Conversations with Coaches: Nathan Blair on Somatic Coaching

In this episode of Conversations with Coaches, we explore somatic coaching with Nathan Blair, a body-oriented coach and founder of The Somatic School, an ICF-accredited somatic coach training provider. With over a decade of coaching experience, Nathan brings together body-centered approaches and professional coaching principles. His interest in somatic work began when he noticed how much information was being communicated through gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other nonverbal signals — and how little his initial coaching training equipped him to work with them. Our conversation explores what somatic coaching actually looks like in practice and why bringing the body into coaching is not simply about introducing body awareness exercises. Nathan explains how somatic approaches can help clients access experiences and insights that may not emerge through verbal reflection alone. We also explore: What coaches might be missing when they focus only on verbal communication Why nervous system awareness, psychological safety, and client autonomy matter in body-oriented coaching How coaches can begin developing somatic awareness and skills in their own practice This episode is especially relevant for: • Coaches interested in integrating somatic approaches and body awareness into their practice • Leaders and managers who want to better understand nonverbal communication and its impact on relationships • HR and L&D professionals exploring new approaches to leadership development and employee well-being • Therapists and mental health practitioners interested in the relationship between somatic coaching and body-oriented therapy • Facilitators, trainers, and educators looking to incorporate embodied learning into their work • Anyone curious about how the body influences emotions, behaviour, decision-making, and self-awareness *Nathan's details and relevant links:* LinkedIn:   / nathanjblair   The Somatic School website: https://www.thesomaticschool.com/ The Somatic School LinkedIn:   / the-somatic-school   --- We are a coaching and coach training company. At UpThink Coaching, we train coaches to see coaching as more than a skill — as a way of being. Through an intercultural, emotional, and relational lens, our coaches learn to hold space where real transformation begins: in human connection. We believe that effective coaching goes beyond achieving outcomes; it engages the whole human being who seeks them. If you're interested in becoming a certified coach (ICF Level 1, ACC path), or you're a coach looking for advanced training (ICF Level 2, PCC path) as well as meaningful, ongoing professional development, visit us at: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-tra... or email us at: info@upthinkcoaching.com