About
I help people to think, learn & grow and I hope to inspire the world to embrace their human condition in all its beautiful and challenging facets.
Choose Life
I help people grow and flourish, think more deeply about what they do and who they are and then encourage them to make choices that will allow them to live and work more courageously and more successfully (by their own standards) in the face of life’s inevitable trials and tribulations.
I achieve this by creating a space within which my clients can safely allow themselves to be challenged and either consider different perspectives on what they (think they) already know or discover whole new worlds.
Since 2010 I’ve trained, coached, supervised, mentored and guided over a thousand coaches during my time as Programme Leader of the MSc Coaching Psychology at the University of East London (2015-2018), my role as Course Lead at Animas Center for Coaching, where I designed and facilitated two ICF-accredited training courses (Positive Psychology and Existential Coaching) and during my work with clients (many of which coaches) in private practice. Joining the teaching faculty at the International Centre for Coaching Supervision (ICCS) in 2020 has further deepened my love and support for supervision.
I present at conferences internationally and my book, An Introduction to Existential Coaching, has been published by Routledge, one of the largest international academic publishers. In 2019 I’ve joined the teaching faculty at The School of Life and the School of Positive Transformation. Together with the latter I designed and curate a ground-breaking new coach training programme, the Accredited Certificate in Integrative Coaching, for which I’ve managed to recruit many of our industry’s earliest pioneers and leading practitioners.
My work and philosophy have been shaped by my degrees in Psychology (BSc), Applied Positive Psychology (MSc) and Existential Coaching (MA) as well as coaching countless clients and training and supervising a large number of coaches from a broad variety of schools and approaches.
Due to the exploding number of coaches and the rapidly growing competition in the industry, the demand for advanced training, coaching, supervision, business-mentoring and elements of therapy has been growing steadily, so that I decided to offer supervision as a separate branch of my business in 2016. I’ve developed my signature approach, Rocket Supervision (a combination of the above mentioned demands), during my Diploma in Coaching Supervision between 2017-2018.
I’m warm, upbeat and supportive, I’m fair and kind as well as challenging, fast-paced, thorough, curious and direct. My German upbringing equipped with a fair deal of efficiency while marrying into a Mexican family gives me just the right balance in life.
if you’d like to learn a bit more about me, why not hop over to my other website www.existential.coach, connect with me on Facebook or LinkedIn or, indeed, book in a consultation so we can get to know each other and explore how we might work together?
Published works
An Introduction to Existential Coaching
Accessibly written and broadly lauded, this book is a vital guide for coaches in training as well as an inspiring addition to the repertoir of experienced practitioners.
Positive Psychology for Coaching - An Introduction to Theory and Practice
A practical guide to utilising the science of wellbeing, strengths, optimism, positive emotions and post-traumatic growth in your coaching practice.
Existential Perspectives on Integrating Coaching and Counselling
Personal Consultancy provides a coherent and systematic framework for practitioners. The authors of this excellent book subtitled “A Model for Integrating Coaching and Counselling” invited me to contribute a chapter laying out my existential perspective on integrating the two modalities.
Meaning-centred Coaching in the Workplace
In collaboration with the leading researcher on meaning, Michael F Steger, I contributed a chapter to this epic volume of literature: Positive Psychology Coaching in the Workplace, following an invitation from three of the leading voices in our field.
Existential Resilience and Covid-19
I’ve contributed a chapter to Monica Hanaway’s book “Existentialism in Pandemic Times: Implications for Psychotherapists, Coaches and Organisations” which summarizes my thoughts on existential resilience in the context of the CoViD-19 pandemic.
The 4 Worlds of Existence as a Tool in Coaching
Following an invitation of Prof. Jonathan Passmore I contributed a short chapter to the book “WeCoach!: The Complete Handbook of Tools, Techniques, Experiments and Frameworks for Personal and Team Development”. Any coach keen on adding to their repertoir will benefit from this book.
Training & certifications
BSc Psychology
University of East London
MSc Applied Positive Psychology
University of East London
MA Existential Coaching
New School of Psychotherapy and
Counselling (Middlesex University)
Diploma in Coaching Supervision
Animas Centre for Coaching
Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution
(Mediation)
SPCP Regent’s University
Certificate in Existential Group Work
NSPC
Personal Development Facilitator
Life Clubs UK
Certified Mental Health First Aider
MHFA England
Qualifications & relevant work
Program Director, ACIC
School of Positive Transformation
Teaching Faculty
International Centre for Coaching
Supervision
Teaching Faculty
Cambridge University (ICE)
Course Lead Positive Psychology,
Animas Centre for Coaching
Teaching Faculty
The School of Life (2019-2022)
Course Lead Existential Coaching,
Animas Centre for Coaching (2015-2018)
Programme Leader MSc Coaching
Psychology
University of East London 2015-2018
Module Leader for all of UEL’s coaching-related MSc programmes between 2015-2018 (MSc Career Coaching, MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, MSc Integrative Coaching and Counselling, MSc Coaching Psychology)
Visiting Lecturer
Cambridge University, New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Birkbeck University, Regent’s University, The Weekend University, WBECS, Animas Centre for Coaching, The School of Life, International Centre for Coaching Supervision, Society of Existential Analysis, Association for Coaching.
What others are saying
-
I was looking for a positive psychology coach supervisor with an existential lens and Yannick fit that and more! He has been referred to as a rockstar by some... read more coaches I'm friendly with... and I reckon it has to do with his no bs, grounded, authentic and open style. He brings a critical perspective to coaching and positive psychology and has challenged me in the most rewarding ways. The supervision group I have been so appreciative of has been no cap, life-changing. Through some of the most difficult personal times, I felt heard and seen and that the best interests of my clients (and I) were respected and honored. Reflecting as a coach can be vulnerable and challenging - and Yannick's supervision space supported my learning and development in a way that mattered most to me. Overall, I was stretched, I grew in confidence, and expanded my professional and ethical skills. With an amazing group of talented coaches.
March 23, 2023I approached Yannick two years ago for support with supervision and gotta say I am so glad I did. He has been very supportive through developing not only my business... read more but also challenging me to grow and improve as a coach. He comes highly recommended.
March 13, 2023Yannick has been my 1:1 supervisor for nearly 20 months. As a result of our work together I feel much more confident as a coach. What seemed like impossible tasks... read more when we started now feels a lot easier, and in fact I have come to really enjoy the work with "difficult clients". I now challenge clients with ease (something that I previously found very hard), and I've grown to accept my coaching style and approach a lot more. And while I used to struggle with clients who I knew weren't a good fit for what I wanted to do, I now am quite relieved to have developed the ability to choose who I want to work with. I also no longer feel the weight of responsibility as heavy as I used to, and this has freed me up to do better work in partnership with my clients. An important change furthermore is the fact that I'm no longer uncomfortable with the idea of exploring therapy as an additional skill set, and I have found meaning and purpose in allowing myself to go deeper with clients. In our sessions, Yannick has helped me to reflect at levels that weren't accessible to me on my own, and I've appreciated his light and safe, yet challenging approach to supervision that allowed me to bring whatever felt important to me on the day, which at times meant we were going well beyond what's happening in my coaching room.
February 13, 2023 -
The peer supervision group exceeded my expectations. It seamlessly fulfilled the supervision functions of developing skills, providing support for myself and my clients, and offering a safe place to give... read more consideration to ethical issues. Yannick created opportunities for us to supervise each other, to observe his supervision of members of the group, as well as providing insightful challenge and support. Sessions were fun as well as purposeful and I always looked forward to them, knowing that I would come away with fresh insight and motivation to continue to learn and develop my professional practice.
December 13, 2022I started my coaching journey with Yannick some years ago & completed an existential coaching course with him which I found truly invaluable. After some years of practice, I joined... read more Yannick’s Rocket Supervision group for parents, a supportive & accountable space for those facing the incredible challenge of building a business and juggling parenthood! I found it hugely helpful in uncovering what else was holding me back from fully committing to my endeavours & the safe space, curious questions, gentle but insistent prompts to enable me to move forward as well as the ongoing self reflection it generated, gave me a new level of self awareness and commitment to fulfil my visions! Yannick’s strengths are his warmth, gentle patience, curiosity, incredible authenticity and his wise perspective. I am so pleased our paths cross with some of the work we do & will be continuing to follow his brilliant Coaching Lab. Best wishes always.
November 13, 2022 -
I worked with Yannick for six sessions over five months, to support a coaching qualification I am undertaking. I very much enjoyed Yannick's relaxed style, and learned a lot... read more from his existential and phenomenological approach. It really helped my own understanding of what existential coaching is, and how it can help people attain new insights about their own motivations and style. I also attended one of his Coaching Lab sessions - I am sure I will attend many more, as it was very useful indeed. Thank you, Yannick!
August 13, 2022Working with Yannick over the last year and a bit has been a wonderful journey of getting to know myself and my practice better as a coach. I was feeling... read more at a plateau when I came to Yannick, knowing that supervision could help but not sure on how to articulate what I needed. Yannick was great at running with anything I brought to a session, challenging and questioning me when I needed it and supporting me throughout. The balance of coaching and mentoring worked really well for me - being able to learn from myself and learn from Yannick really added value to my perspective and coaching practice. I'm grateful to Yannick for giving my inner ramblings a space to be free 🙂 and would highly recommend supervision with Yannick to any coach wanting to learn and develop further.
July 13, 2022Genuine professional quality!! As a coaching lecturer at University of East London Yannick was so inspiring and engaging that I fell in love with existential coaching, which deeply informs my... read more theoretical approach. When it was time to find a supervisor Yannick was the easy choice and he has proved to be sensitive, passionate and authentic, really good at holding the space for all, and always showing a good balance between listening and questioning or sharing. As a supervisor Yannick has supported me so much in identifying and dropping assumptions, clarifying my identity and increasing my confidence as a coach. Thank you Yannick for being an excellent professional, and for being so inspiring and genuine. If you need a coaching teacher, supervisor or coach, Yannick is the best I know!
June 13, 2022 -
I consider my engagement with Yannick to be the best investment I have made for my coaching business so far. His guidance and support have helped me build my... read more practice from the ground up, taking into account both the coaching and business aspect of it. He is sharp and kind, knowledgeable and experienced. He gives me space to think and guides me through the process of growth, without ever taking the driver's seat, adapting to what I need in order to move forward. Also, he has so many resources and additional support beyond the session that makes me feel even more accompanied during my path. I feel grateful for having encountered him along this journey. Antonio Massimini - Founder of mindery.co
May 13, 2022Yannick is full of energy and enthusiasm. He listens, provides support, is sensitive and aware and has helped me make some different and difficult choices, all my own.
April 13, 2022I joined Yannick’s Rocket Supervision group as I was at a bit of a crossroads in my professional journey and wanted to connect with other like-minded coaches. I was looking... read more for a mixture of support, mentoring and shared accountability. I immediately felt welcome in the group, and bonded quickly with the other members. Yannick held the space perfectly, with a lovely balance of discussion, coaching, knowledge sharing and gentle challenge. Working with Yannick and the group helped me to identify the common thread running through my work, and gave me clarity on what truly motivated me, enabling me to take steps forward. I also enjoyed supporting the other members with their own challenges, and the group coaching aspect felt very powerful. I highly recommend working with Yannick and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the collaborative space he creates.
April 13, 2022 -
I’m not the easiest person to coach. Being a life coach myself I often feel very aware of others coaches’ choices in how they lead the conversation, and my own... read more daily practice of reflection and self-questioning meant I had done a lot of pre-work. I wanted someone who would take me to new places I hadn’t yet looked up, help me discover my own paradigm of the world, challenge it and help me connect the dots of my thinking and behaviour. And find and uncover the depth of my blind spots. Our sessions were long and we covered a lot of ground each time, but I never got the sense that Yannick wasn’t with me. I need a lot of space to think, and Yannick gave me this safe space whilst showing a deep presence and lots of curiosity. I felt truly heard. He provided me the right balance of showing empathy and challenge. I felt I came to him with a lot on my plate. Completing my coach training, running another business that I loved but involved so many spinning plates, and working through a lot of fatigue and stress that was affecting my health. I needed clarity, and more balance so I could make the best decisions. Coaching is something I feel that is often under appreciated. More than anything, Yannick helped me tap into my intuition which had the answers about what I needed to do. The fact he did this with what felt like natural ease, highlights his expertise in this area. It felt like chatting to a friend – we felt on the same wavelength – and he brought all of himself to the session, which then also allowed me to express all my quirks too. The result of our coaching? More clarity about who I am, what I want and what I can do to achieve this. We worked through a lot of limiting beliefs, he helped me realise what I really craved and needed in my life such that by the 6th session I had finally made a decision to change something in my life that I had been wanting to do for 3-4 years. And I can’t wait to implement it! Thanks, Yannick. I would absolutely work with Yannick again in the future.
April 13, 2022Yannick was my programme leader and lecturer at the MSc of Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology at the University of East London. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about... read more coaching, so when I founded my own coaching company it wasn’t even a question that I would like him as my supervisor. As I just started out I was looking for something affordable and I was delighted to see the monthly group supervision option by him. The whole supervision experience was thought inspiring, non-judgemental and reassuring. I was in a group with great coaches who were at relatively similar stages at their coaching and Yannick led the sessions with great support, time consciousness and excellent questions to elicit our own answers. But he also shared practical advice or his views where it was relevant and helpful. All in all, I would definitely recommend Yannick as a supervisor whether it is in a group setting or one-to-one. You will feel you get from the sessions just what you need to thrive as a coach.
April 13, 2022Having previously been a participant on a couple of Yannick's courses, I jumped at the chance to join his supervision group. Being a therapist and a coach, there aren't many... read more niche groups like this around! I can honestly say that I learned so much from this group in the year I was part of it. Yannick has a wonderful, curious, human style that really allows for reflection and growth as a practitioner. This inclusive space has really helped me take my personal and professional learnings to the next level.
April 13, 2022 -
I am passionate about positive psychology coaching, and I reached out to Yannick for coaching supervision to support my positive psychology strength-based career coaching practice. I needed support that make... read more my practice better and also I was struggling with changing my targeted clients and not confident enough if this is the right thing to do. Yannick has a way of helping you tap into what suits you as a person and what profession fits your personality without interfering in your choices. He is an expert in spotting the issue and asking the tough questions that make you think and say ‘A-haa’. These kinds of questions challenge you to think out of the box. I enjoyed being in Yannick's coaching supervision group and was influenced by his continuous encouragement and support, it was a safety platform to ask questions and introduce ideas without judgment. I have developed my coaching knowledge that will help me to achieve my new coaching practice plans. Yannick has a very nice friendly personality that enables you to feel comfortable and more engaged in group discussions. I highly recommend him as a coach, a supervisor, and a mentor.
April 13, 2022I reached out to Yannick for coaching supervision as I was just setting up my own practice. I wasn't sure where to start or what kind of coach I wanted... read more to be, and I was struggling with confidence levels. Yannick has a way of helping you tap in to who you are as a person and/or coach, with the perfect balance of curiosity, encouragement, enthusiasm, responsibility, support, and a lack of fear to ask the tough questions - the ones that challenge you and facilitate a growth that tears you at the seams in the best way possible! I have developed the accountability I hold as coach towards my clients, as well as an understanding of the people I want to coach. I have gained unsurmountable knowledge around coaching and a confidence that I know will lead me to accomplish all of the things I want to within my coaching practice. Above all, Yannick has enabled me to have a very clear direction and purpose within my life and has held a space so beautifully for me to be exactly who I am in this process of self discovery and growth. I highly recommend him, as a coach, a supervisor, a mentor, and an amazing human being. I appreciate you, Yannick!
April 13, 2022Yannick is friendly, approachable, professional and authentic. He has a natural coaching style, listening to both the content and for the context to enable, in the best and truest... read more form of coaching, the client to learn for themselves. as a coach or a coaching supervisor, i can highly recommend him.
April 13, 2022 -
My first session with Yannick was at a point of great uncertainty for me. He was immediately engaged in my issues, understood my motivations, listened to my ramblings with calm... read more and responded with useful and insightful observations. Booking sessions was easy and having them in the diary was a handy punctuation to my progress. I recommend Yannick wholeheartedly.
April 13, 2021Yannick is that rare example of a super intelligent, highly perceptive and empathetic, and relaxed human who can put you at ease straight away and give you great confidence in... read more the space he is welcoming you to be a part of and then take the lead. He is sensitive, passionate and authentic. A highly experienced coach and a faultless professional. Most importantly, someone fun to work with! Inspiring and genuine. Clear, friendly, and reliable - about what he can offer, and what he cannot. I highly recommend.
April 13, 2021 -
I have found coaching with Yannick to be an eye opening and life-changing experience. In a single session I have walked away with paradigms shifting. What I noticed about his... read more coaching style is how casual and informal it feels to be in conversation with him. Yet, behind this ease and comfort, and the friendliness that naturally comes through, there is a very experienced, skilled, and technical mind that is super curious to adventure the edges. I think the blend of his friendly easeful style with his science based psychology knowledge makes his coaching very rich in exploration, and impactful.
April 13, 2021Yannick is very genuine, I find his group supervision a perfect space for me to develop my Positive Psychology Coaching Practice. I've always looked forward to our sessions and have... read more left feeling more energised, as he offers a great mixture of support and challenge, respecting each Coach's own needs and timings.
April 13, 2021I read Yannick's book on Existential Coaching and also knowing of him through UEL, I chose to contact him for some coaching. I wanted to work on my own self-concept,... read more as a person and as a coach. Yannick gave me the space to explore this and more about my business and how I show up in the world. He asks incredibly insightful questions and has a unique ability to help to gain deep insights into yourself. I felt safe, validated and supported throughout the process. I have been coached many times and Yannick is by far one of the best. I highly recommend him whether you are a coach or someone who wants into the biggest questions of what gives your life meaning and purpose.
April 13, 2021 -
First of all: Yannick is a fun person to work with. He has a very active and creative mind to harness his solid and thorough knowledge of his field of... read more expertise. He is good at both listening and giving advice, as well as anything in between. I met Yannick by chance at a Pub Psychology event. His honest interest in what I was doing and his astute advices left a mark on me. It was a few years later that I got back in touch with him, and Yannick was the perfect person for me at the right time. He introduced me to coaching, helped me develop my coaching skills while also inspired me to reflect on where I was at personally. With his skilled and sensitive support, I went from tiny dreams to big plans. I recommend him full-heartedly.
April 13, 2021Any coach who mashes up existentialism and positive psychology would snag my attention. Yannick, whose clear, versatile way of speaking about coaching - as an academic discipline, as a practical... read more means of transforming lives and as an ever-evolving multi-disciplinary practice - did more than snag my attention: He grabbed it and held on. In working with him over 5 months, our conversations covered a wide landscape of the human condition - meaning making, death, belonging, commitment, the list goes on. Everything I brought, Yannick welcomed, in stride, and helped transform into a topic of everyday, practical concern. Just what I wanted and needed. I don't know how he did it! In Yannick, I have discovered a fellow human being who demonstrates bottomless curiosity, patience, kindness and openness with his clients and who is fiercely committed to his client's agenda (and to returning to it when his client is like a balloon losing air). Without doubt, I am wiser, more open and more engaged in my life as a result of working with Yannick. What are you waiting for?
April 13, 2021Yannick has been my coach supervisor for 3 months and i would highly recommend him. He clearly has all the experience, skills and techniques to provide effective and valuable guidance...but... read more what's most important to me is that he's totally authentic with it! He instantly made me feel like I could be myself, not be scared to admit to weaknesses but also be comfortable to share my confident moments... all whilst feeling like he totally had my back and was rooting for me to succeed. Excellent experience overall!
April 13, 2021 -
It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Yannick. He creates a wonderful, safe space to explore thoughts and concerns and is extremely effective at providing challenge... read more and encouragement at the right time. I thoroughly recommend him.
April 13, 2021I had the pleasure of being part of Yannick's coaching supervision group. Yannick was very supportive, provided a space to explore challenges more deeply. Yannick brings together great coaches in... read more an international setting. As a coach we are working alone most of the time, so having a regular sounding board is invaluable. I would recommend Yannick's supervision groups to any new coaches.
April 13, 2021Powerful and Profound: After spending some time coaching with Yannick I cleared some mental blockages that were limiting progress in certain areas of my life. Together we explored the... read more meaning of my statements and I slowly uncovered some truths that lay previously hidden. The result of our work was greater confidence in myself and my work as a coach. Highly recommend.
April 13, 2021
Keep in touch! Get my monthly “Nuggets”straight into your inbox.
10777 Berlin, Germany