Samantha S. Woo, a licensed certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, and founder of the E.M.B.R.A.C.E™ Coaching Approach, is revolutionizing how we think about workplace trauma. With a deep understanding of the psychological challenges many employees face, Samantha has developed a unique method to help organizations address these issues, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment. Let’s delve into Samantha’s journey and the transformative topics she passionately discusses in her work.

The Hidden Epidemic of Workplace Trauma

Samantha begins by presenting a startling statistic: 93% of surveyed adults in America have had lifelong exposure to trauma. Extrapolate this and that is about 9 out of 10 co-workers you work with probably have trauma. This revelation challenges the common misconceptions about workplace dynamics and highlights the pervasive impact of trauma. Many leaders have tried to address workplace issues by blaming generational differences or enforcing rigid office policies, but these approaches often miss the root of the problem. Samantha argues that the real issue is that everyone brings their trauma to work, whether discreetly hidden or openly displayed.

The Cost of Ignoring Trauma

Ignoring trauma in the workplace comes at a significant cost. Samantha points out that Yale economist Aleh Tsyvinski analyzed that the US economy loses about $282 billion annually, equivalent to an economic recession.  She refers to a statistic from Kaiser Permanente that about 50% of full-time workers leave their positions due to mental health reasons.  And the majority of the days missed are due to mental health issues.  This would affect not only workplace engagement, but talent retention for a company, she observes.  She sees many leaders in her psychotherapy practice whose talents are called upon above and beyond capacity, which she says is a definition of trauma-  taxing the nervous system above its capacity.   Many performers she sees in her practice secretly think of leaving, and many higher level executives may not realize the extent of the cost and impact this can have on their company.  Samantha observes workplaces may use superficial engagement strategies, which may do more harm than good, and results in ultimate lack of genuine buy-in and collaboration, leading to loss in engagement, talent, productivity, efficiency, and profit loss. When trauma is not addressed, it acts like “metal sandpaper against the skin,” creating friction and discomfort within the nervous system of teams. When unaddressed, this results in disengaged employees in an effort to self-protect, judgment, and a toxic work environment. Samantha emphasizes that a new approach is needed—one that not only engages but also inspires employees to understand one another. 

Introducing the E.M.B.R.A.C.E.™ Coaching Approach

As a seasoned therapist, Samantha has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of psychotherapy practices. However, she realized that the traditional methods were not enough to address the systemic issues present in many organizations. This led her to develop the E.M.B.R.A.C.E™ Coaching Approach, which incorporates cutting-edge therapy modalities into a user-friendly framework that can be easily implemented within companies.

A Journey of Transformation

Samantha’s journey began with her extensive experience in psychotherapy, working with talented leaders across various industries. While individual therapy sessions were beneficial, she noticed they were only part of the solution. The broader organizational systems often worked against the growth and healing from trauma. This insight drove her to create a more holistic approach that addresses both individual and systemic issues.

Collapsing Therapy into Usable Practices

One of Samantha’s key achievements is her ability to condense complex psychotherapy practices into practical tools that corporate leaders can use. She has taken years of psychotherapy knowledge and distilled it into a format that is accessible to those without a clinical background. This makes it possible for companies to integrate these practices into their daily operations, creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive.

The Benefits of the E.M.B.R.A.C.E.™ Coaching Approach

The E.M.B.R.A.C.E™ Coaching Approach offers numerous benefits for organizations. By addressing trauma, companies can foster a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and understood. This leads to increased engagement, higher productivity, and improved overall well-being. Samantha’s method encourages leaders to create environments where everyone can show up as themselves, contributing to a more harmonious and effective workplace.

A Call to Action for Corporate Leaders

Samantha is actively seeking to collaborate with corporate leaders who are committed to improving their workplace environments. She invites them to join her on a journey to optimize team engagement and create a culture of genuine connection and growth. By working together, leaders and teams can overcome the barriers of trauma and build a thriving, resilient organization.

Summary

Samantha Woo’s innovative approach to addressing trauma in the workplace is a game-changer. Her E.M.B.R.A.C.E™ Coaching Approach provides practical tools for corporate leaders to create supportive and engaging work environments. By acknowledging and addressing the hidden epidemic of workplace trauma, Samantha is helping organizations unlock their true potential. Her work is a powerful reminder that with the right strategies, companies can foster a culture of healing and growth, where every employee can thrive.

Published by: Holy Minoza