Academic Coaching

Coaching as a Reflective Partnership.

My approach to academic coaching is informed by Metacognitive Theory—the practice of 'thinking about thinking.' I work as a reflective partner to help you better understand how you process information, manage time, and handle academic pressure.

“If you feel like you're working hard but not seeing the results—or if you're struggling to just 'get started' on a Sunday night—this is where we begin. We look at the 'why' behind the 'how'.”

My background is in person-centered, humanistic psychology such that while we will discuss some practical tools, we will work collaboratively to develop your strategies at finding the tools, information or resources that you need, when you need them, which in turn creates the condition for greater self-efficacy related to your own learning.

My coaching practice is grounded in Transformative and Experiential Learning theories. This is the belief that real change happens when we don't just talk about strategies, but actively test them. We use a cycle of 'active experimentation' where we treat study tools as data points. This allows you to move beyond old, limiting assumptions about your academic potential and develop a new, self-authored approach to your studies.

Drawing from psychological research we may cover a range of topics that often come up related to student populations and learning. A few examples are:

• Scaffolding Executive Function: Developing internal and external structures to help with task-switching, organization, and planning
• Building Metacognitive Awareness: Becoming more conscious of your learning habits and self-regulation strategies.
• Self-Efficacy & Confidence: Moving from a "fixed" mindset about your abilities toward a "growth" mindset, using evidence-based cognitive-behavioral coaching techniques.
• Navigating Neurodiversity: A strengths-based approach for students with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Autistic processing styles, focusing on accommodation and self-advocacy.

I am currently completing an MSc in Coaching Psychology at the University of Chichester (British Psychological Society accredited). These sessions are offered at no cost as part of my 80 hours of supervised practice.

Because I am training as a Coaching Psychologist, our work is grounded in psychological theory and ethical practice. I am not a mental health practitioner or counselor; our focus will be on your academic/creative goals and your psychological well-being within those contexts.

Before transitioning into Coaching Psychology, I spent 20 years as a music producer and engineer in high-pressure creative hubs like London, Nashville, and LA. I became fascinated by how systems work—and what happens when they break down under pressure.

Today, I apply that same "systems thinking" to the human mind. I believe that academic success isn't just about "studying harder"; it is about understanding how to manage your own learning and developing strategies for success.

I combine my BPS-accredited MSc training with a person-centered, humanistic approach. This means I meet you where you are. Whether we are scaffolding your executive function to manage a heavy workload or building self-efficacy to overcome exam anxiety, our work is a collaborative experimentation designed to move you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in command.

Keep this simple and "low-friction":

1. Inquiry: Use the form below to register your interest.
2. Suitability Check: A 20-minute chat to ensure coaching—rather than counseling or tutoring—is the right support for you right now.
3. Coaching Series: Up to 8 sessions (online via video) tailored to your specific academic or professional needs.
4. Feedback: As part of my training, I ask for a brief testimonial or feedback at the end of our work together.

While I am based in Portsmouth, I also work with students from Brighton, Chichester, London, and Southampton.