My story
My name is Finn. I grew up n a small town on the east coast of Scotland. I remember the smell of lilac in my garden and the sound of wood pigeons on holiday. I dreamed of being an actor, I loved to read and write stories. Storytelling has become an important part of my work with clients, as we co-author new ways of understanding what happens in our lives.
As a young adult, I learned to become a nurse, then an entrepreneur before finding my passion for systemic practice. It was becoming a mum to my three children that instigated a different relationship with the land beneath our feet.
When I bought food in the noughties, and became aware of harmful chemicals we ingested, I prioritised organic foods.
When I observed inhumane farming practices on an ‘award-winning’ dairy farm I became a pescatarian.
When I learned of the social and environmental injustices caused by fast fashion I began campaigning for sustainable textile policy.
All of these experiences stand behind me and I appreciate that many different life experiences stand behind my clients as we begin working together.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (Distinction)
BSc Social Anthropology
European Mentoring & Coaching Council accredited Master Practitioner
Foundation and Intermediate level qualification: Systemic Therapy
Foundation level qualification: Systemic Constellations
Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner |Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher | Yoga teaching qualification at foundational level with Yoga Scotland
Experiences informing my practice include:
over 650 coaching hours with over 100 clients to attain master accreditation with the EMCC ,
my voluntary work within the Fashion Revolution Scotland (FRS) policy team.
My curiosity helps me to constantly learn. I use this same curiosity when I’m working with clients; asking questions to fully understand the issues that challenge clients. We work together to reflect on their stories and see them from new perspectives, looking to discover what’s happening between people, rather than looking for problems within specific people.
My Research: I’m especially interested in our relations with the land beneath our feet. I’ve discovered that when humans recognise their place within a bigger picture alongside other forms of life we gain a sense of perspective which leads to greater contentment.
Reflexive Practice
My practice benefits from times of reflexivity during and after my practice.
I often use the early morning to read and meditate and the work of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese has deeply impacted me.
“These days, I choose to face life head-on - and I have become a comet. I arc across the sky of my life and the hard times are the friction that shaves off the worn and tired bits. The more I travel head-on, the more I am shaped, and the things that no longer work or are unnecessary drop away.”
Richard Wagamese (Embers 2016,133)