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Hi, I'm Sophie
Life Coach & Integrative Outdoor Therapist
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor (BACP) and experienced Life Coach in Brighton, specialising in working with young adults, neurodivergent individuals and those wanting to change their career. I am passionate about working therapeutically outdoors, in nature, and creatively. I am also a youth worker and wellbeing project coordinator for a small charity in Sussex. My work brings me a lot of joy, especially work in running nature groups for young people to improve their wellbeing. I have been running my life coaching business helping clients since 2017.
Nature
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Nature is at the heart of my work in perhaps a hidden way, that I am working to bring to the fore more. Nature is my anchor, it brings me peace, joy, connection, and so much more.
My reciprocal relationship with nature began when I was very young. My first memories are of exploring the Kent countryside with my parents, 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 nature & adventure are becoming an integral part of my service I can offer, 1 to 1 in nature.
My Journey
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During a point in my life feeling unfulfilled, in an office job and living close to London, I realised two things were missing for me - nature and living by my values. After realising why I was unhappy, I decided to take a leap and move back to the coast, live by the sea and work outdoors in surf therapy with The Wave Project.
Leaving behind what I knew was not easy, however that jump was exactly what I needed to do. I am now Brighton based and work in and around the South Downs National park.
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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).
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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. ​
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The core of how I work is made up of these ingredients:
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Relational - I focus on building a trusting working alliance and positive relationship with my clients.
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Solution-Focused - I work with you to focus on what works, with the belief that change and choice is always possible.
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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.
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CBT informed - I draw on training in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in sessions to recognise limiting beliefs, notice negtive thoughts
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Nature and Adventure as participants (if outdoor work is the format)
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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:
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)
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
