Meaning without certainty

Held In Tension: Transformative Coaching for Identity and Life Transitions.

Held in Tension is an 8-session transformative coaching programme for people whose identity has been reshaped by experiences they cannot simply “move on” from.

These experiences may include bereavement, recovery from life-threatening illness, cancer remission, near-death experiences, mystical or spiritual experiences, psychedelic or altered-state experiences, burnout, breakdown, diagnosis, career or relationship change, ecological grief, moral awakening, or any transition that leaves you wondering who you are now.

The Held in Tension programme offers a grounded, reflective space to explore what has changed, what still hurts, what now matters, and how to live with greater integrity, embodiment, connection, and courage.

At its heart, Held in Tension is about the life after the life-altering moment, and the person you are becoming because of it.

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For those who have touched the edge of life and returned with questions.

Core Features of Held In Tension

Some experiences do not simply happen to us; they change us.

A serious illness. A cancer diagnosis or remission. The death of someone we love. Becoming a carer. A near-death experience. Burnout. Divorce. Redundancy. A neurodivergent diagnosis. Becoming a parent. Children leaving home. Retirement. A profound spiritual or mystical experience. Recovery from trauma. A psychedelic experience that continues to raise questions long after it has ended.

These are referred to as disorientating experiences, moments that change the way we understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us.

While friends and family often expect us to “move on”, many people find themselves asking very different questions:

Who am I now?

What matters now?

How do I live after what has happened?

Why do I feel so different when the rest of the world seems unchanged?

Held in Tension was created for this space.

Rather than helping you return to who you were before, this programme supports you in discovering who you are becoming.

Held in Tension is informed by theories of transformative and threshold learning, which recognise that meaningful development often begins when familiar explanations stop being sufficient. Rather than rushing to restore certainty, the programme creates space to examine assumptions, encounter alternative perspectives and develop more complex, values-conscious ways of thinking and practising.

Ground in Psychology

Integrating evidence-informed approaches from coaching, transpersonal and positive psychology, embodiment, and meaning-making.

Whole-Person Integration

Working with mind, body, emotions, identity, relationships, values, and life context rather than focusing on a single aspect of experience.

Space for Complexity

Supporting you to navigate uncertainty, paradox, and transformation while making space for complexity rather than forcing simple answers.

Life Integration

Supporting the integration of life-changing experiences into a coherent and meaningful way of being, without requiring closure, certainty, or resolution

Designed to help you navigate identity, uncertainty, grief, meaning and change without forcing simple answers.

Held In Tension Programme Journey

Across eight coaching sessions, we explore the psychological, emotional, embodied and existential process of integrating life’s most disorientating experiences.

Held in Tension Sessions
Held in tension

About me – coaching

Ready to explore what’s possible?

My work explores the intersection of psychology, identity, creativity, justice, and human experience. Through coaching, I help individuals, leaders, and organisations navigate complexity, authenticity, change, and the tensions of modern life.

1800+ hours

Total Coaching
Hours

Chartered Coaching Psychologist

Coaching that’s grounded in psychology

10+ years

Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals

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Reviews

What My Clients Say About Me

Cara has helped me overcome certain challenges with assertiveness, confidence, fatigue issues I’ve been having along with some challenges I was facing at work. I can’t thank her enough
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FayCompany Name
Cara is a highly skilled and intuitive Coach. She has an ability to put people at ease and work in a way that is supportive and empowering to those she supports. Cara has been instrumental in supporting me to develop my own practice as a Mentor as well as supporting me with my own needs in relation to Neurodivergence.
I have found her approach to be very natural and respectful of my own unique experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Cara as a coach and would be happy to answer any questions
Alda
AldaCompany Name
Cara is an extremely knowledgeable professional and a master in her field.
She puts a lot of work into each session, providing us with relevant resources and skilfully facilitating the conversation within the group. As a result of these sessions, I am becoming more and more equipped in working with neurodivergent clients, and I am developing a deeper understanding of my role as a coach at the same time. Thank you Cara for all that you do! 
Christina Margo
Cristina Company Name
Cara has created an incredibly supportive and sound space for coaches and practitioners to develop and ensure they maintain safety and quality in their practice.
Alison D
AllisonCompany Name
I have found my confidence and through each small achievement I have regained my sense of purpose and value. Thank you Cara for being the most inspiring and incredible coach, you have helped me to change my life for the better.
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Steph Company Name

To be proud of

Awards

What i do

My Services

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Coaching

As a Chartered Coaching Psychologist, I combine evidence-informed coaching with psychological insight to help you make sense of where you are, what matters most to you, and where you want to go next.

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Writing and Speaking

Through research, writing, and speaking, I explore psychology, identity, justice, and human experience, translating complex ideas into accessible conversations that challenge assumptions, inspire curiosity, and encourage new ways of thinking.

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Supervision for Coaches

Through supervision, I help practitioners navigate complexity, deepen reflective practice, embrace constructive challenge, and continue to develop with confidence, curiosity, and psychological safety.

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Music – Interstice 7

A musical project, exploring the tensions, contradictions and beauty of being human. Blending psychology, philosophy, storytelling and satire, my songs invite reflection on identity, meaning, connection and the complexities of modern life.

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