“In so far that we’re not conscious, we’re not free”
-Gabor Mate
Why Existential?
The coaching is existential in scope guided by the premise that we are all dealing with difficult existential questions and facts, and that the human condition is more complicated than we give ourselves credit for. The anxieties or fears we carry are first and foremost existential in essence, and as such part of the human condition.
At first we zoom in. Once we’re clear on the finer details, we zoom out to widen our scope and perspective. Throughout our sessions we are repeatedly zooming in, and back out, adopting different perspectives to gain more clarity, and to bring more awareness to our horizon. With each progressive step, we sense increased freedom and the power of choice.
The existential approach is not coaching through the lens of existentialist philosophy. Though my background is in philosophy, there is no particular philosophical school of thought that I rigorously hold onto. There is no holy grail. What there is is the acknowledgement of uncertainty, of the universality of the human condition and our need for meaning in our lives.
Why Coaching?
With active listening, mirroring, the offering of different perspectives and relevant questions, you will foster increased insight. It will help you better connect with yourself and others, supporting you in making better choices that will enrich your experience.
Rarely, if ever, do we enjoy the benefits of being able to divulge our thoughts and feelings in a space where there is no judgement, codependency, or other complicating factors. Coaching offers you this safe space working through whatever is there.
We will explore better ways of meeting your needs, establish your values and boundaries, and work against fallacious patterns of thinking. As your clarity and awareness increases you will experience a greater sense of freedom and alignment with your inner self.
The Process
Step 1
You book an exploratory session free of charge, where you get a sense of whether the dynamic suits you and whether existential coaching is something you think may be of help to you.
Step 2
We begin our sessions, starting with a few further exploratory sessions where we gain a better picture of what you want to work with.
Step 3
We start to build awareness and clarity on where you are and where you want get to (in every sense) and work continually together with your agenda.
What Existential Coaching Is Not
Existential coaching is a process of self-exploration relying on both honesty and courage. We work at your pace with what you bring to our sessions. There are no predefined packages or outlined objectives to be completed in a fixed amount of time. There are no promises, the work is dependent upon you and our relationship.
You set the agenda and we may work towards specific objectives and challenges, which are always a part of a greater context.
No form of coaching, therapy, or counselling can ever be truly efficient if it depends in any way on the power of personality (a coach’s or a therapist’s “aura” or authority). What is true for you can only be known by you. No one else can tell you what is right for you.
Coaching is not therapy. Coaching works with the here and now, not with processing past traumas for which therapy is relevant. The past may manifest in the present, and in so far as it is part of the here and now, we work through it, oriented towards the future.