Our Personal Development Coaching Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Personal Development Coaching

Welcome to Your Journey

Taking the first step toward personal growth takes courage. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our personal development coaching is designed to help you discover your life purpose, build confidence, and create meaningful change in your life.

What Happens During Initial Contact

When you reach out to us, you're beginning a collaborative partnership focused on your growth and wellbeing. Here's what to expect:

• Your Free 20-Minute Consultation: We offer a complimentary conversation to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you understand how coaching can support your journey. This is your chance to get to know Kotone and determine if our approach feels right for you.
• A Warm, Non-Judgmental Space: Whether you're meeting online or in our Vancouver office, you'll experience a welcoming environment where your story matters and your aspirations are honoured.
• Honest Conversation About Your Needs: We'll explore what brought you here, what you hope to achieve, and any concerns you might have about starting coaching.
• Clear Information About How We Work: You'll learn about session length (50 minutes), scheduling options, and how our coaching process unfolds over time.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your first full coaching session is about building trust and understanding your unique situation. Kotone will create space for you to share your story in whatever way feels comfortable. Together, you'll explore your values, identify your strengths, and begin clarifying what personal development means for you.

You might discuss life transitions you're navigating, areas where you'd like to build confidence, or a sense of purpose you're searching for. There's no pressure to have all the answers. This is a discovery process, and Kotone's role is to ask thoughtful questions and help you uncover what matters most to you.

By the end of your first session, you'll have a clearer sense of your coaching goals and how we'll work together to achieve them.

Our Approach to Personal Development

Kotone brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to coaching that draws from multiple therapeutic methods. This includes Internal Family Systems work, somatic approaches, cognitive behavioural techniques, acceptance and commitment strategies, and dialectical behaviour methods. What this means in practice is that your coaching is tailored to how you learn best and what resonates with you.

All of our work is grounded in care informed by trauma research. This means we understand that everyone carries their own history, and we create a safe space where you can explore your goals without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to have my life 'figured out' before I start coaching?

Not at all. In fact, most people come to coaching because they're seeking clarity. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, wanting to build self-esteem, or searching for your life's direction, coaching meets you exactly where you are.

What if I'm nervous about opening up to someone new?

That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first session. Kotone creates a safe, confidential space where you can share at your own pace. You're always in control of what you discuss and how much you reveal.

How is coaching different from counselling?

While counselling often focuses on healing from past experiences, coaching is forward-focused. It's about identifying your strengths, clarifying your goals, and building the skills and mindset to achieve them. That said, Kotone's background in counselling means she brings deep understanding and compassion to the coaching process.

Can I do coaching online, or do I need to come to Vancouver?

We offer flexible options. Sessions are available online via secure video conferencing, making it easy to participate from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond. This means you can receive coaching from the comfort of your own space.

What if I'm not sure if coaching is right for me?

Your free 20-minute consultation is the perfect opportunity to explore this. You can ask questions, learn more about how Kotone works, and decide together whether coaching feels like a good fit for your needs right now.

How much does coaching cost?

Individual coaching sessions are affordable and accessible. We offer flexible payment options and sliding scale rates for those who need them. We also accept major insurance providers, so coverage may be available based on your individual policy. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.

What if I've experienced trauma in the past?

Kotone specializes in working with people who have experienced trauma. Her approach is informed by trauma research and designed to create safety and trust. If you're carrying past pain, coaching can be a powerful tool for building resilience and moving forward.

How long does coaching typically take?

This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from a few sessions focused on a specific goal, while others work with a coach over several months as they navigate bigger life changes. During your first session, you'll discuss what feels right for your situation.

Will everything I share be kept confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is protected under professional confidentiality standards. Everything you share in coaching sessions remains between you and Kotone, with very limited exceptions related to safety.

How to Book Your Free Consultation

Ready to take the next step? Here are your options for getting in touch:

• Online Booking Platform: Visit our secure booking system at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling to schedule your free 20-minute consultation at a time that works for you.
• Email: Reach out to info@turningtidestoday.com with a brief message about what brings you to coaching. We'll respond within one business day.
• Phone: Call us at (1) 778-321-6058 to discuss your needs and schedule your consultation directly.

What to Bring or Prepare

You don't need to prepare anything special for your consultation or first session. Simply show up as you are. If it helps, you might jot down a few thoughts about what you hope to achieve through coaching, but this is entirely optional. The conversation itself will help clarify your goals.

A Few Reassuring Words

Starting coaching is an act of self-care and self-respect. You're investing in your own growth, and that matters. Whether you're seeking clarity about your life's direction, working to build confidence, or navigating a significant transition, you're not alone in this journey. Kotone has supported many people through similar experiences, and she brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to every conversation.

Your story is valid. Your goals are important. And you deserve support in achieving them.

Next Steps After Step 1

Once you've completed your free consultation and decided to move forward, you'll schedule your first full coaching session. From there, you and Kotone will work together to create a personalized coaching plan that reflects your unique goals and values. Between sessions, you'll have access to email support for any questions or reflections that arise.

This is the beginning of something meaningful. We're honoured to walk alongside you.

Contact Information

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching

1451 Burnaby StreetVancouver, BC V6G 1W6

Email: info@turningtidestoday.comPhone: (1) 778-321-6058

Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

Book your free 20-minute consultation now at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

We serve all of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, and beyond through secure online sessions.

Step 2: Your Intake and Goal-Setting Journey

Welcome to Step 2 of your Personal Development Coaching process at Turning Tides. This is where we get to know you, understand what matters most to you, and create a roadmap for meaningful change. Think of this step as the foundation for everything that follows.

What Happens During Your First Sessions

Your first session with us is about connection and discovery. We'll spend time learning about your story, your values, and what brought you here. This isn't about filling out endless paperwork or clinical questionnaires. Instead, we have genuine conversations where you can share at your own pace.

During these initial sessions, we'll explore several important areas together.

• Your current life situation and the challenges you're facing
• What you hope to achieve through coaching
• Your core values and what truly matters to you
• Your strengths, even ones you might not have noticed in yourself
• Any patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back
• Your vision for the future and what success looks like to you

Our Intake Process: Tailored to You

Rather than using standardized questionnaires that feel impersonal, we use tailored conversations and reflections designed specifically for your situation. This approach helps us understand not just what you're experiencing, but who you are as a person.

We'll discuss your emotional landscape, how you typically respond to challenges, and what support systems you already have in place. We'll also explore any past experiences that have shaped who you are today. This is done with care and respect for your pace and comfort level.

Our approach is grounded in care informed by trauma research, which means we recognize that everyone's journey is unique. We create space for you to share what feels safe to share, and we never push you beyond your readiness.

What to Bring and Prepare

You don't need to bring much to your first session. However, a little preparation can help you get the most from our time together.

Item	Why It Helps
A notebook or journal	To jot down thoughts, questions, or insights that come up during our conversation
Your calendar or schedule	So we can find the best times for your ongoing sessions
Insurance information (optional)	If you'd like to explore coverage options with us. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy
Any previous counselling or coaching records (optional)	If you've worked with someone before, these can provide helpful context
An open mind and honest heart	This is the most important thing you can bring

Pre-Session Preparation Checklist

To help you feel ready and grounded before your first session, consider doing these things.

• Reflect on what brought you to coaching right now. What's one thing you hope will be different in three months?
• Think about a time when you felt proud of yourself or accomplished something meaningful. What was that like?
• Notice any questions or concerns you have about the coaching process. Write them down so we can address them together
• Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus during your session
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in without rushing
• Have water nearby and make sure you won't be interrupted
• Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and like yourself

Understanding Our Goal-Setting Process

Once we've spent time getting to know each other, we move into collaborative goal setting. This is where your vision becomes concrete and achievable.

We don't believe in imposing goals on you. Instead, we work together to identify what you truly want to move towards. Your goals might be about building confidence, navigating a life transition, improving relationships, developing new skills, or discovering your life purpose. Whatever matters to you matters to us.

Here's how we approach this together.

• We listen deeply to what you've shared about your values and desires
• We ask curious questions that help you clarify what you really want
• We identify your strengths and how they can support your goals
• We break big dreams into smaller steps so progress feels real and manageable
• We create accountability structures that feel supportive rather than rigid
• We build in flexibility because life changes and so do our priorities

Your goals might include things like developing a healthier mindset, managing difficult emotions more effectively, improving your self-esteem, or finding clarity about your life direction. We'll work with you to make these specific and meaningful.

Common Concerns About the Intake Process

Many people wonder what to expect during intake. Here are some things we hear often.

Will I have to share my whole life story? No. You share what feels right for you. We'll guide the conversation, but you're always in control of what you disclose. We work at your pace.

What if I don't know what I want to work on yet? That's completely okay. Many people come to coaching with a general sense that something needs to shift but without clear direction. That's exactly what these first sessions are for. We'll explore together and clarity will emerge.

Is this going to feel like therapy? Our approach is informed by therapeutic principles, especially care informed by trauma research. However, coaching is different from therapy. We're focused on your future and your goals rather than processing the past. That said, we create a safe, supportive space similar to therapy.

What if I get emotional during our sessions? That's welcome and normal. Emotions often come up when we're reflecting on what matters to us. We're trained to hold space for your feelings with compassion and respect.

How long does the intake process take? Your first session is 50 minutes. We typically spend the first two or three sessions getting to know you and developing your coaching plan. Some people need more time, and that's fine. We move at your pace.

Will you judge me? Absolutely not. We work with approaches based on strengths and we believe in meeting you exactly where you are. There's no judgment here, only curiosity and care.

What Happens After Intake

Once we've completed your intake and set your initial goals, you'll receive a summary of what we've discussed and the direction we're heading. We'll outline your coaching plan, including how often you'll meet, what we'll focus on, and how we'll track your progress.

Between sessions, you'll have access to between-session email support. This means you can reach out with questions, reflections, or things that come up during the week. We'll also send you brief follow-up emails after each session highlighting key insights and next steps.

Your coaching journey is collaborative. You're not a passive participant. You're an active partner in creating the change you want to see in your life.

Ready to Begin?

The intake and goal-setting process is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and empowering. We're here to help you clarify what matters most and create a realistic path forward.

If you have any questions before your first session, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to chat.

Ready to take the next step? Book your first session through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling. Your journey toward meaningful personal development starts here.

Step 3: Your Personal Development Journey Unfolds

Welcome to Step 3 of your personal development coaching experience at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where transformation truly begins. You've clarified your goals and we've built a strong foundation together. Now we move into the heart of the work: consistent sessions, meaningful practices between our time together, and real progress toward the life you envision.

What Happens During Your Coaching Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and follows a rhythm designed to support your growth.

The Opening: Where You Are Right Now

We begin by checking in. You share what's been happening since we last met. How are you feeling? What's shifted? What's been challenging? This opening creates space for you to be fully heard and helps me understand where you're starting from today. There's no rush here. Your experience matters.

Reflecting on Your Progress

Together we look at what you've been working on. We talk about the practices you've engaged with, the insights you've noticed, and any obstacles that have shown up. This isn't about perfection. It's about honest reflection and celebrating what you're learning about yourself.

Exploring What's Beneath the Surface

Using conversations and reflections tailored to your unique situation, we explore your values, your strengths, and what might be holding you back. We look at patterns in how you think about yourself and your life. We notice what brings you joy and what drains your energy. This exploration helps us understand the real you, not just the version you show the world.

Building Your Skills and Strategies

Based on what we discover, I introduce practical tools and approaches that fit your life. These might include techniques for managing difficult emotions, ways to shift limiting thoughts, or strategies for navigating life transitions with more ease. We practice these together so you feel confident using them on your own.

Creating Your Next Steps

Before we finish, we work together to identify what you'll focus on until we meet again. These aren't rigid assignments. They're invitations to practice, to notice, to experiment with new ways of being. You have agency here. We co-create these steps so they feel meaningful and achievable for you.

Closing and Looking Ahead

We wrap up by summarizing what emerged in our session. I share reflections on your progress and insights. You're invited to share what resonated with you. We end with encouragement and clarity about what comes next.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Your coaching draws on several evidence-based approaches, all woven together in a way that honours your unique journey.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us understand the different parts of you. You might have a part that wants to take risks and a part that protects you by playing it safe. Rather than fighting these parts, we get curious about them. We learn what each part needs and how they can work together. This approach is especially powerful for healing from past hurts and building self-compassion.

Somatic work recognizes that healing lives in your body, not just your mind. We notice where you hold tension, what sensations arise when you think about your goals, how your body responds to stress. By tuning into these physical signals, you develop a deeper awareness of yourself and can shift patterns more effectively.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) gives us practical skills for managing intense emotions and building a life worth living. You'll learn techniques for staying present, tolerating distress, managing relationships more effectively, and changing patterns that no longer serve you.

Beyond these core approaches, we also draw on cognitive behavioural methods, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness practices. The key is that everything we do is tailored to you. We're not applying a one-size-fits-all formula. We're building a personalized toolkit that works for your life.

Your Homework and Between-Session Practices

The real magic happens between sessions. This is where you integrate what you've learned and begin living differently.

Reflective Journaling

You might keep a journal where you notice your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. Some people write daily. Others write a few times a week. There's no right way. The practice itself is what matters. Over time, journaling reveals patterns you couldn't see before. It becomes a conversation with yourself.

Practising New Skills

If we've introduced a technique for managing anxiety or shifting a thought pattern, you'll practice it in your daily life. You might use a grounding exercise when you feel overwhelmed. You might challenge a limiting belief when it shows up. These small practices compound into real change.

Values-Based Activities

We identify what truly matters to you. Then you engage in activities aligned with those values. If creativity matters to you, you might paint or write. If connection matters, you might reach out to someone you care about. If growth matters, you might learn something new. These aren't tasks to check off. They're invitations to live in alignment with who you really are.

Emotional Regulation Practices

You'll develop a personal toolkit for managing difficult emotions. This might include breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, movement, creative expression, or time in nature. You discover what actually helps you feel more grounded and resourced. Then you practice these regularly, not just when you're in crisis.

Exploring Strengths and Values

Between sessions, you might reflect on moments when you felt strong, capable, or aligned with your values. You notice what you're naturally good at. You pay attention to what brings you alive. This ongoing reflection deepens your understanding of who you are and what you're capable of.

Life Skills Development

Depending on your goals, you might work on communication skills, boundary setting, time management, or self-care routines. You practice these in real situations. You notice what works and what needs adjustment. You're building a life that actually works for you.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress isn't always linear. Some weeks you'll feel like you're moving forward. Other weeks you might feel stuck. Both are part of the journey.

We track progress through ongoing conversations. At the beginning of each session, we reflect on what's shifted since we last met. You notice changes in how you feel, how you respond to challenges, what you're capable of. These observations matter more than any checklist.

We also use reflections and check-ins to understand what's working and what needs adjustment. If a particular practice isn't resonating, we change it. If you're making progress in one area but struggling in another, we adjust our focus. Your feedback shapes our work together.

Over time, you'll notice concrete changes. You might feel less reactive and more resourced. You might handle difficult emotions with more skill. You might make decisions that align with your values. You might feel more like yourself. These are the markers of real progress.

Between-Session Support

You're not alone between our sessions. I'm here to support your journey.

You have email access between sessions. If something comes up, if you want to share a breakthrough, if you're struggling with a practice, you can reach out. I respond to emails within 48 hours. This ongoing connection helps you feel supported and keeps momentum going.

We also stay connected through post-session follow-up emails. After each session, I send you a brief email summarizing what we discussed, the practices we explored, and your next steps. This helps you remember the key insights and keeps the work fresh in your mind.

You're also welcome to access our community resources. Our group therapy book club and support groups provide additional connection and learning. Many clients find that being part of a community deepens their personal development work.

The Therapeutic Techniques We Weave Throughout

Throughout your coaching, you'll experience several key techniques that support transformation.

Mindset Shifting

We gently challenge thoughts that limit you. Not by forcing positive thinking, but by getting curious about what you believe about yourself and your possibilities. We explore where these beliefs came from. We notice which ones actually serve you. We practice thinking in new ways. Over time, your internal dialogue shifts.

Values Clarification

We spend time getting clear on what truly matters to you. Not what you think should matter. Not what others want for you. What actually lights you up? What do you want your life to be about? This clarity becomes your compass. It guides your decisions and helps you build a life that feels authentic.

Strength-Based Exploration

Rather than focusing only on what's wrong or what you need to fix, we also notice what's right about you. What are you naturally good at? What challenges have you overcome? What do people appreciate about you? Building on your strengths is often more powerful than trying to fix weaknesses.

Emotional Awareness and Regulation

You develop a deeper relationship with your emotions. You learn to notice them without being overwhelmed by them. You understand what they're telling you. You develop skills for moving through difficult emotions with more ease. Emotions become information rather than obstacles.

Collaborative Goal Setting

Your goals aren't imposed on you. We create them together. We make sure they're meaningful to you, achievable, and aligned with your values. We break them into manageable steps. We celebrate progress along the way. You're the expert on your own life. I'm here to support your vision.

What Makes This Work

Personal development coaching works because it's personal. It's tailored to you. It honours your pace. It respects your wisdom about your own life.

It works because we build a genuine relationship. You're not a case to be managed. You're a person I'm privileged to support. That relationship itself becomes healing.

It works because we focus on what you can actually do. Not someday. Not in theory. Right now, in your life, with the resources you have. Small, consistent actions create real change.

It works because we stay curious. When something isn't working, we don't push harder. We get curious about what's getting in the way. We adjust. We try something different. We keep learning together.

Ready to Begin?

Step 3 is where your personal development journey truly unfolds. You'll experience the power of consistent support, meaningful practices, and real progress toward the life you want to live.

Our personal development coaching services are available across British Columbia, including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities throughout the province. All sessions are conducted online, making it easy to access support from wherever you are.

To take this next step, book your first session through our online booking platform. You can also reach out with any questions about how coaching works or what to expect.

Book Your First Session Now

Or contact us directly:

• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

Your journey toward personal growth, clarity, and a life aligned with your values begins here. Let's do this together.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone. Step 4 is where we pause to reflect on how far you've come and determine whether you're ready to complete your Personal Development Coaching journey with Turning Tides. This isn't about ending support. It's about recognizing your growth and preparing you to move forward with confidence.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your coaching experience, we've been working together on your personal goals, mindset shifts, and life skills. Now we take time to evaluate what has changed. We look at the goals you set at the beginning. We examine the coping strategies you've developed. We celebrate the insights you've gained about yourself and your life direction.

This evaluation happens through ongoing conversations with your Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. There's no formal test or questionnaire. Instead, we simply talk about your experience. We reflect together on the progress you've made. We notice the shifts in how you approach challenges. We acknowledge the resilience you've built.

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

You might be ready to complete your coaching when you notice these changes in yourself:

• You feel more confident managing difficult emotions on your own
• Your relationships have improved, and communication feels easier
• You've discovered clarity about your life purpose and values
• You're making decisions that align with who you want to be
• You have practical tools and strategies you use regularly
• You feel less overwhelmed by life transitions or challenges
• Your self-esteem has strengthened, and you trust yourself more
• You understand your patterns and can respond rather than react

Readiness looks different for everyone. Some people feel ready after several months. Others benefit from longer-term support. There's no rush. Your counsellor will help you assess whether this is the right time for you.

The Completion Conversation

When you and your counsellor agree that you're ready, we have a meaningful conversation about your journey. We talk about what you've learned. We identify the specific strategies that have helped you most. We discuss how you'll continue using these tools after coaching ends.

This conversation is important because it helps you recognize your own strength and capability. You're not losing support. You're gaining independence. You're becoming the expert on your own healing and growth.

Creating Your Maintenance Plan

Completion doesn't mean you're on your own. We create a personalized maintenance plan together. This plan includes the strategies and practices that have worked best for you. It outlines how you'll continue your personal development after formal coaching ends.

Your maintenance plan might include:

• Daily or weekly practices that support your emotional wellbeing
• Specific coping strategies for challenges you know might arise
• Ways to stay connected to your life purpose and values
• Resources you can return to when you need guidance
• Reminders of the insights and shifts you've made
• Ideas for continued growth through reading, reflection, or community connection

We write this plan down together. You take it with you. It becomes your personal guide for moving forward.

Ongoing Support Options After Completion

Completing your coaching doesn't close the door on support. Our trauma informed care approach means we understand that life brings new challenges. You might face unexpected transitions. You might want to explore deeper work on specific areas. You might simply want a check-in conversation.

Here's what remains available to you:

• Booster Sessions: You can schedule individual sessions whenever you need them, whether that's in a few months or a year from now
• CPTSD Support Group: Our ongoing support group remains open to you, providing community and shared learning
• Group Therapy Book Club: Join our affordable online book club focused on trauma and healing whenever you're interested
• Between-Session Email Support: You can reach out with questions or reflections, and your counsellor will respond thoughtfully
• Re-engagement at Any Time: If you want to return to regular coaching, we can restart whenever that feels right for you

Our services across British Columbia, including online options, mean you can access support whenever life calls for it. Whether you're in Vancouver, the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, or anywhere else in the province, we're here.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Take a moment to truly acknowledge what you've accomplished. You showed up. You did the work. You were willing to look at yourself honestly and make changes. You built new skills. You healed from pain. You discovered more about who you are and what matters to you.

That's significant. That's worth celebrating.

Many people find that the completion of coaching marks a turning point. You're not ending something. You're beginning a new chapter where you carry forward everything you've learned. You're stepping into a life that feels more aligned with your values and your vision for yourself.

What Happens Next

In your final sessions, we'll focus on consolidating your learning. We'll make sure you feel confident about the tools you have. We'll talk about how to recognize if you might benefit from returning to coaching. We'll ensure you have everything you need to continue your journey.

Your counsellor will provide you with written summaries of key insights and strategies. You'll have contact information for reaching out if you need support. You'll know exactly how to reconnect with Turning Tides whenever that feels right.

The Door Remains Open

Completion is not goodbye. It's a natural transition in your healing journey. Life will continue to unfold. New challenges will appear. New opportunities for growth will emerge. And whenever you need support, guidance, or simply a conversation with someone who understands your journey, we're here.

Our commitment to your wellbeing doesn't end when your regular coaching sessions do. It evolves into a different kind of support, one that respects your growing independence while remaining available whenever you need it.

Ready to Move Forward?

If you're approaching Step 4 or thinking about whether completion might be right for you, we encourage you to have this conversation with your counsellor. There's no pressure. No timeline. Just an honest exploration of where you are and what you need next.

Your journey of personal development and healing is uniquely yours. We're honoured to have been part of it. And we're excited to see where your continued growth takes you.

Ready to discuss your progress or explore completion? Book a session with our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling. Our personal development coaching serving all of British Columbia is here to support your continued growth and wellbeing.