You
Because you are reading this, it is likely that you may be contemplating a change. Perhaps you have already tried to make changes but haven’t progressed in the manner that you hoped. You know deep within you that things can be different: how you see your self and others or the stories that you tell about your life. Indeed, the ways in which you think or feel about events that have unfolded, your way of being, is to some extent shaped by the psychological adaptations that have occurred in response to living.
You likely know deep in your heart, that there are not quick fixes, that was is required is someone with whom you can can explore the patterns of relations that have shaped who you are, and to use this insight to become differently, anew.
“No change comes without loss.”
As you stand at the edge of venturing into new territory, you may experience some apprehension and doubt, yet also have hope and tenacity for what lies ahead. You may or may not believe it, but you hold all that is necessary to live life anew, perhaps even, strive to be alive as you can possibly be.
You might be the coach, manager or leader of a team: you have a ‘response-ability’ towards others. If you’ve ever questioned the dichotomy between reactive and proactive you will appreciate that how you are in the world, matters now.
You can begin to become differently today, develop new patterns of being as you dwell in new places, and encounter life differently. You can choose to remain with the uncomfortably familiar or risk unfamiliar possibility. The choice is yours…
*Bühler, J. L., Orth, U., Bleidorn, W., Weber, E., Kretzschmar, A., Scheling, L., & Hopwood, C. J. (2023). Life Events and Personality Change: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Journal of Personality, 38(3), 544-568
Mark
I endeavour to create a warm, collaborative, curious, compassionate and sometimes challenging relationship within which we can explore the difference(s) that you, your team or organisation may wish to bring about. Within the margins between where you are currently, and where you aspire to be, I help you to uncover your unique pattern of relations that make you who you are, that hold you back, and also afford the capacity to become anew. I will support you in the struggle with those facets of life of which we have no control, gently draw attention to areas for growth, and be alongside you as you make sense of your self, your actions, others, and your world, differently.
My work draws upon a rich tapestry of psychotherapeutic theory, philosophy, evidence-based practice and 20+ years’ experience, of supporting individuals‘ make changes that matter.
Alongside my practice as a sport psychologist and counsellor, I have worked in academia as a lecturer and researcher. I have a particular expertise in the regulation of athletes’ emotions and supporting their mental health. My research has been cited in the design of mental health services for Canadian Sport, a number of international position stands, and has shaped the delivery of interventions to Premier League academy footballers.
When I am not working, additional things that bring me alive is the presence of loved ones, outdoor swimming, cooking, crafting and personal ‘athletic’ challenges. In recent years I have completed the Great North Swim and the Scottish Coast-to-Coast.
Qualifications:
Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
BSc (Hons) Sport Studies (with coaching science)
PgCert Teaching in Higher and Professional Education
MSc Exercise and Sport Psychology
PhD: Antecedents, Consequences, and Regulation of Emotions in Sport
Professional Affiliations and Registrations:
“There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in”
Leonard Cohen
Margins in Mind
Margins in Mind is owned and curated by Dr Mark Uphill. In a world that was increasingly fragmenting Mark’s practice, teachings, and research, Margins in Mind was borne from his desire to provide encounters that make differences in and of the world. These may often be encounters with Mark, but as this site unfurls further, the Marginalia will grow, provoking, making different differences and contributing to a sense of community. Marks’ work is underpinned by philosophy (particularly that of Gilles Deleuze), psychotherapeutic literature, evidence-informed practice and his own lived experience. The Marginalia will provide a “home” to eclectic writings (short and long), brief provocations and a gathering of material that may help us think differently of our world. I believe that ‘therapeutic encounters’ are only one type of encounter that can prompt change. To think otherwise would be hugely limiting to your capacity to become alive, anew and different.
Bohart, A. C., & Wade, A. G. (2013). The client in psychotherapy In, .M.J. Lambert (ed,) Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (pp. 219-257). Chichester: Wiley.