The Philosophy That Guides My Work
as a Coach, Counsellor & Mindfulness Teacher
The 10 guiding principles that inform my work:​
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1. Our work together is collaborative. I'm not the expert on you (you are) and I believe you're intrinsically resourceful and you don't need fixing. My expertise is in facilitating and holding space for the growth process.
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2. I do not pathologise human conditions and believe we are interconnected with a natural self-organising system and given the right conditions can heal ourselves and the planet. We can't do one without the other and we can't do it alone.
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3. While I recognise the power of the individual to change aspects of their own lives, I also recognise the influence and impact of the culture, family and environment each of us live within. I believe is important to recognise that we live in a system that is currently unsustainable. Transformation individually and collectively is the big challenge of our time.
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4. My sessions are focussed in present moment with curiosity, compassion and non-judgement, recognising awareness, insight and growth come naturally from a mindfulness centred, systems approach.
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5. Sustained, profound and transformative change is usually subtle in nature and happens gradually overtime.
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6. My style draws from a range of different approaches and is holistic, meaning I recognise mind, body, emotions, psyche and nature are interconnected and influence each other.
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7. I believe to be an effective coach, counsellor or mindfulness teacher you must not only have a good understanding of theory and practice but also be able to draw from your own direct personal experience within the relationship. I have multiple supervisors and elders I consult with and maintain an authentic and dynamic approach.
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8. Having practiced mindfulness meditation for more than 25 years and participating in annual silent retreats with leading Insight, Zen and MBSR teachers from around the world, I have maintained a commitment to deepening my awareness, insight, compassion and wisdom. I believe this is essential in being able to teach the mindfulness pathway.
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9. Our culture places too much emphasis on positive emotions but emotions are not inherently good or bad, positive or negative. Denying some emotions in favour of positive emotions is an avoidance or defence mechanism and is ultimately toxic and harmful. I believe all emotions are valuable and meaningful and can inform our moral reasoning.
10. I believe doing any kind of inner work is challenging and while it is important to step outside your comfort zone and take risks sometimes in order to grow you also need to find a balance and recognise when rest and recovery is more helpful. One thing I am certain about given my study of history and anthropology is that comfort and ease will not aid in adaption and survival of our species and we move through changes in our climate and environment.
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If you're interested in working with me find out more by contacting me.
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