Our Online Counselling Services

Step 1: Your First Connection with Turning Tides

Welcome. Taking the first step toward healing is an act of courage, and we're honoured you're considering online counselling with us. This modal will walk you through what happens when you reach out, what to expect in those early conversations, and how we'll work together to create a foundation of trust and safety.

What Happens When You Contact Us

Getting started is straightforward. You'll reach out to us through one of several simple methods, and we'll respond promptly to understand what brings you here. There's no pressure, no complicated intake forms, and no clinical jargon. Just a genuine conversation about what you're experiencing and what you hope to find through counselling.

• Email us: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Call us: 778-321-6058
• Book online: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Once you've made contact, we'll schedule a brief, no-cost conversation. This is your opportunity to tell us a bit about what's on your mind. We listen. We ask thoughtful questions. We explain how our approach works and whether it feels like a good fit for you. Think of it as a chance to meet us before committing to anything further.

During this conversation, Kotone will share information about how online counselling sessions work, what you can expect in terms of timing and structure, and how we maintain your privacy and confidentiality. You'll also learn about our approach to care, which centres on creating a safe, supportive space where healing can happen.

What to Expect in Your First Full Session

If you decide to move forward, your first full session will be 50 minutes. Here's what that experience looks like:

• A warm welcome: We begin by making sure you're comfortable with the online platform and that your environment feels private enough for open conversation.
• Getting to know you: We'll explore what brought you here. Your story matters. Your experiences matter. We take time to understand your background, what you're struggling with, and what you hope to achieve through counselling.
• Understanding your needs: Whether you're navigating trauma, working through relationship challenges, managing difficult emotions, or seeking clarity about your life direction, we listen without judgment. We ask questions that help us understand not just what you're experiencing, but how it's affecting your daily life.
• Exploring your strengths: As we get to know each other, we also begin to notice your resilience, your values, and the strengths you may not have recognised in yourself. This is foundational to our work together.
• Explaining our approach: We'll share how we work. Our counselling draws on several evidence-based approaches, including Internal Family Systems therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. We tailor these methods to what feels right for you.
• Setting initial directions: Together, we'll begin to identify what you'd like to focus on in our work. These aren't rigid goals set in stone. They're collaborative directions that can shift and evolve as we progress.
• Practical details: We'll discuss session frequency, how payment works, what to do between sessions, and how to reach us if you need support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to prepare anything before my first session?

No. Simply show up as you are. If there's something specific you'd like to discuss, you can mention it during our consultation, but there's no homework or preparation required. We meet you where you are.

What if I'm nervous about online counselling?

That's completely normal. Many people feel uncertain about virtual therapy at first. We'll take time at the beginning of your first session to make sure you're comfortable with the technology and the format. We can adjust things like camera positioning, lighting, or how we communicate to make you feel at ease. Online counselling actually offers some unique benefits: you can access support from wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that's your home, a quiet space in nature, or another private location across British Columbia.

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

That's exactly what the free consultation is for. We can talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and help you decide if this is the right step. There's no obligation. If you're unsure after our conversation, we can discuss other options or resources that might be helpful.

How is my privacy protected?

Your confidentiality is sacred to us. Everything you share in sessions is kept strictly private. We use secure, encrypted platforms for all online sessions. Your information is stored securely and never shared without your consent, except in very specific circumstances where safety is at risk (such as if you or someone else is in immediate danger). We'll explain our confidentiality policies in detail during your first session.

What if I've tried counselling before and it didn't work?

Past experiences matter. If previous counselling didn't feel right, that's valuable information. Different approaches work for different people, and different counsellors create different kinds of connections. We're interested in understanding what didn't work before so we can approach your care differently. Our work is collaborative, which means you have a voice in how we proceed.

How much does counselling cost?

We offer affordable individual and couples sessions. Pricing details are available on our services page or through a direct conversation with us. We also offer a sliding scale option for those who need it. Additionally, coverage may be available through major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross, depending on your individual policy.

Can I access counselling if I'm not in Vancouver?

Absolutely. Our online counselling services reach clients throughout British Columbia and beyond. Whether you're in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, the Interior, Northern B.C., or any other region, you can access support from wherever you are. All you need is a private space and a secure internet connection.

What if I need support between sessions?

We're here for you. Between sessions, you can reach out via email for support or to discuss anything that comes up. We also offer between-session email support to help you stay connected to your healing work and maintain momentum between appointments.

How long does counselling typically take?

This varies greatly from person to person. Some people benefit from short-term counselling focused on a specific challenge. Others prefer longer-term work that allows for deeper exploration and sustained growth. We'll discuss what feels right for you as we get to know each other. There's no standard timeline. Your pace is our pace.

Why Choose Turning Tides for Your First Step

Kotone Frankowski is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with over five years of experience specialising in trauma informed care, complex post-traumatic stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions. She holds a certification from Evergreen Certificates in trauma work and brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to every session.

Our practice is built on several core commitments. We believe in creating a safe, inclusive space where all identities and experiences are honoured, including LGBTQ+ individuals and diverse relationship structures. We listen without judgment. We meet you with genuine care. We believe in your capacity to heal and grow.

Next Steps: How to Begin

Ready to take that first step? Here's what to do:

1. Reach out using one of the contact methods above.
2. We'll respond within one business day to schedule your free 20-minute consultation.
3. During that conversation, we'll answer your questions and discuss whether online counselling with us feels like the right fit.
4. If you'd like to proceed, we'll book your first full 50-minute session at a time that works for you.
5. Show up, be yourself, and let the healing begin.

Contact Information

Email: info@turningtidestoday.com

Phone: 778-321-6058

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

Website: https://www.turningtidestoday.com

Office Location: 1451 Burnaby Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W6

A Final Word

You've already shown courage by considering this step. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of trauma, navigating relationship difficulties, working through life transitions, or simply seeking to understand yourself better, you deserve support. We're here to provide that. Your first conversation with us is just the beginning of a journey toward healing, resilience, and growth. We look forward to meeting you.

Step 2: Your Intake and Goal-Setting Session

Welcome to the heart of your counselling journey. This is where we truly get to know you, understand what brings you here, and chart a meaningful path forward together.

What Happens During Your Intake Session

Your intake session is a warm, conversational meeting designed to help us understand your unique story. This is not a clinical interrogation. It's a collaborative conversation where you share what matters most to you, and we listen with genuine care and attention.

During this 50-minute session, we will explore several important areas:

• Your current situation and what prompted you to seek support right now
• Your personal history, relationships, and life experiences that have shaped who you are
• Any experiences with trauma, loss, or significant life changes you have navigated
• Your strengths, values, and what brings meaning to your life
• Your hopes for what counselling can help you achieve
• Any questions or concerns you have about the process

This conversation helps us understand the full picture of your life so we can tailor our work together to what truly matters to you.

Getting to Know Your Needs and Goals

One of the most powerful parts of your intake is collaborative goal setting. Rather than us telling you what we think you should work on, we explore together what you want to change or improve in your life.

Maybe you are working through the effects of past trauma and want to feel more at peace. Perhaps relationship challenges are weighing on you and you want to build stronger connections. You might be navigating a major life transition and need support finding your footing. Or you could be seeking to understand yourself better and live more authentically.

Whatever brings you here, we will work together to identify clear, meaningful goals that feel right for you. These goals become the compass for our work together.

What to Bring and Prepare

To make the most of your intake session, please gather and consider the following:

Understanding How We Work Together

Our counselling approach draws on several evidence-based methods tailored specifically to you. We use Internal Family Systems work to help you understand different parts of yourself. We incorporate somatic approaches that honour the wisdom of your body. We use cognitive and behavioural strategies to help you build new patterns. And we weave in acceptance and commitment techniques to help you live in alignment with your values.

What this means in practice is that we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we listen carefully to you and adapt our methods to what resonates with you and what actually helps.

Addressing Common Concerns About Your Intake

Will I have to share everything about my trauma right away?

No. You share at your own pace. We create safety first. You are always in control of what you discuss and when. There is no pressure to dive into difficult material before you feel ready.

What if I do not know what my goals are yet?

That is completely okay. Many people come to counselling knowing they need support but not exactly what they want to work on. We will explore this together, and your goals may shift and evolve as we work. This is natural and healthy.

Is everything I share confidential?

Yes, with very limited exceptions. We maintain strict confidentiality. The only times we would break confidentiality are if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, or if there is abuse of a child or vulnerable adult involved. We will always be transparent with you about these boundaries.

What if I get emotional during the session?

Emotions are welcome here. Crying, feeling angry, or experiencing other strong feelings during your intake is completely normal and safe. We are trained to support you through whatever comes up.

How long will the intake process take?

Your first session is 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to really listen and begin building trust. After this, we will discuss what ongoing support looks like for you.

Your Preparation Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for your intake session:

• Confirm your session date and time
• Test your internet connection and video platform in advance
• Find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted
• Gather your insurance card if you have coverage
• Write down any medications you are taking
• Think about what you hope to achieve through counselling
• Jot down any questions you want to ask
• Have a glass of water nearby
• Allow yourself a few minutes before the session to settle and breathe

What Happens After Your Intake

After your intake session, we will have a clear sense of your story and what you want to work toward. We will discuss the best approach for your situation and answer any remaining questions about how we will work together.

You may receive a follow-up email summarizing key points from your session and next steps. This helps you reflect on what was discussed and keeps everything clear as we move forward.

Our counselling services serving all of British Columbia are designed to meet you where you are and support your healing journey at your own pace.

Ready to Begin?

Your intake session is the beginning of something meaningful. It is a chance to be truly heard and to start building the support you deserve.

To book your intake session with our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, please visit our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

If you have any questions before your session, please reach out to us at info@turningtidestoday.com or call 778-321-6058.

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your path toward healing and growth.

Step 3: Your Therapeutic Journey Unfolds

Welcome to the heart of your healing. This is where the real work begins, and where you'll discover your own capacity for growth and resilience. Step 3 is about what happens during your sessions and, just as importantly, what happens between them.

What to Expect in Your Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and follows a rhythm designed to support your healing. We begin by checking in on how you're feeling and what's been on your mind since we last connected. This isn't a clinical exercise. It's a genuine conversation about your life, your challenges, and the small victories you may have noticed.

From there, we move into the heart of the work. Together, we explore what brought you to counselling in the first place. Maybe it's trauma that's been weighing on you. Perhaps it's relationship patterns that keep repeating. Or maybe you're navigating a major life transition and feeling lost. Whatever it is, we approach it with curiosity and care.

Toward the end of our time, we pause to reflect on what emerged during our conversation. We talk about what resonated with you, what felt important, and what you might want to explore further. This is also when we discuss any practices or reflections you might engage with before our next session.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Your counselling draws from several evidence-based approaches, all tailored specifically to you and your needs. Here's what that means in practice:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed work: We help you understand the different parts of yourself, especially the protective parts that developed in response to difficult experiences. This approach recognises that you're not broken; you're actually quite resourceful.
• Somatic approaches: We pay attention to what your body is telling you. Trauma and difficult emotions live in our bodies, not just our minds. We work gently with this, helping you reconnect with physical sensations and release what's been held.
• Cognitive and behavioural strategies: We explore the thoughts and patterns that keep you stuck, and we work together to shift them. This isn't about positive thinking. It's about realistic, compassionate thinking that actually serves you.
• Acceptance and Commitment approaches: Sometimes healing means learning to live alongside difficult feelings rather than fighting them. We help you clarify what matters most to you and take steps in that direction, even when things feel hard.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills: When emotions feel overwhelming, we teach practical skills for managing them. These are tools you can use right away, in real moments of distress.

None of these approaches exist in isolation. They weave together based on what you need in any given moment.

Between Sessions: Where the Real Transformation Happens

The 50 minutes you spend with your counsellor is important. But the time between sessions is where integration happens. This is where you apply what you've learned, notice what shifts, and deepen your own self-awareness.

After each session, you'll receive a brief email summarising what we discussed, any insights that emerged, and any reflections or practices we talked about. This gives you something to return to when you need it.

You also have email access between sessions. If something comes up that feels important, or if you want to share a reflection or ask a question, you can reach out. Your counsellor will respond within a reasonable timeframe, maintaining the continuity of your care.

Practices and Reflections You Might Engage With

Healing isn't something that happens only in the counselling room. It happens in your daily life, in the small moments of awareness and choice. Here are some practices you might explore:

• Reflective journalling: Writing about your experiences, feelings, and insights helps you process what's happening. There's no right way to do this. Some people write freely. Others use prompts we provide. The point is to create space for your own voice.
• Grounding and mindfulness practices: When anxiety or difficult memories arise, these practices help you return to the present moment. They might include breathing exercises, noticing what you can see and hear around you, or gentle movement.
• Communication experiments: If relationship patterns are part of your work, you might try new ways of expressing yourself or listening to others. We'll talk through these together first, so you feel prepared.
• Values clarification exercises: Understanding what truly matters to you helps guide your choices. We might explore this through reflection, conversation, or simple written exercises.
• Skill practice: If you're learning new ways to manage emotions or handle difficult situations, you'll practice these in real life. We'll check in about what worked, what didn't, and what you learned.
• Engagement with resources: Depending on your interests, you might join our online therapy book club focused on healing and recovery. You might explore readings we recommend. You might listen to guided practices. These are all optional, and they're all designed to support your journey.

The key thing to understand is that these aren't homework assignments in the traditional sense. They're invitations to deepen your own healing work. You have agency here. If something doesn't resonate, we talk about it and find what does.

Tracking Your Progress

Progress in counselling isn't always linear. Some weeks you'll feel significant shifts. Other weeks might feel quieter, but important things are still happening beneath the surface.

We track progress through conversation. In our sessions, we notice what's changing. Maybe you're sleeping better. Maybe you're responding differently to situations that used to trigger you. Maybe your relationships feel less fraught. Maybe you're clearer about what you want from life. These are the things we pay attention to.

You might also keep your own notes about what you're noticing. Some people find it helpful to look back at their journal entries from a month ago and see how far they've come. Others prefer to simply notice in the moment.

There's no standardised test or score we're working toward. Your progress is measured by what matters to you: your wellbeing, your relationships, your sense of purpose, your ability to handle life's challenges with more ease.

The Collaborative Nature of This Work

Everything we do is collaborative. You're not a passive recipient of counselling. You're an active participant in your own healing. If something doesn't feel right, we talk about it. If you want to try a different approach, we explore that together. If you need to slow down or take a different direction, we listen.

Your counsellor is here to guide, support, and offer perspective. But you're the expert on your own life. You know what feels true for you. You know what you need. We work together to honour that.

Ready to Begin?

This is the step where commitment meets action. You're not just thinking about change anymore. You're engaging in the practices and conversations that create it.

If you're ready to move forward, the next step is simple. Book your first session through our online platform, and let's begin this journey together.

Book Your First Session

Our online counselling services serving all of British Columbia, from Vancouver to Victoria, Kelowna to Prince George, and everywhere in between. Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's trauma informed support is available whenever you're ready to take this step.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone in your healing journey. Step 4 focuses on evaluating your progress, recognizing the growth you've achieved, and planning for the future. This is where we celebrate how far you've come and ensure you have the tools and support to maintain your wellbeing.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your time working with our trauma informed counselling services serving all of British Columbia, you've been building new skills and insights. We look at progress in many ways. Some changes are obvious. You might notice you're sleeping better, feeling calmer, or handling difficult moments with more ease. Other progress is quieter but equally important. You might find yourself responding differently to triggers, feeling more connected in relationships, or simply believing in yourself more.

Progress isn't always a straight line. Some weeks feel lighter than others. That's completely normal and part of the healing process.

Signs of Readiness for Completion

You may be ready to transition from regular counselling sessions when you notice:

• You're using the tools and strategies we've discussed without prompting
• You feel more confident managing difficult emotions on your own
• Your relationships feel more stable and connected
• You're sleeping better and experiencing less physical tension
• You've achieved the goals you set at the beginning of your journey
• You feel a sense of hope about your future
• You're able to reflect on past trauma without becoming overwhelmed
• You've developed a stronger sense of who you are and what matters to you

Readiness looks different for everyone. There's no rush. We move at your pace.

Evaluating Your Journey

In your final sessions, we'll reflect together on what you've learned about yourself. We'll talk about the specific changes you've noticed. We'll identify which strategies have been most helpful for you. This reflection helps solidify your progress and gives you clarity about what to continue doing.

Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor will work with you to create a summary of your key insights and the approaches that have worked best for your unique situation. This becomes your personal reference guide for the future.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Wellbeing

Completing counselling doesn't mean you stop caring for yourself. It means you're ready to be your own guide, with strategies in place to support ongoing healing.

We'll discuss which of these resonate most with you and how to weave them into your daily life in ways that feel natural and sustainable.

Planning for Ongoing Support

Completing regular counselling sessions is a success worth celebrating. It also means thinking about what ongoing support might look like for you.

Occasional check-in sessions are available if you'd like to reconnect after some time has passed. Many clients find it helpful to return for a session or two when facing a new life challenge or transition. There's no judgment in that. It's part of caring for yourself.

Our online support groups and therapy book club continue to be available through Turning Tides Counselling and Life Coaching. These community spaces offer affordable, ongoing connection with others who understand your experience. Many clients find that participating in group settings helps them feel less alone and provides fresh perspectives on their healing journey.

Between-session email support remains available to you. If something comes up and you need guidance before your next appointment, or after you've completed counselling, you can reach out. We're here to support your continued wellbeing.

Recognising Your Strength

Reaching this point took courage. You showed up. You were honest about your struggles. You were willing to try new approaches even when they felt uncomfortable. You kept going even on the hard days. That resilience is yours to keep.

The insights you've gained, the skills you've developed, and the compassion you've learned to extend to yourself are all part of who you are now. You've done the work. You've earned this progress.

What Happens Next

In your final sessions, we'll create a clear transition plan together. This might include:

• A written summary of your key learnings and strategies
• Reminders of the specific tools that have helped you most
• Information about how to reconnect if you need support in the future
• Details about ongoing group options and community resources
• A conversation about what self-care looks like for you going forward

You'll leave with everything you need to continue your healing independently, knowing that support is always available if you need it.

Staying Connected

Our trauma informed counselling services serving British Columbia remain available to you. Whether you need occasional sessions, want to participate in our support groups, or simply have questions as you navigate life after counselling, we're here.

You can reach out to Turning Tides Counselling and Life Coaching anytime at info@turningtidestoday.com or by phone. There's no expiration date on your ability to reconnect with us.

Your Next Step

If you're ready to explore completion or want to discuss what ongoing support might look like for you, we invite you to book your next session. This is a conversation we'll have together, at your pace, with your needs at the centre.

Ready to book your Step 4 session or reconnect with our team?

Visit our online booking platform to schedule your appointment: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

You can also reach out directly to discuss your specific situation and what completion might look like for you.

Your healing journey doesn't end here. It evolves. And we're honoured to have been part of it.