After 40 years in this field providing counselling support for children, youth, and adults, I have accumulated knowledge, experience, and skills that now enable me to ‘give back’. I am indebted to my mentors, scientists, outstanding leaders, teachers, and counsellors, neuroscience research and trauma-informed practice to help my practice continue to grow and gain traction to better assist those who are suffering. Additionally, as many of you know, I am also a certified clinical counsellor and supervisor. As a supervisor, I can support other counsellors as well as master’s level graduate students training to become counsellors
I have a few Core Beliefs and Basic Principles that guide my work as a counsellor and supervisor. They provide the foundation for my work and evolve through my work and ongoing training.
Core Beliefs *
- We are capable. We can find ways to clear the tricky parts to move forward.
- We are the sum of many parts. We have heard that the human being is composed of body, mind, spirit, but what I add to this is we all experience life from an emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual place. When we ask ourselves questions (for example, what am I feeling right now? what do I notice in my body? How do I want to be feeling?), and really listen, we can clarify our goals and the path to success.
- Most people have inner strength, resources, and wisdom. The key is finding the door to unlock to find it.
- Most people want to have purpose and a meaningful life.
Basic Principles *
- Stay curious, keep learning, ask more questions, listen more, and talk less.
- Keep EGO in check.
- Notice when you or a loved one is afraid and where you or they go next (anger, withdrawal)
- Watch self-talk
- Keep judgement of self and others to a minimum
- Strengthen compassion (and others will follow)
- Find people you can trust and affirm your goodness
*For people struggling with addiction or other severe mental health issues, more extensive wrap-around care and support should help achieve these objectives.