Ep 64: Trauma-Informed Coaching—What It Is, and What We Often Get Wrong with Lion Goodman

What does it really mean to be trauma-informed—and why does this matter far beyond therapy? In this deeply personal and educational episode, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with Lion Goodman, coach, author, and founder of the Clear Beliefs Institute, who shares his incredible story of surviving being shot in the head four times—and how that life-altering moment shaped his approach to healing and leadership.Lion breaks down the difference between surface-level coaching and therapeutic coaching, how trauma shows up even in “successful” people, and how we can begin to unhook the past to truly move forward. Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or someone who wants to support others more skillfully, this conversation is rich, grounded, and unforgettable.🔗 Learn more about Coaching Below the Surface:https://changecoaches.io/coaching-below-the-surface/📲 Connect on LinkedIn:Change Coaches: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-coachesLaTonya Wilkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonyawilkins/🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@changecoaches/podcasts📝 Timestamps + Summary[00:00] Welcome and how LaTonya met Lion GoodmanConnection at ICF Converge and why Lion’s work stood outMeaning behind the name “Lion” and his Leo identity[12:00] A near-death experience that changed everythingLion recounts being shot four times and survivingThe experience deepened his spiritual and professional journey[21:10] When coaching falls short without addressing traumaClients often loop when past wounds go unexaminedLion begins to integrate deeper healing techniques[28:20] What it means to unhook a beliefBeliefs are formed through experience, not logicMemory reconsolidation can rewrite core identity structures[38:00] Psychedelics and trauma workPowerful for deconstructing beliefs—but dangerous without integrationCoaches must be trained to guide responsibly[44:10] Coaching vs. therapy: how they overlap and differCoaches walk with you, but must know how to help offload traumaWhy trauma-informed doesn’t mean “doing therapy”[48:00] Common mistakes when talking about traumaOvergeneralizing what trauma is—or avoiding it altogetherCoaches need to clear their own trauma to avoid projection[51:30] Where to start with trauma-informed supportAsk “what’s underneath that?” to go deeperBe grounded, breathe, and avoid judgment when holding spaceTags: Trauma Informed Coaching, Lion Goodman, Therapeutic Coaching, Executive Coaching, LaTonya Wilkins, Leading Below the Surface, Coaching Below the Surface, Psychological Safety, Memory Reconsolidation, Coaching and Trauma, Psychedelic Integration, Clear Beliefs Method, Coaching Tools, Executive Development, Limiting Beliefs, ICF Accredited, Personal Growth, Coaching Conversations, Coaching Podcastand