1-2-1 support & coaching

When we started Held, it was simply space for one another. After years of anti-oppression facilitation, the work and the way we were doing it, was starting to take a toll.

  • We were losing sight of ourselves within larger conversations of identity and power.

  • Not knowing what our responsibility was in different moments.

  • Struggling to remain intact after giving too much.

  • Meeting conflict with avoidance, difference with judgement.

  • Feeling like a jumble of pieces, but never whole.

Being held meant having a space to put the pieces together, and to build new skills for our leadership, and our lives. Its that space we provide for others.

We offer 1-2-1 support and coaching for people exploring themes of conflict, power, identity, difference, oppression and anti-oppression in their work, and those seeking to build and practice the skills of collective liberation - from boundary setting to bridging across difference.

All sessions are held by Alexander Lyons. You can find out more about him on our About page.

Initial consultation

We offer a free 40 minute initial consultation so you can get to know our approach, share what you’re hoping to explore, and to see if we’re right for you.

Use the button below.

1-2-1 session

If you have received coaching or worked with us in some other way before and want to skip the initial consultation, you can book a full 90 minute session using the button below. Please read our fees, terms and conditions before you do.

Testimonials

  • "Through Alexander's coaching I've developed a much richer relationship with my work.

    During our time together I'm able to reflect on what my values are, how I embody them and what I could do next to keep moving forward. I think Alex's superpower is that he brings the right amount of structure to these conversations so that they help me feel safe, focused and grounded rather than overwhelmed, despite us exploring aspects of work which are personal and previously unexamined. In practice, these are some of the things I've taken away from Alex's coaching:

    • I'm more comfortable with the different facets of my personality showing up in my leadership style as and when I need them
    • I'm able to contextualise some of the challenges I'm facing within organisational development, wellbeing and social justice theory
    • I'm better able to notice when I'm stretched, overstimulated or at risk of burnout
    • I'm more capable of being in the moment more of the time.”

    Shoubhik Bandopadhyay - Head of Arts Programme, Paul Hamlyn Foundation

  • "Spending one-to-one time with Alexander has been so helpful and so fulfilling. Alexander is kind, insightful, and moves through discussions at a gentle pace, all the while guiding me to think deeply about quite challenging things.

    Alexander is helping me face into the difficult paradoxes and contradictions of working against systems of oppression while working inside systems of oppression. He is helping me through the continuous process of noticing and acting on my obstacles and points of friction, which has given me a lot of confidence and renewed excitement about my practice. It is invaluable to be listened to and supported by someone outside of my workplace and who understands my facilitation approaches."

    Leah Lockhart, researcher and facilitator

  • "Working with Alexander has felt like stepping into a room full of familiar, supportive energy.

    The circumstances that led me to working with Alexander had triggered in me my thoughts around my inability to relax around people and removed the concept of people as safe space. With our monthly chats, I am reminded that I am a safe place and I am perfectly awesome just by showing up completely, myself. It has truly been a pleasure to work with someone who understands that we are privileged to work on ourselves and walk with each other."

  • "I had some one-to-one coaching sessions with Alexander when I was in a challenging work environment and feeling vulnerable. Alexander helped me make sense of what I was experiencing and provided interesting insight into my leadership approach, which I had not previously considered as a positive. He also gave me practical advice (e.g. on boundaries).

    The coaching I had previously focused on practical methods of dealing with colleagues, and used more traditional management styles. Alexander’s approach resonates more deeply; he recognises that communication is about the many hidden things we bring to any situation. He helped me identify some issues with absolute clarity and I learned a lot. If you are navigating or processing complicated power relationships or situations of change at work, and open to a bit of self and situation examination, I highly recommend you find space to meet with Alexander.”