Try arts-based coaching
Uncover and move closer to the thing that you know, deep down, you’re being called to do
Do you have a dream that you want to bring into the world?
Needing clarity about your life direction, or feeling stuck on a life, business or career challenge?
At a decision point for change?
Uncover and focus on what’s important to you…
Enjoy the space and time to explore a new corner in life, to go in a direction you want
Receive gentle, structured support to surface insights that align with your inner truth
Connect with your inner voice (and take a break from your “logic brain” telling you to do something else!)
Tell stories tied to your creative visions in a safe, supportive environment
Allow your creativity to clarify what’s next for you
You’ve checked all the boxes, served and led others, and delivered exceptional results. You have a lot of what you need and love, yet you’re questioning what you really want next. You want to change pace… and redefine what matters for you and how you contribute to the world.
You might have already put boundaries in place and even found ways to bring more of what you’re desiring into your life, like gaining new skills or making changes at work. Yet you’re still asking how you can get the time you need to think and clarify where you’re heading next.
Sometimes, it can feel as though you missed the opportunity to create something different. Other times you might wonder how you can evolve who you are, when people know you for what you’re good at - and you want to try something different.
You're not alone. Many smart, ambitious professionals struggle to respond to the inner calling to shift gears and do more of what brings them alive - while continuing to make an impact.
My arts-based coaching gives you a creative, evidence-based coaching process using collage to reimagine what you’re doing, slow down and enjoy what you have, and support your next steps towards a path you deeply want.
Enjoy this experience in person or online, as an individual or a group
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Enjoy this experience in person or online, as an individual or a group 〰️
To arrange an in-person arts-based coaching experience - whether individual or group - please contact me to discuss the details, including your venue and my travel from Burleigh Waters, Queensland.
Want to experience this as a group online? Contact me to discuss your requirements.
I love to customise my processes to empower you (and your team) to enjoy the benefits and outcomes of arts-based coaching.
You’ll walk away with
Breakthrough on a challenge or question of your choice - it might be career change, work-life balance, returning to work after maternity leave, a business direction, reigniting your creativity, travel… whatever feels pressing for you
A personal collage to provide motivation and focus for your path, beyond the workshop
A wellbeing boost through creative expression - no artistic experience needed
An action-oriented worksheet to move from insight to action towards your new direction
What clients say
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"Thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated being closeted away from worldly demands and sitting through Karen’s process. I had some wonderful revelations. "
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"Amazing workshop, process and facilitation. So simple yet so meaningful. You’ve left me with a lot to think about and reflect on. Thank you!"
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"Very safe space for sharing thoughts/ ideas/reflection and discussions with group. Karen is a wonderful coach, gives you an idea of where your life is at and where you want to go. "
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"I really loved it and disconnected from the world. It is amazing how concentrating in your collage can disconnect yourself from everything, thanks so much."
The difference
This is not vision boarding
Collage coaching is a structured, evidence-based process that might initially sound like a vision boarding exercise but it is far from it. The similarities end with the use of collage. By combining the power of professional coaching with arts-based methodologies you’ll be able to tap into your unconsciousness in ways that lead to discovery and increased self-awareness.
Not another paint and sip
This workshop will help you to understand your inner world, not to produce a skillful artwork or craft piece for display. The process is designed to support you to discern your own unique insights, create a new story and grow confidence about your path to meaningful change.
Where you can keep your promise to yourself
You know what it feels like to have joy in your life. Your body knows when you decide to do the thing you really want to do. You have clearness and alignment. You also know the cost of ignoring your own needs and creative voice.
This workshop offers both permission and scaffolding to walk in your truth, so that you can sing what you preach in a world that is out of balance.
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“Excellent guidance, space and language used. I’ve gained clarity, a shift and lightness.”
— Coaching workshop client
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“It’s a fun and easy way to go deeply into your subconscious thoughts about self and direction.... teasing out new insights about me and my future aims.”
— 1:1 coaching client
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“I enjoyed discovering my thoughts and feelings, and listening to others’ ideas in a safe space”
— Coaching workshop participant
What to expect
You’ll create your personalised collage coaching ‘artefact’ that you can take away as a source of motivation. You’ll then engage in a coaching conversation that draws out the rich insight that lies within you. The workshop will give you:
Pre-workshop support: Arrive prepared to get the most out of your workshop
Guided, evidence-based process: imagery, reflection and coaching questions
Choose your theme*: bring a focus that matters to you
Group wisdom (in group formats only): you choose to what to share (or not) and help each other grow
No experience needed: all materials provided, no “artistic skill” required
Safe, supportive space: shared ground rules and professional facilitation
Professional coaching: Led by Dr Karen McPhail-Bell, an ICF-certified coach, facilitator and artist with ~25 years’ experience in health, creativity and community
*For example, a career change, improving your well-being, building confidence, returning to work after maternity leave, or a business direction. For anyone unsure, Dr McPhail-Bell will support you to uncover one or offer you one to use.
This is for you if you want to:
Reconnect with your purpose and spark new ideas
Relieve stress, reflect and gain fresh clarity
Explore personal growth through creativity
Gain a fresh perspective and find renewed motivation
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"Diving through lovely magazines and selecting images I responded to was great fun. Dividing into current and future states was really helpful."
— Coaching workshop client
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“The process and facilitation were excellent. A valuable output was a visual coaching poster to put up and reflect on”
— Coaching workshop client
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“Enjoyed the whole session, very enjoyable. Karen, you were an excellent facilitator”
— Coaching workshop client
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, the process is distinct from art therapy. Broadly, sometimes people mistake coaching for therapy/counselling, mentoring, consulting/advising or training. It follows that arts-based coaching (such as this collage coaching process) is not art therapy. Although arts-based coaching draws upon art therapy techniques, it uses those techniques for coaching purposes, not therapeutic.
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Yes, you can… creativity is for all of us! Creativity is not confined to the arts industries or to artists - it is part of what makes us human. Not only is creativity essential in professional settings and our everyday leadership, it plays a part in our everyday lives. Creativity is a beautiful gift and resource available to all of us - and it is up to us to cultivate and develop it.
Perhaps you’re asking this question because you’re wondering whether you have the skills needed to create your collage. Please rest assured that the design of this coaching process means that no collage or artistic skill are needed. In fact, the aesthetics of what you create is not the focus at all. Rather, the focus will be upon the coaching process and conversations, informed by your creative play through collage. I’ll guide you each step of the way - you won’t need to think ahead, you can relax into the moment.
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Given the nature of working with the unconscious mind, this group workshop is not suitable for people who are living with severe mental health issues, unresolved trauma or a recent bereavement (within the past 8 months). This requirement is to protect the emotional safety of all participants.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out and we can discuss.
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There are a few unique aspects to this creative coaching workshop that you’ll find difficult to replicate alone. Firstly, you’ll have me, a creative leadership coach, facilitating the process so that you can enjoy spending time consciously in play, while uncovering a new vision and path for a new turn in life - without needing to be self-driven. And with my background as a public health researcher, you can rest assured that I take the evidence-base and rigor of the process seriously, which I bring together for you in an ethical, seamless way.
Secondly, you’ll have the time, space and materials taken care of for you. This time will be just for you, without the concerns of others or needing to problem solve how to make space and gather the right materials. The workshop provides the conditions that stimulate relaxation, flow and inspiration.
Thirdly, if you do this in the group format, you’ll have the benefit of the group wisdom and interaction in an informal and creative way (always to the degree you’re comfortable with) and combine your collective knowledge. As a group, we’ll establish a shared agreement at the outset, to uphold how we will safeguard the space together.
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Your ticket is non-refundable but transferable to any other workshop, coaching service or artwork within 6 months of purchase. Cancellations within 2 days of our scheduled session will forfeit your ticket.
About your coach
Dr. Karen McPhail-Bell, ACC is an internationally-certified coach who supports creative leaders to step into their visionary power and design life on their terms. With ~25 years’ experience in research, health and community, she combines academic rigour with creative practice to help professionals and communities activate and see themselves in new ways, and move towards a vision they couldn’t reach alone. She is also a practicing visual artist who has exhibited locally and internationally.
Ready to join?
Book your personal online arts-based coaching session right away.
Want to explore hosting this workshop for your team or community, or adapting this process for your specific needs?
Contact me and let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life.