Our Counselling Services

Step 1: Reach Out and Connect

Taking the first step toward healing and personal growth can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of difficult emotions or past trauma. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out for support takes courage. That's why we've designed our initial contact process to be as welcoming, gentle, and straightforward as possible.

Our compassionate counselling services serving Vancouver and communities throughout British Columbia begin with a simple conversation. Whether you're seeking support for trauma recovery, navigating life transitions, working through relationship challenges, or exploring personal growth, we're here to listen without judgment.

How to Get Started

Connecting with us is easy, and you have several options to choose from based on what feels most comfortable for you:

• Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation Online: Visit our secure online booking platform at colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling to schedule a complimentary consultation at a time that works for you.
• Call or Text: Reach out directly at (778) 321-6058. We welcome phone calls and text messages, and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
• Send an Email: Contact us at info@turningtidestoday.com with a brief description of what brings you to counselling. We'll get back to you within one business day.
• Connect via WhatsApp: Prefer messaging? We're available on WhatsApp for your convenience.

What to Expect During Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Your free consultation is a no-pressure conversation designed to help you feel comfortable and informed before committing to ongoing sessions. During this brief meeting, we'll:

What Happens After Your Consultation?

If you feel we're a good fit after your consultation, we'll schedule your first full session. Our online counselling services available throughout British Columbia make it easy to begin your healing journey from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Sessions are typically 50 minutes and can be scheduled at times that work with your life.

You'll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need, including how to access our secure video platform, what to expect during your first session, and information about fees and insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on before reaching out?Not at all. Many people contact us feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. That's completely normal. Our free consultation helps you explore what's happening and what support might be helpful.

What if I'm nervous about talking to someone for the first time?Feeling nervous is completely understandable. Our approach is gentle and client-centred. You'll never be pushed to share more than you're ready to discuss. We move at your pace, always.

Is the consultation really free?Yes. The 20-minute consultation is completely free with no obligation. It's an opportunity for both of us to see if we're a good match.

How quickly can I get an appointment?We typically have availability within one to two weeks. If you're experiencing a crisis, please let us know when you contact us, and we'll do our best to accommodate you sooner.

Do you offer sessions in person or only online?Currently, we offer online counselling sessions to serve clients across British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, the Kootenays, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, and the Thompson-Okanagan region. Online sessions provide flexibility, privacy, and accessibility while maintaining the same quality of care.

Will my insurance cover counselling?Many extended health insurance plans include coverage for counselling with a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's services may be covered by plans through Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, Pacific Blue Cross, Equitable Life of Canada, and iA Financial Group. Coverage depends on your individual policy, so we recommend checking with your provider. We're happy to provide receipts for you to submit claims.

What are your fees?Our counselling services are affordably priced, and we offer a sliding scale option for those who need financial flexibility. Specific fee information is provided during your consultation and is also available on our Services page.

What if I'm not sure counselling is right for me?That's a question many people have. Counselling can be helpful for anyone navigating difficult emotions, life changes, relationship challenges, or past trauma. The free consultation is a perfect opportunity to explore whether it feels right for you, with no pressure to commit.

You're Not Alone in This Journey

Reaching out for support is a powerful act of self-care. Whether you're dealing with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), processing past trauma, working through relationship difficulties, or simply feeling stuck, our trauma informed counselling services serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and communities across British Columbia are here to support you.

You deserve a safe space to heal, grow, and discover your strengths. We're honoured to walk alongside you on this journey.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Book your free 20-minute consultation today and begin your path toward healing and personal growth:

• Online Booking: colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
• Phone/Text: (778) 321-6058
• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Website: turningtidestoday.com

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Step 2: Your First Sessions & Getting to Know Each Other

The beginning of your counselling journey is about building connection, understanding your story, and creating a foundation for meaningful change. Our trauma informed approach ensures these early sessions feel safe, collaborative, and focused on what matters most to you.

What Happens in Your First Few Sessions

Your initial sessions with Kotone Frankowski, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, are designed to help us understand your unique experiences and goals. This isn't about filling out forms or answering rigid questions. Instead, we have open conversations where you share what brings you to counselling and what you hope to gain from our work together.

These early sessions typically include:

• Understanding your story: We explore your background, current challenges, and what you've already tried. This helps us see the full picture of your experiences.
• Identifying your strengths: Together, we uncover the resilience and capabilities you already possess, even if they feel hidden right now.
• Clarifying your values: We discuss what truly matters to you in life, relationships, and personal growth.
• Setting meaningful goals: You decide what you want to work toward. Whether that's healing from trauma, improving relationships, building self esteem, or navigating life transitions.
• Exploring therapeutic approaches: We talk about how different methods might support your healing. Our specialized trauma counselling services serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and throughout British Columbia draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Process Experiential Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

How We Get to Know Each Other

Building trust takes time. That's why we approach these early sessions with patience and care. You're never pressured to share more than feels comfortable. Some clients open up quickly. Others need several sessions to feel safe enough to explore deeper experiences. Both are completely normal and respected.

Throughout our work together, we use gentle check ins and reflective conversations to monitor how you're feeling and whether our approach is working for you. This ongoing dialogue ensures your counselling stays aligned with your needs and goals.

What to Bring & How to Prepare

Preparing for your first sessions doesn't require extensive homework. Here's what helps make the most of our time together:

Setting Goals Together

Goal setting at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching is a collaborative process. You're the expert on your own life. We're here to support you in identifying what you want and creating a path to get there.

Your goals might be specific. 'I want to reduce my anxiety so I can sleep better.' Or they might be broader. 'I want to feel more like myself again.' Both are valuable starting points.

As we work together, your goals may shift and evolve. That's expected and welcomed. Healing isn't linear. Sometimes what we think we need at the beginning changes as we gain new insights and perspectives.

Our comprehensive counselling services available in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and across British Columbia support goals related to:

• Healing from trauma and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
• Managing difficult emotions like anxiety, depression, or anger
• Improving relationship patterns and communication
• Building self esteem and self compassion
• Navigating major life transitions
• Discovering life purpose and personal growth
• Developing healthier coping strategies

Common Questions About Getting Started

How long will it take to see progress?Everyone's timeline is different. Some clients notice shifts within a few sessions. For others, especially when working through complex trauma, meaningful change unfolds over months. We check in regularly about what's working and adjust our approach as needed.

What if I don't know what my goals are?That's completely okay. Many people start counselling knowing something needs to change but aren't sure exactly what. We'll explore this together through our conversations, and clarity often emerges naturally as we work.

Will I have to talk about traumatic experiences right away?Absolutely not. You're always in control of what you share and when. Our trauma informed care means we prioritize your sense of safety and never push you to discuss experiences before you're ready.

How do online sessions work for getting to know each other?Our secure online counselling platform serving Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Interior BC, Northern BC, and the Kootenays creates the same supportive environment as in person meetings. Many clients find the comfort of their own space actually helps them open up more easily.

What if I realize this isn't the right fit?Finding the right therapeutic relationship matters. If at any point you feel our work together isn't meeting your needs, we can discuss this openly. Your wellbeing is the priority, even if that means exploring other options.

Session Format & What to Expect

Each session lasts 50 minutes and takes place through our secure online platform. You'll receive a private video link before your appointment. All you need is a quiet, comfortable space and a reliable internet connection.

Between sessions, you have email support for questions or reflections that come up. This ongoing connection helps maintain momentum in your healing journey.

Sessions follow your pace and focus on what feels most important to you. Some days we might explore difficult emotions. Other times we practice new skills or celebrate progress. The rhythm of our work together adapts to where you are in your journey.

Building Your Foundation for Healing

These first sessions create the groundwork for everything that follows. By taking time to truly understand your experiences, strengths, and aspirations, we build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and genuine collaboration.

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's specialized mental health services available throughout British Columbia, from Vancouver to Prince George, from Victoria to Fort St. John, honour your unique story while drawing on proven therapeutic approaches that support lasting change.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you're dealing with trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, compassionate support is available.

Ready to begin? Book your free 20 minute consultation to discuss how our trauma informed counselling can support your healing and growth.

Book Your Free Consultation

Step 3: Your Counselling Sessions and Ongoing Support

Welcome to the heart of your healing journey. Step 3 is where the real transformation happens. This is where you'll engage in meaningful therapeutic work, develop practical skills, and build the resilience you need to move forward. Let's walk through what to expect.

What Happens During Your Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and follows a thoughtful structure designed to support your healing. Here's how your time together will unfold.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Our counselling draws from several evidence-based approaches. We blend them together based on what will serve you best. Think of these as different tools in a toolbox, each one useful for different situations.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed work helps you understand the different parts of yourself and how they're trying to protect you. It's compassionate and deeply healing.
• Approaches grounded in trauma research recognize how your body and mind have been shaped by difficult experiences. We work with this understanding, not against it.
• Somatic work pays attention to what your body is telling you. Trauma lives in the body, and healing happens there too.
• Cognitive Behavioural approaches help you notice patterns in your thinking and behaviour, and gently shift them toward what serves you better.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you clarify what matters most to you and take action aligned with your values, even when things feel difficult.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy teaches you skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthy relationships.

We don't use all of these in every session. Instead, we work together to figure out which approaches will help you most right now.

Between Sessions: Your Continued Growth

The work doesn't stop when your session ends. In fact, what happens between sessions is where much of your healing takes root. Here's what ongoing support looks like.

Reflective Practices

You'll be invited to engage in reflective practices that deepen your self-awareness. This might include journaling about your emotional experiences, noticing patterns that emerge throughout your week, or reflecting on moments when you felt more like yourself. These practices help you become your own observer and guide.

Skill Practice

The techniques we explore in session are meant to be used in your daily life. You might practice grounding exercises when you feel overwhelmed, try new ways of communicating with someone important to you, or experiment with setting boundaries. We'll talk about what you tried and what you learned.

Between-Session Email Support

You have access to email support between sessions. If something comes up and you need clarification about what we discussed, or if you want to share a breakthrough you've had, you can reach out. This keeps the connection alive and helps you feel supported throughout your week.

Written Reflections After Each Session

After your session, you'll receive a summary of what we explored together. This gives you something to revisit, to reflect on, and to notice how your understanding deepens over time. It's a record of your journey.

Your Homework: Practical Steps Forward

Homework might sound formal, but it's really just the work of living your life with new awareness and skills. Here's what you might explore between sessions.

• Emotional awareness practices where you notice and name what you're feeling throughout your day. This simple act of noticing is powerful.
• Grounding and calming techniques that help you feel more settled in your body and mind when stress or difficult emotions arise.
• Relationship experiments where you try new ways of communicating or setting boundaries, then notice what happens.
• Values clarification work that helps you understand what truly matters to you and how to align your actions with those values.
• Reflective writing that helps you process experiences and gain insight into your patterns and strengths.
• Mindfulness and body awareness practices that help you reconnect with yourself and notice what your body needs.

The key is that you choose what feels right. We're not here to give you a rigid list of tasks. We're here to offer possibilities and support you in choosing what will actually help you.

Tracking Your Progress

How do we know if counselling is working? We pay attention to what matters most to you.

In our early sessions together, we'll have conversations about what you hope will be different. Maybe you want to feel less anxious. Maybe you want your relationships to feel easier. Maybe you want to feel more like yourself. These become our guideposts.

Throughout your counselling, we'll check in regularly about whether you're noticing shifts. Are you sleeping better? Do you feel more confident in certain situations? Are your relationships improving? Are you making choices that align with what matters to you? These real-world changes are what we're looking for.

We don't use complicated questionnaires or formal testing. Instead, we have honest conversations about what you're noticing. You're the expert on your own experience, and we trust that.

Group Support Options

Beyond individual counselling, Our trauma informed counselling services serving British Columbia also include group experiences that can deepen your healing.

• CPTSD Support Groups bring together people who understand complex trauma from the inside. You'll share experiences, learn from one another, and discover you're not alone in what you've been through.
• Group Therapy Book Club offers an affordable way to explore healing through literature and discussion. You'll read together, reflect together, and support one another's growth.

These groups are optional and complement your individual work beautifully.

What Makes This Different

Your counselling at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching is built on collaboration. You're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active partner in your own healing. We work together to figure out what helps, and we adjust as you change and grow.

Our approach is informed by research on trauma and healing. We understand that your nervous system has learned to protect you in certain ways. We work with that wisdom, not against it. We meet you where you are, honour what you've been through, and help you build toward the life you want to live.

Sessions are available online, which means you can access support from wherever you are across British Columbia and beyond. You choose the format that works best for you.

Ready to Begin?

Step 3 is about showing up for yourself week after week. It's about trying new things, noticing what shifts, and gradually building a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are.

If you're ready to take this step, we're here to support you. Book your first session through our online booking platform and let's begin this journey together.

Book Your First Session Now

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone in your counselling journey. Step 4 is about recognising how far you've come, evaluating your progress, and preparing for the next chapter of your healing.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your time working with us at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, you've been developing new skills and insights. This step invites you to pause and reflect on the meaningful changes you've experienced. Progress in counselling isn't always linear. Some weeks feel lighter than others. What matters is the overall direction of your healing.

We'll work together to identify the specific improvements you've noticed. Perhaps you're managing difficult emotions more effectively. Maybe your relationships feel stronger. You might be sleeping better, feeling more confident, or simply experiencing fewer moments of overwhelming distress. These are all signs of genuine progress.

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

Readiness for completing your counselling journey looks different for everyone. Here are some common indicators:

• You're using the coping strategies we've developed together consistently and effectively
• Your trauma symptoms have decreased significantly in frequency and intensity
• You feel more grounded and present in your daily life
• Your relationships have improved, with better communication and understanding
• You've achieved the goals you set when we began working together
• You feel more confident handling challenges without immediate professional support
• You've developed a clearer sense of your values and life direction
• You experience longer periods of emotional stability and peace

Completion doesn't mean you'll never face difficulties again. It means you've built the resilience and tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion.

Our Evaluation Process

As we approach completion, we'll have conversations about your experience. We'll reflect on where you started and where you are now. We'll discuss which approaches helped you most. We'll identify the strengths you've discovered within yourself. This isn't about filling out forms or answering clinical questions. It's about having meaningful conversations that honour your journey and celebrate your growth.

We may also explore any remaining concerns or areas where you'd like to continue developing. Sometimes clients benefit from ongoing support on a less frequent basis. Other times, a clear ending feels right. There's no single correct path forward.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Wellness

The work you've done in counselling creates a foundation. Maintaining your progress involves consistent, gentle practices:

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support Options

Completing your regular counselling doesn't mean you're on your own. Our compassionate community at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching remains available to you in several meaningful ways.

Between-session email support allows you to reach out with questions or reflections as they arise. You can share what's working well or ask for gentle reminders about techniques we've explored together.

Our CPTSD support group continues to meet regularly. Many clients find that connecting with others who understand trauma creates a powerful sense of belonging and ongoing healing. You're welcome to join whenever you need that community connection.

Our group therapy book club offers an affordable way to continue exploring healing and growth through shared reading and discussion. It's a beautiful space for reflection and connection.

Occasional check-in sessions are available if you'd like to reconnect after some time has passed. Perhaps something challenging has emerged, or you simply want to deepen your work in a particular area. These sessions can be scheduled as needed, without the commitment of ongoing weekly counselling.

Our online services serving all of British Columbia mean you can access support whether you're in Vancouver, across the province, or even internationally. Distance is never a barrier to reconnecting with the care you deserve.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Take a moment to truly acknowledge what you've accomplished. You showed up. You were vulnerable. You did the difficult work of healing. You learned new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others. You built resilience. You deserve to feel proud of yourself.

The courage it takes to seek counselling and engage in your own healing is remarkable. That courage doesn't disappear when your regular sessions end. It becomes part of who you are, a resource you can draw on whenever you need it.

Moving Forward with Confidence

As you step into this next phase, remember that healing is ongoing. There will be moments when you feel strong and grounded. There will be other moments when you need extra support. Both are completely normal. Both are part of being human.

The tools you've developed, the insights you've gained, and the compassion you've learned to extend to yourself are yours to keep. They're woven into who you are now.

Whether you're ready to complete your counselling journey or you'd like to explore ongoing support options, we're here for you. Our commitment to your wellbeing doesn't end. It simply takes different forms, always available, always supportive, always honouring the beautiful work you've done.

Next Steps

To discuss your readiness for completion, explore maintenance strategies tailored to your life, or learn more about our ongoing support options, please reach out to us.

Book your completion conversation or ongoing support session through our online booking platform:

https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

You can also contact us directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058 to discuss what comes next.

Our trauma informed counselling services serving all of British Columbia remain available to support you, whether that's through ongoing sessions, group connections, or the knowledge that we're here whenever you need us.

Your healing matters. Your progress matters. You matter.