Why Art and Coaching?
As artists we are often driven by passions and inspirations that are unconventional and inexplicable to others. So often we are consumed within the process of self expression that we forget about, are unsure about or even scared about, the practical "business" of our projects and livelihoods. Then, when we come to the point of sharing our creativity with the wider world, we face a unique vulnerability which often challenges our confidence, sense of self and purpose, and courage.

It may seem strange to present information about my art and coaching on one site. However, while my coaching practice is founded in evidence based, scientific models and high professional standards, coaching is at its best an extraordinary experience of creativity for both coach and client. I am passionate about both creating art and creative coaching, and so value the sense of integrity that comes with allowing these two aspects of my work to stand side by side.

I am focussed on working with others who are active in creative pursuits. Often we need, but rarely have available, an external party to provide guidance and support in the planning, preparing, and being accountable for our progress both creatively and practically. This is what Coaching offers.

How might you use Coaching?
- to clarify your sense of purpose in life;
- to clarify your career goals;
- to achieve these goals through Smart goal setting and strategic planning;
- to enhance your motivation and commitment;
- to have an independent point of accountability for a particular project, e.g. writing a novel, preparing an exhibition, producing a play;
- to find ways to enhance your creativity and output;
- to apply your creativity to new and different aspects of life;
- to make better that which is already good.

What then is Coaching?
It is a process of clarifying what you want and how you want to be in your work, relationships and/or career. It is a process of setting goals that will bring these desires into being, and creating strategies that will allow this to happen. Coaching is not therapy nor counselling, neither is it a quick fix for complex problems. You might see it as "change management" for your own life.

Coaching is available in many forms and under many models. The coaching I offer is based in my experience as a communicator, trainer, manager and counsellor, and in the models taught through the postgraduate programme of the University of Sydney Coaching Psychology Unit. As noted above, coaching is not therapy neither is it a consultation with an expert on all things. One premise of my coaching style is that you are the expert in your own life and have the capacity to provide the answers you seek. My role and expertise is to ask the right questions that will allow you to bring these answers to the fore, explore them and use them for achieving your goals and dreams.

While not trying to fix clinical psychological problems or analyse why things may have gone wrong, powerful and effective coaching does draw upon a therapeutic model, Solution Focus Therapy. This is for me the most exciting and empowering element of the coaching process. This model has, as its name suggests, a focus on finding solutions rather than on analysing problems. Rather than sort out problems, we discuss how things would be if the problem no longer existed, and then create strategies to make that situation your new reality. It may be unexpected, but often analysing a problem offers little insight into how it might be solved. If everything were going right, what would life be like? How could what's working well work even better? What changes need to happen to make that state a reality in your life? How can you start making those changes happen, and what is the best way to proceed? As your coach, I am much more likely to ask you a question than to tell you what to do, and these are some of the important questions you will hear in your coaching session.

What can you expect from coaching with me?
- a coach who has over 15 years as a counsellor and manager, and five years working with individuals and groups using the solution focus coaching model. I have undertaken specific training in Coaching Psychology at postgraduate level at the University of Sydney, as well as holding a Bachelors (Macquarie University) and Master of Arts (University of Sydney) degrees in Psychology;
- a professional and ethical approach consistent with the ethical standards of the Australian Psychological Association and the International Coach Federation;
- a detailed discussion prior to coaching about what you can expect from the model I use and its value to you at this time;
- a written coaching contract outlining fees, times and dates of meetings and method of communication, e.g., by phone or in person;
- you can expect to be supported towards making challenging and interesting goals that will enhance your life and work;
- you can expect each coaching session to be structured around the priorities you decide will be most useful to you in progressing towards your goals;
- you can expect to work hard at achieving the goals and outcomes you have created and committed to;
- you can expect to be challenged, accountable and to maintain responsibility for your decisions and choices;
- you can expect to make better what is already good!

Basically, coaching is about you and what is important enough for you to commit to. So if you have any questions or would value a discussion about coaching and your own circumstances, please be in touch.