The Philosophy That Guides My Work

The 10 guiding principles that inform my work:

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 conditions of growth to emerge.

2. I do not pathologise human conditions and believe we are apart of an interconnected, natural, self-organising system. 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.

3. While I recognise the power of the individual to change aspects of their own lives, I also recognise the influence and impact of cultural, family and environmental systems 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.

4. My sessions are focussed in present moment awareness with curiosity, compassion and non-judgement, recognising insight and growth come naturally from a mindfulness centred, open system and non-dual approach.

5. Sustained, profound and transformative change is usually subtle in nature and happens gradually overtime.

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. I practice coaching predominantly but draw from Western Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychological approaches.

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 directly from your own experience within the relationship. I have multiple supervisors and elders I consult with and maintain an authentic, transpersonal and dynamic approach.

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 connection to community of practice is essential in being able to teach the mindfulness pathway and I receive on-going mentorship with senior teachers in the Zen and Insight traditions.

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 life ethics, choices and liberation.

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.

If you're interested in working with me find out more by contacting me.