A few things stand out. First, we can't truly interrupt the intergenerational cycle of trauma if most people exposed to it can't access support. Right now, over 90% of those who need mental health care globally can’t get it. We have amazing interventions—but they mean little if people can’t reach them.

Second, while innovation in trauma care is exciting, we’ve overlooked a critical element: human connection. Trust, attunement, and community support are essential to healing. Traditional therapy is powerful, but often happens in isolation. Expecting survivors to heal deeply without broader, ongoing support is unrealistic. After years of working with survivors, it’s clear—therapy alone isn't enough.

The most surprising finding was that coaching often served as a gateway to therapy. While many therapists fear coaches may overstep into clinical work, the coaches I interviewed were deeply committed to staying within their scope—focusing on skill-building, accountability, and non-clinical support. They had clear protocols for assessing client fit and referring out when needed. In some cases, clients started with coaching and transitioned to therapy after receiving psychoeducation from their coach. Overall, coaches saw their role as complementary to therapy, not competitive.

Coaching can complement therapy at all levels of care—supporting with case management, skill-building, psychoeducation, and between-session support. This can reduce treatment time and cost, while expanding access overall.

In areas with limited resources or high stigma around therapy, trauma coaches embedded in communities can provide culturally resonant, trusted support and help bridge critical gaps in care.

As therapists, we need to stay open to approaches that benefit both us and our clients. In my 17 years of practice, there were times I wished for additional support—for myself and for my clients. Many clients need more than what we can ethically or practically provide alone. It’s time the field embraces non-clinical support as a legitimate part of trauma recovery. Therapy is one path—but it’s not the only one, and it may not always be the best.