ONE TO ONE COACHING FOR CREATIVES

Harnessing the power of writing to honour your own unique voice

Using a variety of writing techniques I can help you to:

  • explore ideas for projects

  • clarify your focus

  • connect with what is most meaningful to you

  • deepen and strengthen your self-expression

  • learn how to silence the inner critic

  • consider how a writing practice might support ongoing

    creative exploration and development

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

- Scott Adams

Sessions can take place in my studio in Banchory or I can come to you in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire, or we can meet online if you live further afield.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Ironically, although this quote is often attributed to Oscar Wilde, others such as Thomas Merton have also been credited with saying it. Regardless, I think the truth of it still shines through. Learning to celebrate your individuality is good for you AND your work.

Learning to play and explore through creative therapeutic processes is at the heart of everything I do. My approach has evolved over the last two decades through my work as a writing for wellbeing facilitator, my therapeutic training as a counsellor, and the development of my own creative practice as a writer, artist and a creative collaborator. I am also a labyrinth facilitator and this practice in particular emphasises the wisdom of slowing down to go inward to connect with your own creative compass.

The tools I use to outwit the inner critic in my writing practice were crucial when I began to explore the possibilities of combining visual elements with the written word. Having techniques to avoid being side-tracked by an inner dialogue of ‘shoulds’ increases my enjoyment and minimises misdirection and frustration.

The way I work is rooted in the belief that there is no right or wrong way to express your unique creative voice. I offer nurturing support and encouragement to help you explore and take risks at a pace that feels right for you.

I continue to follow the curve of my own curiosity wherever it leads - drawing, doodling, papercutting, visual poetry, artists’ books, cyanotype photography and oil and cold wax painting…so far.

I can help you foster a sense of curiosity about where your creativity is calling for you to go, too.

Beginning The Adventure 

Bespoke Coaching

Whether you want a one-off session or a series at regular intervals, we can discuss what best fits your needs and design a programme to suit you.

Pre-session

I’ll send you a questionnaire to complete.

In-session

We begin with dynamic dialogue - talking over your responses to the questionnaire.

Tailored writing exercises for you to do in session.

You’ll then read out your writing - this is a powerful process that lets you experience putting your voice to your thoughts. Then you can start to hear what you really want to say.

More dialogue - understanding evolves. Repeat as required!

After Session

I will take notes throughout our session and provide a brief written summary afterwards.

Initial 2 hour session with pre-session correspondence - £135

£45 per hour thereafter

(additional travel costs may apply if I travel to you)

WHY WORK WITH ME?

My skill set :

Highly developed listening skills and an ability to help you tune-in to what it is most meaningful for you whilst also uncovering any blind spots you may have with your current practice.

15 years experience as a writing for wellbeing facilitator working with a wide variety of springboards and writing techniques

The creation of several year-long bodies of work through:

  • taking my time to develop ideas

  • experimenting with different mediums and techniques to find the right fit of medium to the message

  • using reflective writing to explore my thought processes and document progress

  • using creative writing to capture and share my experience

Successful collaboration with several other artists on community projects across primary schools, community centres and local arts venues.

A long-established writing and art practice. I have published poetry and regularly exhibit as an artist.

Currently working as a Trainer for Cruse Scotland counselling charity.

My way of working encompasses:

  • my passion for facilitating growth and development in others

  • a deep valuing of talking with others, of taking time to explore and uncover meaning through focused questioning and gentle challenge, if needed

  • a love of unfurling new ideas

  • a deep rooted respect for difference

Enabling others to deepen their connection to their own inner wisdom and to find confidence in expressing their own unique voice is, for me, the joy in what I do.

Where would you like to go?

If you’d like to:

  • identify what you want to explore in your next project

  • find clarity in the midst of feeling stuck with something mid-way

  • delve deeper into one particular aspect of your work

  • improve your confidence in your ability to follow your own instincts

  • establish a regular reflective and/or expressive writing practice

I can help you find your way.