In this special three-part series of the Relationship Matters Podcast, Katie Churchman talks with trauma-informed coach Michael Forlenza. Across the next three episodes, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in coaching: trauma. Click here to listen to Part 1, Recognizing Trauma: Becoming Aware of Trauma in Coaching Relationships.

In part 2, Michael and Katie delve into coaching techniques and approaches for supporting clients who have experienced trauma.

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of how to shift from judgment to empathy by asking, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”
2. Learn how to differentiate between being activated and being triggered and how to respond skillfully to support your clients’ emotional needs.
3. Develop the skill of generous listening, witnessing, and holding space to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for your clients.
4. Master techniques for recontextualizing clients’ stories and using empowering language that promotes healing and growth.
5. Understand how building genuine connection can mitigate the impact of trauma and foster deeper healing in the coaching relationship.

Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PCC, TIPC, is an experienced trauma-informed coach, leadership consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience working with leaders across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. He previously served as Assistant Dean at Duquesne University, where he helped establish an ICF-accredited Executive Coaching Program. Currently, he is a Senior Faculty Member at Lodestar Consulting, focusing on trauma-responsive leadership and coaching. Alongside being an ORSC practitioner, Michael holds advanced certifications in Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and mindfulness-based practices and continues to teach and consult on leadership and organizational trauma healing.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of Faculty and Partners, we connect, inspire, and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time

We believe Relationship Matters, from humanity to nature, to the larger whole.

In this special three-part series of the Relationship Matters Podcast, Katie Churchman talks with trauma-informed coach Michael Forlenza. Across the next three episodes, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in coaching: trauma.

In part 1, Michael and Katie explore how coaches can develop the skills to identify and understand the presence of trauma in their clients and the importance of awareness in creating a safe and supportive coaching environment.

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Gain the ability to recognize trauma in coaching relationships and understand why it’s critical to address, even when it’s not immediately visible.
2. Understand trauma as a spectrum and how it impacts clients differently, allowing you to respond more effectively to their unique needs.
3. Learn how to create a safe, trauma-aware coaching environment that fosters trust and emotional safety for your clients.
4. Develop clarity on the boundaries between coaching and therapy and know when to refer clients to specialized professionals for further support.
5. Learn to honor and recognize the body’s natural responses to trauma, helping your clients feel validated and supported throughout their coaching journey.

Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PCC, TIPC, is an experienced trauma-informed coach, leadership consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience working with leaders across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. He previously served as Assistant Dean at Duquesne University, where he helped establish an ICF-accredited Executive Coaching Program. Currently, he is a Senior Faculty Member at Lodestar Consulting, focusing on trauma-responsive leadership and coaching. Alongside being an ORSC practitioner, Michael holds advanced certifications in Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and mindfulness-based practices and continues to teach and consult on leadership and organizational trauma healing.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of Faculty and Partners, we connect, inspire, and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time

We believe Relationship Matters, from humanity to nature, to the larger whole.

Across this Masterclass on ORSC Essentials, you’ll experience the transformative power of ORSC, which integrates systems thinking with coaching techniques to enhance relationships, navigate change, and foster collaboration. The masterclass will introduce you to leading experts in the field who explore some of the key mindsets and methodologies that define this powerful framework for coaching and life. Whether you’re new to ORSC or seeking to deepen your practice, this masterclass will offer insights into how ORSC can be applied across personal, professional, and organizational contexts to create more resilient and dynamic systems & a healthier and more connected world.

Guests featured in this Masterclass episode (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are as follows:

• S.1.7 - Faith Fuller
• S.4.7 - Marita Fridjhon
• S.4.19- Sandra Cain & Maddie Weinreich
• S.5.14 - Frank Uit de Weerd
• S.4.B1 - Judy Van Zon & Katherine Starks
• S.2.10 - Floyd Carlson
• S.5.15 - Nairy McMahon
• S.4.10 - Cynthia Loyd Darst
• S.5.3 - Kiki Kesseler
• S.1.14 - Faith Fuller

Masterclass Series: This is a specially curated collection of episodes from the podcast archives designed to provide both a taster of the Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) approach and a valuable refresher on its breadth and potential. Each episode explores key concepts and themes of the ORSC approach, offering practical insights on enhancing relationships, managing change, and fostering collaboration in various contexts. Join us to learn how ORSC can help you build stronger, more resilient systems in both personal and professional spheres.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of Faculty and Partners, we connect, inspire, and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time

We believe Relationship Matters, from humanity to nature, to the larger whole.