.png)
Hi, I'm Sophie
Life Coach & Integrative Outdoor Therapist
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor (MBACP) and experienced Life Coach in Brighton. I am passionate about working therapeutically outdoors, in nature, and creatively. I am also a youth worker and wellbeing project coordinator for a youth charity in Sussex.
My values of integrity, adventure and service, are at the core of my coaching and therapy work.
I have been running my life coaching business helping clients since 2017.
Nature
​​
My connection with nature started when I was young, exploring the Kent countryside, scaling clay cliffs hunting for fossils, crabbing in the harbour, hiking hours along the chalk coast, wildlife spotting, foraging, rock pooling, swimming in the sea, and being in wild places shaped who I am now. It connects to my work now because it's why I offer walk and talk, and outdoor therapy.
I believe connecting with nature brings us into deeper connection with ourselves, others and the world.
My Journey
​
During a point in my life feeling unfulfilled, in an office job and living near London, I realised two things were missing for me - nature and living by my values. After realising this, I decided to take a leap and move back to the coast, live by the sea and work outdoors in surf therapy.
​
My calling has led me to qualify as a Integrative Counsellor and a Life Coach. I have since been drawn to further study the connection between adventure, nature and wellbeing. I have recently been on courses including Wilderness Therapy Training in Spain, Taking Therapy Outdoors, and attending the Gathering for Adventure Therapy in Europe, in Latvia (GATE 2024).
​
I am now enrolled on an Outdoor Education Leadership foundation course to further explore the ways I can bring in nature connection into coaching & therapy.
My Approach
My approach is Integrative, drawing on many different theories and models, which I can apply in a flexible way depending on what we are working on. ​
​
The core of how I work is made up of these ingredients:
​
-
Relational - I focus on building a trusting working alliance and positive relationship with my clients.
-
Solution-Focused - I work with you to focus on what works, with the belief that change and choice is always possible.
-
Empathic - I offer you guidance, reflective space, and a non-biased, non-judgemental exploration of new coping strategies to choose from, specific to your situation/issues.
-
CBT informed - I draw on training in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in sessions to recognise limiting beliefs and notice negative thoughts
-
Nature - Working outdoors brings many extra benefits, and connecting people with nature is my passion.
-
My belief forms my approach that the client is the expert of themselves, and I am equipped with the tools to travel alongside you to find the answers.
My Qualifications:
Foundation in Outdoor Leadership with WildWise Devon
Taking Therapy Outdoors - Centre for Natural Reflection
Life Coaching Level 4 Diploma - Trained in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Positive Psychology.
Therapeutic Counselling (Integrative) - Level 4 Diploma (BACP Accredited) & now MBACP
Therapeutic Counselling Skills Level 2 & 3
Young People and Their Mental Health – University of Groningen
Anxiety in Children and Young People during COVID-19 - UEA
Wilderness Therapy Training - Experientia, Spain
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
RUMI