noun: self; plural noun: selves
We all have a self. The self is what enables us to act in and navigate our complicated and beautiful world. It is also what often trips us up, sends us around in circles, drives us to exasperation. Particularly when we bump up against other selves who see the world differently and act in ways that may seem incomprehensible, or events that make no sense within our existing ways of thinking.

My own enquiries into self have helped me understand that the only way to transcend the self is by turning inwards and going more deeply into what constitutes who we are. This is mirrored in the wisdom teachings of Buddhism and Indian tantra that have greatly inspired me on my path, and taught me to continually enquire into what arises with curiosity, compassion and courage. To reach beyond our limitations requires us to recognise that we are important (without being self-important), of value (but not necessarily special) and the product of the web of interrelationships that surround us. Sometimes it can be helpful, particularly when repeated relational themes, challenges or important choices arise, to work closely with another person to provide support. I offer to do this as a coach and mentor.

When I work with clients in this way I bring my full self and I invite you to bring your self as fully as your current capacity allows. This is because it always works better like this. By choosing to be fully present to whatever arises in our sessions you build your capacity to know your full self, and bring it out in a wider range of situations. Through this the scope of you acting consciously and intentionally expands, and the influence you have over the way your life flows deepens. I can bring in resources from many years working in the field of organisational and leadership development, yoga and meditation, shadow work and creative practice, should we both agree it is helpful to do so. Although I am holding the space and guiding the process as your coach, we enter the space of enquiry together and part of the beauty of it is that we never know at the start where it might lead. For this reason I do not ask you to commit to a particular number of sessions, although as an indication typically I work with people for between three and ten sessions.

What qualifies me to be your coach/mentor is a Post-Graduate diploma in Coaching & Mentoring (2016) followed by hundreds of hours of one-to-one coaching, coach training and supervision practice. My 25 years of yoga and meditation practice, plus plenty of life experience, including life-limiting health issues and the death of close family have given me plenty of challenge and difficulty to work with and, as I have sought support at these times, I recognise and can offer a psychologically-informed safe space. On a professional level I have Board-level responsibilities in two organisations and have worked across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, mostly in roles that have required and engaged others in learning, change and strategic thinking. It was receiving some truly excellent mentoring in my own professional life which inspired me to train myself. You can view more about my professional background on LinkedIn.