is to enter a sacred space, one filled with pain, honor, grit, and potential. These professionals carry not only their own burdens, but often those of entire communities. Effective coaching provides them with more than tools; it offers space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover purpose.

First responders are not “former” anything — they remain embedded in their work and their trauma. They need coaches who can stand beside them with humility, flexibility, and clarity of role. When done well, trauma-informed coaching becomes a transformative partnership.

For coaches wishing to specialize in this field, there are best practices that ensure ethical and effective engagement:

• Commit to continuous learning and developing cultural fluency specific to first responder environments. 
• Read foundational texts such as:
  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.
  • The Trauma-Informed Coach by J. Harper.
• Pursue specialized education in trauma, neuroscience, and public safety culture through organizations like: 
  • International Coaching Federation (ICF).
  • National Emergency Responder and Public Safety Center (NERPSC).
  • Trauma-Informed Practices Institute.
• Engage in regular supervision or peer consultation to maintain ethical standards and reflective practice. 
• Stay informed about evolving mental health protocols and best practices relevant to law enforcement, EMS, and fire service professionals. 
• Recognize that lived experience as a first responder can add insight but is not required to be an effective coach. 
• Prioritize deep listening, cultural respect, and adaptive strategies to support clients facing complex psychological and emotional challenges.

References

Chopko, B. A., Palmieri, P. A., & Adams, R. E. (2018). Relationships among traumatic experiences, PTSD, and posttraumatic growth for police officers: A path analysis. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 10(2), 183–189. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000261

Harper, J. (2022). The trauma-informed coach: Strategies to support clients when their past prevents progress. Right Book Press.

Jetelina, K. K., Molsberry, R. J., Gonzalez, J. R., & Hall, T. (2020). Prevalence of mental illness and mental health care use among police officers. JAMA Network Open, 3(10), e2019658. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.19658

Lindsay, R., & Spittle, M. (2024). The adaptable coach: A critical review of the practical implications for traditional and constraints-led approaches in sport coaching. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 19(3), 1240–1254. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241240853

Midwest Disability, LLC. (2019). What percentage of soldiers see combat? https://www.midwestdisability.com/blog/2019/12/what-percentage-of-soldiers-see-combat/

Papazoglou, K., & Tuttle, B. M. (2018). Fighting police trauma: Practical approaches to addressing psychological needs of officers. SAGE Open, 8(3), 1–11.

Ravindran, C., Morley, S. W., Stephens, B. M., Stanley, I. H., & Reger, M. A. (2020). Suicide risk after transition to civilian life among US service members. JAMA Network Open, 3(9), e2016261. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.16261

SAMHSA. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services.

Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural humility versus cultural competence: A critical distinction in defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9(2), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2010.0233

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). How common is PTSD in veterans? https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp

Wallace Police Department. (2025, March 28). The average law enforcement professional will experience 178 traumatic events throughout their career… [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/WallacePoliceDepartment/posts/1047692247395479/

Additional Reading and Resources

Bergman, B. P., Burdett, H. J., & Greenberg, N. (2014). Service life and beyond – institution or culture? The RUSI Journal, 159(5), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/03071847.2014.969946

Bisson Desrochers, A., Rouleau, I., Angehrn, A., Vasiliadis, H. M., Saumier, D., & Brunet, A. (2021). Trauma on duty: Cognitive functioning in police officers with and without PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1959117. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1959117