This is the ground I stand on in every circle, group and program I hold.
It is the soil from which the shared work grows.

Not everything here is co-created. I hold responsibility for the structure, direction, and integrity of the space. This includes setting conditions that support the kind of work we are here to do.

Building on this, we will also co-shape specific program agreements together in the beginning of any process - responsive to who is in the room and what we may ask of each other.

Relationality at the centre

This space is grounded in my core value of relationality. Read more about my Values and ethical principles.

Meaning - we are not separate from one another, nor from the wider web of life. Everything we bring - our histories, identities, bodies, emotions, ways of knowing, and the more-than-human world - is already here and in relationship with us.

The work is to tend to and become more accountable to the relationships we already have and are part of - starting with ourselves.

This space is in service of life:
We honour the aliveness in our bodies, dignity in our differences, responsibility to land and future generations, and the courage to bring forward what is true in service of collective wellbeing.

How we practice being together

Confidentiality and trust

What is shared here stays here, unless explicitly agreed otherwise. You own your story and other people own theirs - it is not yours to convey outside this space - even anonymously. We build trust slowly and we protect it actively.

Curiosity and positive regard

We approach ourselves and each other with curiosity rather than certainty. We assume there is more to understand, even when things are difficult. And we acknowledge that we don't need to know and understand everything to be a compassionate witness.

Difference, power and responsibility

We acknowledge that power, privilege, and histories shape how we show up. These are not neutral. We understand that we bring them into the space with us - often unconsciously.

Naming power is not a performance or a way to discharge responsibility. It is a way to make it visible and workable. Each of us remains accountable for how we participate and the impact we have - regardless of our good intentions.

I actively name and work with my own power and role as a coach in this space.

Participation has many forms

Every presence matters. And, participation is not limited to speaking.

Silence, reflection, stepping back, taking time, or leaving the room are all valid ways of being in the space. We do not equate visibility or speed with presence or value.

Staying with complexity

We do not rush to resolution or clarity. We make space for contradiction, tension, and not knowing. We practice holding opposite truths.

Discomfort may arise, but each person is responsible for pacing themselves and listening to their own limits. Self-trust is part of the work.

Conflict as information

Disagreement and tension are approached as signals of something needing attention. We do not bypass or manage them away, or try to resolve them. We work with them actively, to move energy in the room and find new perspectives.

We stay in relationship where possible. Turn towards each other before turning away. That said, active harm will be actively intervened with - for the integrity of the space and safety of the participants. See more in the section on my role.

No fixing, no rescuing

We hold each other as naturally creative, resourceful and whole. We offer support when asked, and we respect each other’s agency.

Do not use intellect as a shield or a sword

Insight and analysis are welcome, but not as ways to dominate, distance, or defend against relationship.

What you can expect from me

I hold what you share in confidence, within the limits of the program's terms and the safety of the group.

I take responsibility for the structure and integrity of this space. This includes making decisions that are not up for group negotiation.

I will track and name power dynamics, including my own.

I pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface and tend to the relational field, working with both the visible and invisible layers.

I do not promise comfort or safety. I work to minimise harm, and when harm happens, I will turn toward it.

I will make mistakes. When I do, I will take responsibility and work toward repair.

I will not take your agency from you. I hold you as capable of navigating your own experience.

At times, protecting the group may require ending someone’s participation. This will be done with care and seriousness.

When harm happens

Harm and repair are part of relational work.

We do not ignore or bury harm. The first step is a real conversation, with support where needed.

If you experience or witness harm, you are invited to bring it to me. It will be taken seriously and held with care. More details of the process for dealing with harm and relational repair are available here.

This is not a perfect agreement. It is a living practice.

We will meet it together, imperfectly.