About Petra
My Background And Experience
I spent over twelve years in senior roles in London, UK, working in Human Resources, and Change Management, before moving into Management Consultancy, specialising in behaviour and performances and coaching business executives and senior management in Leadership and Communication.
Fascinated by Human motivation and behaviour, I continued my studies after earning my degree, gaining qualifications in Integrative Counselling and Transformative Coaching, before striking out in my own business.
My own journey of grief through loss brought me to working with individuals struggling with the same: the kinds of great losses that leave one absolutely floundering — disconnected from our sense of ‘Self’ and the power to generate what we most dearly wish for in Life. I discovered that deep down, most of us deeply wish to become expansive, growing in depth and wisdom, and to build thriving, peaceful and joyful lives. The pain of being disabled from doing so, is excruciating.
Marrying the insights gained on my own journey out of pain and disempowerment with my professional corporate background and experience, led me to develop the approach and practises that are necessary to overcome loss of Self, personal agency and engagement, purpose and hope—and regain much-wanted traction in Life.
I am anunshakable optimist and change-maker who absolutely believes in possibility, and in our ability to turn things around on our sometimes difficult journeys.
What Am I Like As Counsellor-Coach?
I'm a trier, and tenacious, striving for excellence always in my work—and hold the vision of seeing us all self-actualise and flourish, as sacred.
I’m approachable and supportive, and bring warmth and energy to my time with you, working to build trust quickly. I care deeply, and go out of my way to add value, and bring healing and resolution.
I try always to be kind, yet I don’t pretend. (Sometimes I’ll ask for permission to offer some "high flame”* coaching…) I’m intuitive, perceptive, and I set great store in bringing you to insight...
Because we can’t do anything about what we can’t see.
I know that we all have the potential for insight, growth, and change.
This is why I have a growth mindset. Ever-keen to learn, to expand my knowledge, develop my skillset, and build my experience — I am always studying something. Yet I can truthfully say, my most valuable learnings about Humans, Life, relationships, pain, trauma and what it really take to recover and heal have come from my clients stories and hard-won wisdoms. *Rich Litvin
What Is My Approach?
I’ve developed my skills by being prepared to learn from my clients and their experience, rather than being the one ‘who knows’. I have learned more from them about what pain really is, where it comes from, and what they really have needed— than I have from the theory I’ve studied. Because let’s face it, theory is an idea that doesn’t necessarily fit with the uniqueness of an individual’s life experience. Still, there are laws and wisdoms that apply to us, universally, and particularly as helpers into transformation. It’s important to bring them in.
My way of working with you as client is in a collaborative process: a mutual exploration of your Self. I work as a guide, and anchor, who safeguards the wholeness of you, as you explore the fragments. I don’t just work to address the problems of the past, to bring you to the present. I also help you envision your future and support your growth towards bringing it to life. I counsel, but also coach you into greatness, as you do your inner work.
My Current Projects
In addition to running my day-to-day business in Grief Coaching and personal development, I've published my first book — "The Actual Normal: Turning The Page On Loss, Suffering And Grief. A Guide To Reclaiming Your Self And Your Life In Challenging Changing Times", and promoting its message across different channels. You can get it here!
I also volunteer in Grief Support at The National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) and have accompanied over thirty clients on their (often lengthy) grief journeys, over the past five years.