Derek McMillan

Private Mentor, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Bodyworker and Educator

Having had many inspiring and supportive mentors throughout my life it is now an honour for me to offer myself as a private mentor to the CI community. As your mentor my intention is to support you on your CI journey, whether you are enrolled on the professional training programme, mentorship programme or a certified CI practitioner.

Four key areas of our work together will be to:

Develop your confidence and demonstration of the key skills, qualities and stepping stones as outlined in the CI map.
Evaluate your CI competencies and to develop the key areas you have identified that you would like to strengthen.
Review your progress as a CI participant/mentee/practitioner and to help you to prepare for re/certification.
Embody self-awareness/reflection and confidence within your therapeutic practice, including, how to self-regulate, developing and maintaining an attuned relationship with your client and exploring which subpersonalities are showing up for you during therapeutic sessions.

My CI journey has been life changing, both personally and professionally. It started in 2020 when I enrolled on the short course and online retreats with Gabor, before going on to join the professional training programme in February 2021. Since successfully completing the yearlong training, I have completed the mentorship programme, two internship programmes, CI suicide awareness training, CI circles, and becoming a certified compassionate inquiry practitioner in September 2022 (recertifying in 2024) and an approved private mentor in February 2025.

My background is in education where I spent 20 years teaching psychology, philosophy and religious studies and mentoring teachers in Scotland and England. My academic qualifications include an MA in History of Medicine (specialising in the relationship between orthodox and unorthodox medicine and body mind practices under the supervision of Professor Steven King), BA (Hons) in Philosophy and Sociology, and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Religious Education from Oxford Brookes University, England, UK.

Alongside my career in education, I have spent the past 30 years studying and teaching martial arts, bodywork and meditation throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. These daily practices have been central to integrating/connecting my body and mind as well as sustaining my wellbeing and creating a healthy and balanced life.

My mentoring style is grounded, open, curious, warm, playful and focused. I would love to work alongside you to help you to develop your personal and professional goals through building a safe and secure relationship based on trust, curiosity and growth.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, it would be a pleasure to connect with you.

Email: [email protected]