My partner has a critical mind. He has his background in finance, so to him, what I do professionally, sounds like something from Mars. This is why I found it extremely helpful – even though frustrating at times – to try and explain my business to him.

• First facilitation. It is NOT about being the policeman on the intersection, installing order and showing everyone when to move. Facilitate means: to make things easier, e.g. by removing obstacles, and to enable a team to collaborate by providing the necessary resources, the right tools and framework. It also means to mediate and find mutually agreeable solutions. The purpose of facilitation is always to promote good communication and support growth.
• Then coaching. No, I am NOT doing the same as a rugby coach, i.e. tell people what they should do. My approach is a hypno-systemic one. Hippo – what?? Ever heard about hypnotherapy? Well, that’s not it, either. I am not a therapist. As a coach, I am convinced that my clients already have the keys to the solution, but they just cannot access it. This may be because they have a blind spot, or their fundamental beliefs run contrary to what a solution could be, or, which is very often the case, they simply don’t trust themselves.

Most people have an idea of what a systemic approach is: I look at my client in context. Because everyone is interconnected with their social surrounding, friends, family, work etc. And this means, you can draw on resources here. What would your best friend say what you’re especially good at? Who is a role model for you and what can you learn?

The “hypno” part is my magic wand. At least that is what many people think. It is not some esoteric sh*t, though. It’s data. You learn to surface your inner knowledge: something you already have inside you. Once you learn how to use it, you align with needs and become aware of belief systems that might sabotage your intent to change for the better. That’s why it is sustainable.

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