Coaching

One-to-one coaching for people navigating change, exploring questions of identity, or wanting to reconnect with their creativity.

A photo of Jo Matthews, poet, coach and creative facilitator based in Amsterdam.

Coaching gives us a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and give some proper attention to the questions we don't always make space for.

I am an ICF-accredited Professional Coach in Transformational Coaching, a Professional Corporate & Executive Coach, and am currently completing an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP) at the Metanoia Institute. My approach is reflective and exploratory, informed by Co-Active coaching, narrative practice, creative writing and a long-standing interest in creativity, identity and change.

How I coach

I have a particular interest in the stories we tell ourselves: the narratives we've inherited, the ones we've outgrown, and the new stories waiting to be written. Through conversation, story and reflection, I create space for people to think and speak more honestly about their lives, challenge assumptions that may no longer serve them, and make sense of the experiences and changes they're living through.

You might find this work supportive if you are:

~ navigating a significant life transition or period of change~ questioning direction, purpose or identity

~ experiencing uncertainty or a sense of misalignment

~ seeking greater creativity, confidence or self-understanding

~ finding it difficult to stay connected to your creative work and looking for gentle accountability

~ wanting to explore your personal story in a deeper, more reflective way

  • "Jo helped me identify what was holding me back from reaching my full potential, and together, we set clear, actionable goals that turned our discussions into tangible results. Jo is smart, insightful and wise. She meets you where you are, offering thoughtful, gentle guidance that helps you move toward both personal and professional goals. I cannot recommend her highly enough."

    —1:1 Coaching Client

  • " Jo was supportive in understanding my unique neurodiversity needs, one of her facets that I appreciated the most was her ability to incorporate that into our discussions without ever coming across as patronizing or considering my challenges as limitations. In fact, I felt inspired and encouraged every time I finished a session with her."

    —1:1 Coaching Client

  • "My coaching sessions with Jo were instrumental in guiding me through a meaningful career transition. Jo's thoughtful approach helped me reconnect with my creative identity, values, and vision - ultimately allowing me to move forward with confidence."

    —1:1 Coaching Client

  • "Since Jo and I started our sessions, I’ve made significant steps forward, due to the tools and advice she provided me. These tools helped me make decisions I was too afraid to make before. Although the sessions were centred around my work, it inevitably affected all other areas of my life. My confidence has significantly increased since our first session. Thank you, Jo!"

    —1:1 Coaching Client

  • "Jo’s talent for asking insightful, probing questions encouraged me to reflect deeply, helping me understand the reality of my work situation while acknowledging the impact it was having on my mental health. She provided thoughtful prompts and exercises that pushed me to explore my strengths, identify the types of cultures in which I thrive, and clarify what kind of environment would bring me the most happiness and fulfilment in my career."

    — 1:1 Coaching client

  • "Sessions with Jo helped me to step out of my fear and see the possibilities for change professionally and personally to lead a life more in line with my values...Jo gave me the tools to accept myself as a total person and to accept that my superpower just needs to find the right environment. I’m really grateful for the sessions with her and have already been recommending her support to others."

    —1:1 Coaching Client

Working together

Coaching sessions are 50 minutes and take place online. If you're curious about working together, we can start with a free 10-minute call to talk about what you're looking for and see if it feels like a good fit.