Work with me

Coaching, workshops and creative practice for individuals, groups and organisations.

Jo Matthews sitting on a colorful patterned rug, holding an open book with text visible on the pages.

Alongside my own writing, I offer one-to-one coaching and facilitated workshops that sit at the intersection of coaching, storytelling, creative writing and reflective practice. My work is particularly suited to people exploring life transitions, creativity, identity and personal change.

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 informed by Co-Active coaching, narrative practice, creative writing and a long-standing interest in creativity, meaning and the inner life.

Coaching

You might find this work supportive if you are:

~ navigating a significant life transition or period of change

~ questioning direction, purpose or identity

~ experiencing loss, 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

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, feel and speak more honestly about their lives, to challenge unhelpful patterns of thought, and to make sense of the experiences and emotions they are living through.

A light-colored, stylized sun design with a circular center and radiating triangular rays on a light gray background.
Book a free 10 min intro call
Book a free 10 min intro call

  • “What really sets Jo apart is her focus on the narratives we tell ourselves that shape our experience. She guided me in uncovering long-held beliefs that were limiting me, and together we worked on rewriting those narratives in ways that better aligned with my strengths and ambitions. This reframing process was deeply healing and transformative at a challenging time.”

    — 1:1 Coaching Client

  • "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

Workshops and group spaces

A stack of colorful notebooks and journals with ribbon and elastic closures on a wooden surface.

In addition to my one-to-one work, I offer workshops and facilitated group spaces that combine writing, reflection and storytelling. These are  creative spaces for exploring voice, experience and meaning together. 

Workshops can be tailored for individuals, community groups, creative practitioners and retreats. Themes may include storytelling and personal narrative, creativity and self-expression, reflective writing, and the role that writing can play in helping us pay attention, make meaning and see things differently.

Learn more

Example workshop themes

These themes act as a starting point. Every workshop is tailored to the people, context and conversations that emerge.

  • Exploring identity, personal narrative and change through writing, reflection and conversation.

  • Using poetry and creative writing to deepen attention and engagement with everyday life.

  • Creative approaches to navigating periods of uncertainty, loss, growth and new beginnings.

  • Exploring the relationship between creativity, identity and self-expression through writing, reflection and conversation.

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For teams and organisations

I have more than twenty years' experience working with international organisations and global brands, and bring this experience into organisational settings through workshops that encourage reflection, storytelling, communication and creativity.

Sessions can be designed for teams, leaders and organisations exploring themes such as narrative, communication, creativity, purpose and change. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss a workshop or collaboration. For more on my work with international organisations please see www.jo-matthews.com

Get in touch

Reading & resources

There are a few books I find myself regularly returning to — in my writing, in my studies, and in my work with people (and with myself!) I’ve written brief reflections on each, to give a sense of what they offer.

Stack of books on a wooden table, with a white vase containing white flowers and framed art in the background.
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