My story
My journey begins with experiencing emotional neglect as a child, my parents separated when I was a baby, and they were emotionally unavailable for me. I was a quiet, shy child, and very emotionally withdrawn.
When I was 11 my elder brother took his own life. That was a catalyst for change, but it took about 30 years to get there.
My career started out in the science field. I have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and worked at the University of Cambridge researching neuroscience.
For 30 years I have been learning and teaching martial arts, Japanese sword, and adopting a zen philosophy – which influence my work as a coach – supporting people to be clear about their values, adopt boundaries and live life in a way that feels meaningful.
Martial arts and coaching complement each other – the thing that brings them together is working with the body. In 2019 to help bridge the gap between the two I took a course called the Embodied Facilitators Course (EFC). It provided a deep dive into developing a greater awareness of my own body. This is the only way to truly help people work with the body in life coaching.
I started Potentiality Coaching in 2013, being driven to enable people to move on from being emotionally stuck and reach their full potential. Living in that state creates much pain. People will end up doing things in their life to themselves and others and not understand why they did such a thing. It’s a frustrating and disempowering place to be. I help people move through this and become more present, compassionate and loving. If people can get to a place of emotional awareness and emotional expression it puts them in a much stronger place to be present partners, present parents, present children and present work colleagues.
My coaching training is with the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI). The Co-Active model of coaching appeals to me due to the flexibility that it provides to both coach and client in the journey to getting to awareness, transformation and freedom. the roots of what a client is struggling with.
I also volunteer for the Samaritans – which formed part of my training around listening and empathy – giving people the chance to be heard is powerful.
Aside from my work I embrace time spent in nature, music, and spending time with people – enjoying the wonder of them.
Archetypes and body
In my work I refer back to the archetypes – they are a map and model of human behaviour and potential. I help you learn from their wisdom. We all know what it feels like to be confident, you may not feel it right now but if you can think back to a time in your life when you felt confident, you’ll feel that shift – your body and mind will change. I tap you into that potential for you to bring your best self to the situation.
I help you become aware of your body – how does your body show confidence? Or stress, anxiety, shame? By raising your awareness of what your body does when you feel these things, we can work together to change that. So, if you have a big meeting at work but you’re feeling withdrawn and not confident, with practice you can learn what confidence feels like and move into that space.
Accreditations and memberships
Co-Active Training Institute
CPCC – Certified Professional Co-Active Coach 2015 – 2019
Currently enrolled in the CTI Leadership programme
International Coaching Federation
Accredited with the International Coaching Federation (ACC- Accredited Certified Coach), ensuring high coaching standards and code of ethics. I am also a member of ICF and the UK Chapter.
Embodied Facilitator Course
Graduated in 2019
Mental Health First Aid
Completed in 2020
Bushido Academy
Fourth degree black belt
Karate
Japanese sword (Iaido)
Modern Zen – 1990
Aikido