Processing issues beneath the surface: an exploration of first-time coaching for people with past adversity – a reflexive thematic analysis of clients’ lived experience

As more people experience adversity and seek coaching for non-clinical support, there is an ethical responsibility to understand the client’s perspective before determining how coaching practice should adapt. This study addresses a significant gap by foregrounding the client voice, exploring the lived experience of first-time coaching among individuals with past adversity. Method: Volunteer participants (n = 16) with no prior coaching experience each received two coaching sessions. Post-session semi-structured interviews (n = 32) provided qualitative data, analysed via Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results: Two master themes and four subordinate themes were constructed. The first, Sensitivity to Coach Behaviours, comprised On the Same Wavelength and Out of Sync, revealing that people with past adversity may be sensitive to coach behaviours influencing relational quality and effectiveness. The second, Processing Issues Beneath the Surface comprised Open Disclosure of Past Adversity and Keeping the Past Hidden, suggesting that some clients choose to disclose past adversity, even when coaching on day-to-day issues. Conclusions: Coaches may wish to develop advanced skills in holding non-directive, non-reactive space, which can be difficult when faced with emotionally charged material. Drawing from Trauma-Informed Practices, Polyvagal and Somatic Theories, and expanding the role of Expert Companion is recommended.