An online masterclass
Exploring trauma, coaching and the role of the art coach
In this two half day programme we will start to explore the importance of being trauma informed and how we work as art coaches.
Presented by Anna Sheather and Julia Vaughan Smith, author of ‘Coaching and Trauma – from surviving to thriving’ McGraw Hill
I am delighted to be joined by Julia Vaughan Smith for this masterclass exploring coaching and trauma and in particular art based coaching. Julia has been working and researching in the area of coaching and trauma for many years and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the session. To find out more about Julia and her work please do visit the blogs on her website www.coachingandtrauma.com.
Julia Vaughan Smith
“Trauma does not refer to a specific event. It is not the cause but the consequence of experience. The word trauma comes from the Greek word for wound, and it is thus the ‘wounds’ we are left with.”
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Who is the masterclass for?
This masterclass is for coaches who use visual art in their practice and are seeking to become trauma informed.
It is also ideal for coaches who have previously attended the Art in Coaching, Art in Practice Programme and are looking to develop their practice further.
About the masterclass
When coaching with art we are working at a deeper level with our clients, where art making connects them to that which is in need of recognition which can be hidden from them. As a result, there is always the possibility that art coaching can unlock trauma memories and activate trauma responses. It is therefore important that we know what to do, how to behave and how to respond to our client if this happens, ensuring we are contributing to healing.
This master class provides the art coach with the knowledge, understanding and practical art-based approaches to begin to develop a trauma informed practice and ensure they know how to maintain the coaching space when trauma is present, contributing to the healing process.
Coaching not therapy
We know coaching is not therapy and art coaching is not art therapy, however, through working with our clients in the ‘here and now’ and helping them to tap into their resourceful selves, coaching can make a contribution to the healing process of trauma, and art coaching in particular can be very beneficial if it is used appropriately and held safely.
Our approach
Through a mix of presentations and discussions, together with practical experience trying out art exercises as well as time for reflection, we will we start to explore the complex condition of trauma and the role of art and the art coach when trauma emerges.
Our approach ensures we not only talk about the theory, but also bring that theory to life through our experiences as coaches.
By the end of the masterclass you will:
- Know what trauma is and what you may experience when trauma is present, enabling you to recognise if it is activated in a coaching session.
- Understand and be confident in your role when trauma is present and how to manage yourself to ensure you maintain a coaching approach.
- Understand how art coaching creates a safe space that naturally works with a client’s healthy and resourceful self.
- Try out and take away several art exercises that support trauma healing if it is present and give clients a way to access their resourceful selves.
- Be aware of the challenges for the coach when trauma is present and how to address these.
Dates:
2026 dates
Two half day modules online
10th & 11th November – 1pm to 4.30pm GMT each day
(1pm start = 2pm CET, 8am EST, 11.30pm ACDT)
Fees:
The fee for this masterclass is £590.
EU Coaches – please note that due to EU changes in VAT tax rules with the UK, I can currently only offer online courses to EU coaches who run their practice as a registered business and/or are VAT registered.
To find out more please let me know if you are from the EU when inquiring or booking and I can explain further. Thank you.