That’s a question I’ve been asked quite a few times in recent weeks and months. After a recent discussion, I decided to write a quick introduction, focusing only on the few aspects related to leadership development:
In our fast-paced world, leaders face relentless pressure to perform, inspire, and adapt. While traditional coaching has fortunately become a cornerstone of leadership development, there’s an emerging approach that delves even deeper: NARM therapy (NeuroAffective Relational Model).
For those unfamiliar, NARM is a cutting-edge, trauma-informed therapeutic approach that integrates insights from neuroscience with psychological expertise. It focuses on uncovering and resolving patterns formed in early life—patterns that unconsciously shape how we navigate stress, relationships, and leadership challenges. This isn’t about revisiting the past to relive it, but rather about understanding how past experiences influence current behaviors and limiting beliefs in this present moment.
As a therapeutic modality, NARM is regulated, requiring rigorous training and adherence to quality guidelines.
Why is NARM Therapy Particularly Powerful for Leaders?
Leadership demands self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. While traditional coaching excels in clarifying goals, refining strategies, and enhancing performance, deeper, unresolved patterns can sometimes surface—patterns that future-oriented coaching alone may not fully address. In my experience, this is where NARM becomes a game-changer.
NARM therapy supports leaders to:
Connect more to your authentic Self: Connect to parts of who you are underneath some active patterns that you might not have connected to in a long time.
Identify hidden barriers to growth: Uncover unconscious patterns that hinder decision-making, communication, or innovation.
Enhance emotional resilience: Develop the ability to navigate stress and complexity with greater calm and confidence as you are more connected to your Self.
Strengthen authentic connection: Build genuine relationships with teams and stakeholders around you by aligning actions with your own core values.
The Power of Combining Coaching and NARM Therapy for Leaders
When coaching and NARM therapy are integrated, the results can be transformative. Traditional coaching provides often great structure and actionable tools for achieving goals, while NARM addresses psychological root causes of behaviors that may block progress.
This isn’t about choosing one over the other, there is no better or worse - and of course there is no one approach to coaching. Coaching holds immense value, and for many leaders, it delivers exceptional results. However, for those facing recurring challenges or feeling stuck despite external success, blending coaching with NARM therapy can unlock profound personal and professional breakthroughs.
Transparency is key. Clients should always have a clear understanding of the modalities used and how they work together to support their growth.
A Journey of Discovery Without Arrival
Leadership isn’t just about managing teams or delivering results—it starts with leading yourself. Addressing underlying patterns and aligning with your authentic self allows you to lead with greater clarity, purpose, and humanity.
This journey of internal development has no fixed destination, no milestones, no promotion. As human beings, we are already doing the best we can in the moment. With each step, we connect more deeply to our humanity and our authentic selves, creating a ripple effect in our leadership and personal lives.
If this resonates with you and you’re curious about how this approach could support your growth as a leader, let’s connect.
There are as well very good books about NARM. Look for Brad Kammer, LMFT, LPCC and Larry Heller that provide a much deeper view - happy to provide some references.
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