Clinical counsellors are trained to heal trauma, resolve pain from the past, and provide specific therapies for individuals with mental health disorders and addictions. The focus of a life coach is on the present and how to move towards a desired future. As a life coach I am trained to help you examine what’s happening for you now, what you are looking to achieve, and how to bridge the gap. Coaching clients often experience mild to moderate levels of depression or anxiety. If your symptoms are severe or debilitating, I would recommend seeking a therapist.

Yes! Both counsellors and life coaches work on personal growth and finding solutions to daily challenges. Counsellors often use life coaching techniques with clients who want to elicit change in their lives.

Yes! Coaches often work in conjunction with therapists.

As a grief practitioner, I offer specialized support to individuals struggling with the death of a loved one (or someone you had a difficult relationship with). Trained and certified by the internationally recognized grief expert, David Kessler, I bring his tools, methodology and decades of experience to help you navigate the challenges of grief. My training in grief extends well beyond what most counsellors receive in their Master degree programs. In fact, a large percentage of my cohort were clinical counsellors wanting to learn how to better support their grieving clients.

Although life coaches try to keep our focus on the present, it is common for clients to drift into the past during sessions. Having worked at a crisis line, detox centre, mental health housing and hospice, I am trained to support individuals who have experienced trauma. I have witnessed deep pain, and strive to create a safe environment for you to feel heard. If your goal is to heal your trauma, I would recommend seeking a clinical counsellor who has training in trauma and PTSD.

It is important to allow time to process and integrate the work you are doing, but not space sessions too far apart where you lose momentum or need to backtrack. I generally recommend booking sessions once every two weeks, however, there are circumstances where you might feel a different time line needs to be set. It's up to you!

Soon counsellors and therapists in BC will be required to hold a Masters Degree in Counselling or Social Work. It is advisable to check for proper credentials. Life coaching remains unregulated, so it is important to find a coach certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The ICF is a leading international organization which provides certification and sets standards for ethical coaching practices. I have taken the additional step to acquire membership to the ICF, which connects me with industry leaders and the latest research in my field.

Unfortunately life coaching is not covered under extended health plans, but may be included in your “Health Spending Account”. Please check with your insurance provider.