Jacob is a Somatic Coach and Men’s Work Facilitator who supports those he works with to move gracefully, heal the wounds of the past, and live a life of meaning.
In response to a crisis of identity, Jacob left behind his life as an engineer in Sydney, Australia in order to better understand himself, his purpose, and his place within the world. His journey has taken him both across the world and deep within himself, his way guided through the innate wisdom of his body. This required Jacob to take a leap of faith - letting go of his rational view of the world in order to allow his felt sense to direct him.
Whilst movement had always been a big part of Jacob’s life, it was only through a commitment to practice that he was able to cultivate powerful personal change. Jacob’s explorations took him to yoga, dance, martial arts, and to learn from leaders in movement culture including Ido Portal, Tom Weksler (Movement Archery), Jozef Frucek (Fighting Monkey), Rafe Kelley (Evolve Move Play) and Simon Thakur (Ancestral Movement). At this time, he also dove into the power of breathwork, studying with Johannes Egberts (Breathless).
What became apparent across time was that the practice did not only create changes on a purely physical level. The greater his capacity for awareness of and engagement with the body, the better able he was to navigate the psychological and philosophical landscapes of his life. He observed a similar self-development unfold through the experience of his students. Inevitably, a deep curiosity was unearthed to understand the connection between body and mind.
Jacob ventured into the realm of somatics under the tutelage of Chandler Stevens (The Ecosomatics Institute). Ecosomatics, a blend of systems thinking, psychotherapy, somatic education and natural movement, gave Jacob answers to the questions he did not even realise he had been asking, as he began to clearly see the patterns that had unfolded throughout his life. His work evolved with a therapeutic orientation, supporting clients to find freedom from anxiety, depression, unresolved anger, trauma, negative habits, self-limiting patterns and a lack of direction and meaning, as well as chronic pain and physical restrictions.
In the ongoing development of his work, Jacob is deepening his practice of Zen, observing how this wisdom relates to an individual's journey toward wholeness. He is also exploring the powerful potential within psychedelic medicine and bodywork.
In Portugal, where he currently resides, Jacob is the founder of Alchemy Brothers, a men’s work organisation with the intention to create spaces and experiences for men seeking self-understanding and transformation. Jacob’s facilitation provides a safe and supportive environment for men to explore their masculinity, cultivate awareness, authenticity andpurposes, whilst fostering deep connections with other men.
At the heart of Jacob’s work and being is a desire to connect more deeply with both his own nature and the natural world around him. He is dedicated toward living more naturally, inspired by the works of Frank Forencich (The Exuberant Animal) and Tony Riddle (The Natural Lifestylist). As an avid permaculturalist with a passion for environmental regeneration, Jacob emphasises a recognition of the relationship between personal health and ecological health as essential for bringing about collective well-being.
Jacob resides in the mountains of Central Portugal with his partner, Flora and son, Luan. In these beautiful surroundings, Jacob’s focus is upon the development of his practice, broadening and deepening the impact of his work, being fully present as a father and living in the way of nature.
Somatic Coaching is a transformative practice that focuses on the body as the primary means for learning and change. Unlike traditional coaching methods that often emphasise cognitive processes, somatic coaching involves working at the intersection of body and mind.
Jacob’s process prioritises the removal of constraints, those patterns of body and behaviour that may keep you stuck in the same old habits, mindsets and ways of being. Often this tends to be about doing less, rather than doing more. In the absence of constraints, you are then better able to become the kind of person you would like to be within the world. Jacob applies a holistic approach that considers environmental and relational influences, which necessitates reflection and reshaping personal and interpersonal dynamics.
In a session, we will use your body as a compass to access and explore physical sensations and emotional states, which are often key to unlocking patterns of behaviour, thought and feeling. By bringing attention to the way in which we perceive and act within the world, we are poised to bring about changes from the ground up that are more likely to stand the test of time. Expect to talk, sense, move, breathe and practice.
What Somatic Coaching Can Support:
What You Will Discover Through Somatic Coaching:
