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 their lives.
As a young adult, I learned to become a nurse, then an entrepreneur before finding my passion for systemic practice through coaching. It was becoming a mum to my three children that instigated a different relationship with Earth.
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 as I enter into coaching relations and I appreciate that many different life experiences stand behind my clients as we enter coaching relations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (Distinction)
BSc Social Anthropology
European Mentoring & Coaching Council accredited Master Practitioner
Foundation level qualification(completes February 2024): Systemic Therapy
Foundation level qualification: Systemic Constellations
Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner |Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher | Yoga foundation
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 coaching; asking questions to fully understand the issues that challenge clients. We work together to reflect on their stories and see them from new perspectives. A relational approach enables us to understand what happens between people rather than seeing problems within specific people.
I’ve gained ethical approval for my research and I’m now gathering stories around a relational approach to Earth for a professional doctorate in systemic practice. If you’re interested in finding out more about collective storytelling spaces opening up alongside Earth please contact me.
I’m especially interested in Earth-aware practice. I’ve discovered that when humans recognise their place within a bigger picture alongside other forms of life, animal, plant, cosmos etc., we gain a sense of perspective which leads to greater contentment.
Reflective Practice
I believe that my practice benefits from times of reflection and I often use the early morning to read and meditate. The work of Richard Wagamese has deeply impacted me recently and I share some of his words now.
“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)