In my coaching career, few relationships have had the lasting impact that my partnership with Eunice has had. Our journey together spans nearly my entire coaching career, from my Master’s program to supervision, through various learning experiences such as ‘Self as Instrument’ and ‘Self in Group’, and, of course, through the work of self-discovery and somatic coaching. What began as a professional connection blossomed into one deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared curiosity, and a passion for learning. I am deeply grateful to Eunice for the wisdom, care, and presence she has offered me throughout this journey.
A Shared Love of Learning and Curiosity
From the moment we met, it was clear that we shared a unique connection: a deep curiosity about the body, energy, and the somatic practices that inform our coaching work. Eunice’s unwavering presence and care instantly made me feel safe to explore my own path with courage and openness. Her approach allowed me to show up as my authentic self — no holds barred — giving me the freedom to explore not only what I could do as a coach but who I was becoming in the process.
The Power of Embodied Practices in Coaching
One of the most profound influences Eunice has had on me is in the realm of embodied practices. Our work together has helped me access and trust the wisdom that my body holds. Embodiment isn’t just a concept — it’s a transformative way of being that permeates everything I do as a coach. Practices like centring, Jo-Kata, and exploring the somatic experience of speech acts have enabled me to deepen my sense of self and uncover unconscious narratives and limiting patterns. These practices have guided me to understand the connection between body, mind, and emotion in ways I never thought possible.
Through the ‘Self as Instrument’ process, I learned how to become more attuned to myself as a tool in coaching, allowing my embodied experiences to inform how I show up for my clients. ‘Self in Group’ deepened this understanding by expanding my awareness of how the collective energy and dynamics influence the individual, teaching me the power of group presence and connection. These experiences have helped me integrate both individual and collective wisdom into my practice, creating a fuller, more dynamic coaching space.
By learning to attune to my body’s subtle signals, I have become more attuned to my clients’ embodied experiences as well. This allows me to help them uncover not just what they’re thinking, but what they’re feeling and how that informs their behaviour. Through embodiment, I’ve come to realize that transformation occurs at a cellular level. It’s not enough to simply think our way through challenges — we must feel, move, and be our way through them.
How This Shifts My Coaching Practice
The work I’ve done with Eunice has reshaped my coaching practice, especially in terms of how I incorporate embodied practices. Here’s how these shifts show up with my clients:
- Boundaries: Embodying my wisdom and voice has become essential. I stand tall in my dignity and lean back into my body’s knowing, trusting that my experiences and embodied wisdom will guide me to create safe and effective boundaries in the coaching relationship.
- Safety: Understanding what safety feels like in my body has allowed me to create a container where my clients can experience the same. Whether through grounding exercises, breathwork, or simply being present in the moment, I guide my clients to feel their own bodies and access a sense of safety and trust.
Belonging: Embodied practices have deepened my understanding of what it means to truly belong. When we are grounded in our bodies, we can meet others in their full humanity. I now work with my clients to help them cultivate this sense of belonging within themselves first, allowing that feeling to extend outward to their relationships and communities. - Connection: The most profound shift in my practice has been the depth of connection I’m able to create with my clients. Embodiment enables me to connect on a deeper level, moving beyond words and intellectual understanding into a shared energetic experience. This connection is both grounding and liberating, allowing for more authentic and lasting transformation.
The Heart of My Work: Connection and Humanity
The heart of my work now is grounded in connection — creating relationships that feel deep, authentic, and full of ease. This is where true transformation occurs: in the space between coach and client, where trust, vulnerability, and growth intertwine. At the core of this is humanity — the recognition that we are all complex, multifaceted beings with our own histories, struggles, and dreams. Through the lens of embodiment, I am able to foster connections that honour the full humanity of both myself and my clients, creating a foundation for sustainable change and deep personal growth.
The Lasting Impact of Embodied Practices
Through my work with Eunice, I’ve come to see embodied practices as the foundation of lasting change. They allow us to access deeper layers of insight, break free from old patterns, and align more fully with who we truly are. As a coach, I now know that transformation is not just about what we think but about how we move through life — how we stand, breathe, and show up in the world. These embodied practices not only shape my personal growth but inform how I walk alongside my clients in their journeys toward self-awareness and transformation.
As a human being; coach, partner, daughter, sister, colleague and friend – I am a commitment to joyful work, meaningful choices, and courage with compassion — a shift that has been nurtured by the work Eunice and I have done together. Her influence has helped me align more fully with my purpose, both in my personal life and in the way I show up for my clients.
Max Burrell, Founder enigmaX
What began as a professional connection blossomed into one deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared curiosity, and a passion for learning. I am deeply grateful to Eunice for the wisdom, care, and presence she has offered me throughout this journey.