Meet Samuel – Coach and Trainee Coaching Psychologist

Integrating Psychological Science and Coaching Practice

I’m Samuel, founder of You Talk, I Listen, We Focus, a coaching practice that combines psychological science with mindfulness, creativity, and personal growth. As a coach and trainee coaching psychologist, I work with clients to navigate stress, build resilience, and gain clarity in personal and professional life using psychology-informed coaching.

My Unique Background: From Studio Systems to Self-Discovery

My background is in the music and technology industries. I spent more than 20 years working as an engineer and producer in high-pressure creative environments across London, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Seattle. A detour into guitar restoration and self-taught coding eventually led me to discover psychology.

As I began exploring the next steps in my own career transition, I reflected on the aspects of my work that I truly enjoyed and the specific skills and strengths that I had acquired.

The parts of my work I found most meaningful were supporting others, problem-solving collaboratively, and helping people bring ideas into reality. When I wasn’t doing this part of my job well, my own performance suffered. I’ve always been fascinated by complex, interconnected systems—whether that is a signal chain in a recording studio, a line of code, or the human nervous system. Today, I apply that same 'systems thinking' to help clients understand how their environment, habits, and internal patterns impact their lives.

Transition to Psychology and Coaching

In 2018, I embarked on an online psychology degree, immersing myself in Buddhist psychology, philosophy, meditation, and mindfulness, and I began practicing as a coach in 2019. These fields and experiences inspired me to refocus my career on supporting others and acquire more formal and focused training.

In 2020, I returned to the UK to develop my skills in counselling and psychology, aiming to integrate applied psychology and acquire more direct experience. I studied for a BSc in Counselling Psychology at the University of Chichester, and conducted a research project exploring metacognition, autism and compensatory strategies.

On completion of my BSc, in 2024 I started an MSc in Coaching Psychology also at the University of Chichester. My dissertation project focuses on Creativity Coaching.

Professional Training and Approach

I hold a BSc in Counselling Psychology and am currently pursuing an MSc in Coaching Psychology. My training includes cognitive behavioural and acceptance-based approaches, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and person-centred coaching. I integrate these with mindfulness and contemplative practices. This allows me to work flexibly and holistically to meet people where they are.

Who I Work With

I work with individuals seeking personal growth, stress management, and greater focus in life and work. I am particularly interested in supporting freelancers and creatives, as well as individuals with different learning or thinking styles who are looking for supportive, strengths-based ways of working.