A: A Trauma Recovery Coach is not a clinician or therapist – instead, they are a peer mentor and guide trained to help trauma survivors set goals, develop coping strategies, and move forward in recovery. Unlike a therapist, coaches do not diagnose or treat mental illness. Our coaches focus on present and future – helping clients build resilience, access resources, and practice skills learned in therapy (if they are also in therapy). Coaches often work in tandem with therapists, but the coaching role is more about mentorship, encouragement, and practical tools. We train you to understand trauma and its effects deeply (so you’re trauma-informed), but also to know your scope and refer out if issues arise that require clinical intervention.

 A: The timeline is flexible and can vary. Generally, most participants complete the initial requirements for certification in about 2 to 3 months. This includes the time to attend orientation, finish the Masterclass, and accumulate sufficient weekly sessions to feel confident. If you’re very proactive, you might finish faster (some do it in as little as 6-8 weeks). Remember, the goal is not to rush out a certificate but to ensure you feel ready. You can continue in the weekly training as long as you need before requesting your certification review. After certification, many coaches stay in the membership to continue learning – it’s up to you how long you remain, and you can cancel the monthly membership anytime after you’ve met the active coach requirements (though most want to continue because of the value it provides).

A: The certification is issued by the Pathway Professional Mentor Association (PPMA). PPMA is a professional body dedicated to training and supporting peer mentors and coaches in various wellness fields. While it’s not a state license (no coaching programs are, since coaching is generally a self-regulated profession), our curriculum aligns with the emerging best practices in trauma peer support. Graduates have successfully used this certification to secure roles at wellness centers (like Oasis Wellness Centers), non-profits, churches, and to build their own coaching practices. We provide a certificate document, and we can also serve as references or verify your completion if an employer or partner organization wants to confirm your training. Additionally, having “trained by Pathway Professional Mentor Association” on your bio tells clients that you have undergone rigorous, supervised training specifically in trauma – which can set you apart in the coaching field.

A: Yes — and it’s one of the most valuable parts of our training!

As a coach trainee, you will participate in our 12-Week Complimentary Trauma Recovery Program.

This foundational experience ensures that you not only understand trauma recovery academically but also experience personal growth, emotional resilience, and deep empathy firsthand. Completing the 12-week program helps you coach with authenticity, compassion, and credibility.

It is highly recommended to fully engage in the 12-week journey to prepare you to hold safe, informed spaces for others. (And the best part? It’s included complimentary for all trainees under Oasis Wellness Centers.)

 A: Don’t worry – if you can read this webpage, you have enough tech skill to participate! 😄 Our program is designed to be user-friendly. Orientation will include a brief tech check to ensure you can access Zoom (for group sessions) and our simple online platform (for accessing materials and recordings). We also have a support line – if you ever have trouble, a staff member will help you get connected. The learning itself is a mix of live video calls and optional reading/videos. If you’re new to online meetings, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable. Many participants start out a bit unsure about the tech and quickly find it’s easier than they thought.

 A: Orientation sessions are by appointment on Thursdays at 5:30 pm EST. We do our best to accommodate everyone. If that slot is absolutely impossible for you, let us know – occasionally we arrange alternate orientation times as needed. The key is that you get that introduction and we get to meet you! Even if you can’t do the very next Thursday, we can schedule you for a subsequent one. Just text 616-320-0703 or email us after enrolling, and we’ll find a solution. Orientation is important because it sets you up for success (and it’s a chance for you to meet some mentors right away).

 A: Life happens! We understand. If you miss a week, you can do a couple of things: 1) Schedule a one-on-one catch-up session with a mentor ($35/hr as noted) where you can discuss what you missed and keep on track. Or 2) Attend a different group’s session that week (we have multiple group cohorts; we can often plug you into another session temporarily). The program is flexible – the requirement is simply some form of weekly engagement. If you anticipate needing a longer break (e.g., extended travel or a personal matter), talk to us. We can grant a hiatus for a month or two and then have you resume, or mark you as inactive and later reactivate your coach status once you return. We’re committed to working with you so that the program works for you.

A: Although we’d be sad to see you go, yes, you can cancel anytime. There are no long-term contracts. If you decide during training that it’s not the right fit, just let us know. (We might ask for feedback to improve, but we’ll process your cancellation immediately.) If you cancel, you would not continue with the sessions or get certified, of course. After certification, if you choose to discontinue the membership, you would no longer be listed as an active coach with us or receive the ongoing support, but your certificate is still yours. (We do encourage at least maintaining some peer consultation in your life even if not with us, for your benefit.) Essentially, you’re in control – but given the low cost and high support, we find that most people stick around because the value far exceeds the price.

A: Yes! In addition to your core training materials, you can choose to purchase access to the PTSD/CPTSD Replay Library. This optional add-on gives you access to recorded expert-led workshops covering advanced trauma recovery strategies, coping tools, emotional regulation practices, and holistic healing techniques. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding and expand your coaching toolbox, but it’s not required for certification. Details about pricing and how to access the library are shared in your membership portal.

 A: Absolutely! We know committing to a training program is a big decision. If you’d like to chat with a program advisor or one of our head coaches before enrolling, we’re happy to arrange that. You can call or text 616-320-0703 to set up a call, or email us at info@oasiswellnessctrs.com. We can discuss any concerns, your goals, and see if this program is truly the right match for you. No pressure, just information. We want you to join only if you feel 100% good about it. And if you do join, we’ll make sure those nerves disappear quickly as you meet our friendly team and fellow learners!