Why Traditional Mentors Fail Trauma Survivors (And How to Find One That Won't)

Have you watched colleagues advance through powerful mentorship while you struggle to form these critical connections? In this revealing episode of Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide, I explain why this happens to trauma survivors and why it's not your fault.

As someone who once wore armor at work, keeping potential mentors at a distance because it felt safer, I share why traditional mentorship models fundamentally fail trauma survivors. These conventional approaches ignore our trust barriers, risk retraumatization, lack trauma-informed guidance, and miss the structured support we need to engage safely.

Discover what trauma-informed mentorship truly looks like:

• How psychological safety becomes the foundation rather than an afterthought
• Why addressing power dynamics openly transforms the mentoring relationship
• The critical role of transparency and predictability in building trust
• How healthy boundaries create the safety needed for genuine growth
• The power of a strengths-based approach that recognizes your trauma journey as a source of professional assets

You'll learn my practical "nervous system litmus test" for identifying safe mentors and concrete strategies for finding mentorship that honors both your professional potential and healing journey.

Welcome to Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide, the podcast reimagining career development for trauma survivors. I'm your host, Cyndi Bennett, founder of the Resilient Career Academy, helping you access career advancement tools that respect your unique needs and experiences.

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.