Nature-Based Coaching
My Coaching practice, is based on using a natural design science called Permaculture Design and Nature-Based Coaching. Permaculture is a solutions focused, whole systems philosophy of looking at the world and how everything is connected.
It works on finding solutions to problems, focusing on the whole system and the beneficial relationships that make up that system. Our body is a good example of this.
Permaculture Design can be used anywhere, in anything. It is more usually recognised as a regenerative gardening practice but you don't need a garden to do it. You can find out more about permaculture here.
Why Use it In Coaching?
Permaculture works on the premise of finding solutions to challenges. When we are struggling mentally, this can be difficult. Using the Permaculture design methodology, we take take a problem and look at how, through a process of re-framing our thinking, we can work towards finding the solution. The natural world always finds a way to overcome obstacles, adapt and regenerate, and as Permaculture is underpinned by nature, this brings a little more creativity to Nature-Based Coaching.
My coaching programme is inspired and underpinned by a social Permaculture framework called the Design Web. Using this as a guide, I intergrate a selection of tools that I have discovered through research, lived experience of my own therapy, and in my training as a Permaculture Designer and Coach, and student counsellor. I also integrate Cognitive Behavior Coaching or CBC into my practice.
Hypnotherapy
I use hypnotherapy as part of a relaxation technique within coaching sessions. I also offer this as a separate service. Please get in touch for more details. Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone and may not be suitable for some individuals due to certain mental health conditions.
Activate Living Abundance (ALA)
Coaching is a way to 'get unstuck' from a problem you are facing. I like to think of the unstuck part as making compost and seeing what you can grow. The compost is the 'bad stuff' or the adversity or challenges that you face, and the solutions you find are the flowers that grow, turning compost, or the 'bad stuff' into something beautiful and positive. We have all experienced this is in one form or another. From adversity we can learn the lessons of how 'compost' can help us to grow.
My 13 week, social permaculture, Nature-Based Coaching programme, works on the principle of helping you to actively work towards finding a way to live, to be able to get unstuck, that focuses on growth and positive thinking. Sometimes we just need someone, or something to help us find momentum, and be able to move forward.
Holistic
My approach to coaching is person-centred and holistic, taking into account everything about you, your life, your relationships. From what you like, what you don't like and more, looking at your Intrinsic Characteristics. It's about a 3 way, collaborative relationship, you me and Nature as my co-coach. I believe in the power of Nature to heal us and help us to learn lessons for growth. I use Nature metaphors when working online and the more practical application of Nature when working outside.
Permaculture is underpinned by Nature, recognising that we are all connected and need each other, to be able to exist, including non human species.
Using the Permaculture Design framework, we work together by looking at your personal goals for coaching, and following a life design of your choosing. We with looking at your Vision and using a Wants and Needs Analysis, gathering wild and realistic ideas, and desires which form part of your goal.
From this analysis we work outwards, looking at your personal and wider connections, finding a deeper connection within yourself and start the process to helping you find your own solutions.
Permaculture focuses on solutions thinking. This aligns with the goals of Coaching which are:
Forward focused
Goal orientated
Action based.
When applying this way of thinking I work with the ethics and principles of Permaculture Design.
Ethics
The general practice of coaching focuses solely on the client with the coach facilitating the client to find their own answers. I maintain this in my practice, working in a non biased way, but also provide an opportunity to integrate an approach which mimics the beneficial and symbiotic process of Nature.
In Nature everything interconnects and works to support other elements, such as trees and mycelium providing essential nutrients to each other. In this way I bring my extensive experience and training to offer tools and techniques which will form part of our coaching relationship. This adds an extra depth to coaching.
As part of the ethics of my practice I use the guidance of the National Hypnotherapy Society code of ethics, and International Coaching Federation Competencies.
Personal Resilience Group Workshops
Team Building
These innovative & emergent, workshops can help to play a part in building confidence & self esteem. The workshops will also help to open up conversations about mental health.
These group based workshops help each member of your team, or group to learn how to interact with their peers using tools from Nature and Permaculture Design.
Book six weekly sessions of 2 hours or 2 consecutive days
At a venue of your choosing.
Dates and times to be discussed with you.
Please get in touch for fees and to book these session workshops.
To show your interest and for more details
email: thelivingpath@proton.me
Disclaimer:
I am currently a student counsellor with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I have completed the 3 and a half year class room based course, but am currently in placement, and receiving supervision.
I am however a qualified Hypnotherapist and registered with the National Hypnotherapy Society, and able to offer this as a service. I am receiving supervision.
https://www.search-nationalhypnotherapysociety.org/search/FindaTherapist/HYP22-00927
I have trained as a Nature-Based coach using the ICF core competencies. I have been studying, practicing, and have trained in Permaculture Design since 2008. I am currently studying towards my Diploma In Applied Permaculture Design.
My training enables me to offer Nature-Based Permaculture Coaching, and Hypnotherapy only, not counselling. Please do not request counselling when contacting me.