Articles & Case Studies

For a long time, anxiety felt like an obstacle Rich Lyle had to constantly overcome by searching for certainty. But through Ontological Coaching, Rich discovered a different perspective: anxiety often arises when we oppose the inherent uncertainty of life. What if uncertainty isn't something we need to eliminate, but an invitation to cultivate wonder, acceptance, and trust in our capacity to respond?

By Rich Lyle As an enthusiastic cyclist I start most weeks with an easy gravel ride along the coast, usually listening to one of my favourite podcasts, The Imperfects. The combination of exercise, being in nature, gratitude for where I live, and the serious content delivered in such a playful way is a great way to set me up for whatever the week has in store. This week was no exception. A beautiful sunrise, an easy ride and a fascinating discussion led by Dr Emily Musgrove ab

By Chyonne Kreltszheim (Facilitator, Coach and Recovering Lawyer) Not to be dramatic or anything, but I felt like I was dying. At age 39, I was healthy enough — physically. At that stage, I wasn’t even feeling particularly depressed. But something wasn’t right. I’d lost my motivation — that much was clear. Was it burnout? Probably, at least in part. But around the edges of my exhaustion, there was also a creeping sense of dread — like something was ending. Twelve months prior

By Trudi Horler We often say schools are about learning, but what do we really mean by ‘learning? As a full-time educator and coach, I’ve come to understand that our dominant definitions of learning in schools are too narrow. They focus heavily on acquiring content knowledge and demonstrating mastery through assessment. While these elements are important, they don’t tell the whole story. Learning, at its heart, is about becoming. This article explores a more expansive definit

By Alan Sieler It is worth commencing this final article in the Moods series with a brief recap of some parts of the second article. The ways we can face life You will recall from Part II that there are three things in life we cannot avoid: circumstances over which we have no power, authority or control over (philosophers use the word “facticity” to express this); uncertainty about how the future will unfold; and the availability of possibilities and opportunities. Each of t

One important expression in Ontological Coaching is that we are not necessarily responsible for the moods we find ourselves in, but we are responsible for deciding how useful the mood is, how long we stay in it and how we will be responsible to shift to another more helpful mood.

Discover how moods shape human evolution, consciousness and meaning. An ontological perspective on creating new possibilities in turbulent times.

By Carine de Bruyn As a South African and an ontological learner, I am deeply aware of how we are, as German philosopher martin Heidegger would say, “thrown” into cultural narratives, norms, and standards, worlds not of our choosing. We inherit identities and societal norms and expectations shaped by history, gender, religion, and class. These inherited narratives, often racialised, masculinised, and moralised, could quietly and generationally fuel a background mood of shame

Fascia, the body’s living web, connects muscles, bones, nerves, and emotions. Discover how fascial health influences movement, resilience, and leadership, and why somatic learning is key to transformation.

By Patricia De’Ath and Alan Sieler Introduction Two previous articles have been written on “The Transformative Power of Ontological...

When change feels hard, it’s rarely because we lack the know-how, it’s because we’re living in old stories about who we are and what’s possible. Ontological Coaching doesn’t just tweak behaviours; it reshapes the way of being at the heart of it all, your language, emotions, and posture, so you can experience a more powerful, authentic, and liberated version of yourself.

By Alan Sieler Our existential challenge In worrying and troublesome times, we can find ourselves struggling to live well. Too many...

By Helen Woodward Last week I received an unsolicited invitation to pay for a webinar on supporting coaching clients with ‘Imposter...

Empowering Coaches and Leaders Through Reflective Practices that Increase Awareness, Choice and Increased Range of Action By Karen White...

By Stuart Carruthers Introduction The approach of Ontological Coaching has much to offer the field of leadership, whatever the...

By Travis Fitch Travis Fitch is in the final stages of the 18-month Certified Ontological Coaching and Leadership Program. Although very...

By Deanne Duncombe Sadness It is an emotion that pays most of us a visit from time to time. Lately, it feels like it has been knocking on...

By Chloe Upton Introducing Chloe’s article One of the important expressions in the ontological approach to life, work, coaching and...

By Michelle Edwards Session 1 Before my client (Khithi) arrived, I noticed I was feeling a little unsettled in myself so I did a short...

By Alan Sieler