“The shadow side of coaching”…
Catherine Gorham, coach and supervisor who specialises in working with nature as co-partner joins us on a virtual bench enclosed within a beautiful woodland space. Placing psychological safety centre stage Catherine talks through the 3Cs model (Containing – Contracting – Connecting) which offers a structure for coaches to manage unexpected emotional turmoil which may arise during outdoor coaching sessions.
Catherine brings her model to life sharing personal and client stories where the unpredictability of nature can trigger overwhelming emotions. In our work as coaches, it’s essential to be able to self-regulate, contain and manage these situations in the moment to ensure personal and client safety.
She highlights the importance of inviting nature into the outdoor coaching supervision process as a three-way conversation. She shares her daily supervision practice in relationship with an oak tree through enquiry questions to develop a deep attunement to nature and reflect on what emerges.
We want to sign post that this interview contains sensitive conversations around miscarriage and emotional responses. Please ensure that you consider your own psychological safety and response to this topic.
This podcast is rich in detail and descriptions that capture the imagination.
Find out more about Christiane’s use of indigenous practice inspired techniques such as Sacred Pauses and Wilderness Vision Quests to enhance these experiences for her clients by listening to or watching this wonderful episode.
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Our guest
Catherine Gorham is an EMCC accredited coach (Senior Practitioner) and supervisor, and leadership/change consultant. Previously an internal OD consultant and executive coach in challenging organisational contexts such as the NHS, she now works independently and won the Most Outstanding Leadership Coach UK Award 2017.
Catherine’s portfolio extends from high performance (eg working with Chief Executives and top teams to optimise leadership impact) through to mental health coaching with Sanctus, offering a safe space at the threshold with counselling for individuals to explore their vulnerability and possibilities for change. She specialises in psychological safety as a leadership tool, supporting teams towards their journey of deeper trust and dialogue. She also trains and supervises internal coaches.
A passion for the natural world led Catherine to ecotherapy training and she now integrates these principles into her practice, where appropriate, with accelerated results. She delivers masterclasses and specialist individual and group supervision on Nature as Dynamic Co-partner, working with nature as a mirror to the internal landscape. She has authored articles and a book chapter to be published in 2021. She has even delivered a workshop in a lighthouse!
Catherine has strong personal values – integrity, authenticity, compassion and transparency – which are reflected in how she meets her clients.
