Our Therapeutic Approaches Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Therapeutic Approaches

Welcome to Your Healing Journey

Taking the first step toward healing takes courage. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out can feel vulnerable. That's why we've designed our initial contact process to be warm, welcoming, and completely pressure-free. You're not just another appointment on our calendar. You're someone seeking support, and we're here to meet you exactly where you are.

How Initial Contact Works

Getting started is simple and straightforward. When you reach out to us, here's what happens:

• Your First Conversation: We offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation where you can share what's on your mind and learn more about how we work. This is your chance to ask questions and see if we're the right fit for your needs.
• A Safe Space to Share: During this conversation, you'll talk with Kotone, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. She'll listen without judgment and help you understand what support might look like for you.
• No Pressure, Only Options: This consultation is about exploration. You're not committing to anything. You're simply getting to know us, and we're getting to know you.
• Next Steps at Your Pace: If you'd like to move forward, we'll schedule your first full session. If you need time to think about it, that's completely okay too.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your first full session is 50 minutes of dedicated time focused entirely on you. Here's what typically unfolds:

• Building Trust: We begin by creating a comfortable environment where you feel safe to be yourself. Kotone will explain how she works and what you can expect from the counselling process.
• Understanding Your Story: You'll have space to share what brought you here. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply wanting to grow, we want to understand your unique experience.
• Exploring Your Strengths: As we talk, we'll naturally discover what's already working for you. Your strengths and values matter. They're part of your foundation for healing.
• Talking About Approaches: Kotone will explain the therapeutic approaches she uses, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic work, cognitive behavioural approaches, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She'll help you understand how these might support your specific situation.
• Setting Directions Together: By the end of your first session, you and Kotone will have a sense of what you're working toward. These aren't rigid goals. They're directions that can shift and evolve as you do.
• Practical Information: You'll discuss how often you'd like to meet, whether online or in-person works best for you, and how the practical side of counselling will work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

What if I'm nervous about my first session?

That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first counselling session. The 20-minute consultation is designed to help ease those nerves. You'll get a sense of Kotone's style and approach before committing to a full session. And remember, counselling is collaborative. You're in control of the pace and what you share.

Do I need to have everything figured out before I come?

Absolutely not. In fact, most people come to counselling because they don't have it all figured out. That's exactly what this space is for. You don't need to have a perfectly articulated problem or a clear sense of what you want. You just need to show up and be willing to explore.

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

The 20-minute consultation is perfect for exploring that question. You can ask Kotone anything. You can talk about your concerns. You can learn about how our approach to care informed by trauma research works. This conversation is designed to help you feel more confident about whether this is the right next step for you.

How does online counselling work?

Our online sessions happen through a secure, private video platform. You'll receive a link before your session. You can join from wherever feels comfortable and safe for you. The connection is encrypted, so your privacy is protected. Many clients find online sessions just as meaningful as in-person work.

What about privacy and confidentiality?

Your privacy is sacred to us. Everything you share in counselling is confidential. There are only a few legal exceptions, such as if you're at immediate risk of harm or if a child is being abused. Kotone will explain these boundaries clearly in your first session. Your information is stored securely, and we follow all privacy regulations in British Columbia.

What if I've never done counselling before?

Many of our clients are coming to counselling for the first time. There's no 'right way' to do this. You don't need any special skills or knowledge. You just need to be willing to show up and be honest about what you're experiencing. Kotone will guide you through the process.

How much does this cost?

Our sessions are offered at affordable rates. Coverage may be available based on your individual insurance policy. We work with most major insurance providers. We also offer flexible payment options and can discuss what works best for your situation during your consultation.

What if I'm in crisis?

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a crisis line immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. In British Columbia, you can call the Provincial Mental Health Support Line at 1-800-784-2433. These services are available 24/7 and can provide immediate support.

Multiple Ways to Connect With Us

We've made it easy to reach out in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.

Our Service Areas

Our therapeutic approaches serving all of British Columbia include Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, and beyond. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or any community across the province, we're here to support you through secure online sessions.

What Happens After Your First Session

After your first session, you'll have a sense of direction. You and Kotone will have talked about what you're working toward and how often you'd like to meet. Between sessions, you'll have access to between-session email support if you need it. This isn't about constant contact. It's about knowing you have support when you need it.

As you continue with counselling, you'll notice shifts. Some changes are subtle. Others are more obvious. Healing isn't always linear. There are good days and harder days. That's all part of the process, and Kotone will be there to support you through it all.

Why Choose Turning Tides for Your First Step

Kotone brings more than five years of experience working with people navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. She holds a certification from Evergreen Certificates and is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based methods that actually work. But beyond credentials, she brings genuine compassion and a deep commitment to your healing.

Our practice is built on the belief that you have everything you need inside you already. Sometimes you just need support in accessing it. That's what we do.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You've already taken a brave step by reading this. The next step is reaching out. Whether you call, email, or book online, know that you're taking an important action toward the life you want to live.

Your healing journey starts here. Let's begin together.

Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Step 2: Getting to Know You and Setting Your Direction

Welcome to Step 2 of your journey with Turning Tides. This is where we move from initial connection into deeper understanding. We'll spend time learning about what brings you here, what matters most to you, and where you'd like to head together.

What Happens in Your First Sessions

Your first session is about building trust and understanding your unique story. There's no pressure, no judgment, just genuine conversation. We'll explore what's been happening in your life, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping to experience through our work together.

These early sessions typically last 50 minutes. We use this time to really listen and get to know each other. Think of it as the foundation we're building together.

How We Learn About You

Rather than formal questionnaires or clinical assessments, we have thoughtful conversations. We'll discuss your background, your relationships, your challenges, and your strengths. We might explore what values matter most to you and what you've overcome in the past. These reflections help us understand not just your struggles, but who you are beyond them.

We pay attention to patterns in how you describe your experiences. We notice what brings you energy and what drains it. We listen for the strengths you might not see in yourself yet. All of this informs how we'll work together.

Setting Goals That Feel Right for You

Goal setting isn't about us telling you what to fix. It's collaborative. Together, we'll identify what you want to move toward. Maybe it's healing from past hurt. Maybe it's improving a relationship. Maybe it's finding your footing during a major life change. Maybe it's simply feeling more like yourself again.

Your goals might shift as we go. That's normal and healthy. We check in regularly about whether our direction feels right for you.

What to Prepare and Bring

You don't need to prepare anything formal. But it helps to think about a few things before we meet:

• What's been on your mind lately that prompted you to reach out now
• What you're hoping might be different in your life
• Any significant events or relationships that feel important to mention
• Questions you have about how counselling works
• Your insurance information, if you have coverage for counselling services

If you're joining us online, just make sure you have a quiet, private space where you can talk comfortably. That's truly all you need.

Common Concerns About Getting Started

Will I have to talk about everything right away? No. You share what feels safe to share. We move at your pace. There's no rush to disclose everything in the first session.

What if I'm not sure what I want to work on? That's completely okay. Many people come in uncertain. Through our conversations, clarity often emerges naturally. We can explore together.

How do I know if this approach will work for me? That's why we start with getting to know each other. If something doesn't feel right, we can adjust. Your comfort and trust matter.

What if I get emotional during sessions? That's welcome here. Emotions are information. They're part of healing. We create space for whatever comes up.

Will my information stay private? Yes. Confidentiality is foundational to our work. We follow strict privacy guidelines to protect everything you share.

Between-Session Support

After your first sessions, you'll have access to between-session email support. If something comes up or you want to share a thought, you can reach out. This helps you feel supported throughout your week and keeps momentum going.

Understanding Our Therapeutic Approach

We draw from several evidence-based approaches, all tailored to what works best for you. These include Internal Family Systems work, which helps you understand different parts of yourself; somatic approaches, which recognize how your body holds experiences; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which looks at how thoughts and behaviours connect; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps you live in line with your values; and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, which builds practical skills for managing intense emotions.

We also work from a foundation of care informed by trauma research. This means we understand how difficult experiences shape us, and we create safety as we work together.

Insurance and Investment

Individual sessions are affordable and accessible. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. We can discuss payment options that work for you, including sliding scale availability.

Ready to Move Forward

Step 2 is about beginning. It's about opening the door to understanding yourself more deeply and imagining what becomes possible. There's no pressure to have it all figured out. You just need to show up, be honest, and stay curious about your own story.

This is where real change begins.

Next Steps

Ready to book your first sessions? You can schedule directly through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Or reach out to us at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058 if you have questions before booking.

Step 3: Your Therapeutic Journey Unfolds

Welcome to the heart of your healing work. This is where transformation happens. In Step 3, we move from understanding your needs into the actual practice of change. You'll experience what a typical session looks like, discover the techniques we use together, and learn how to support your own growth between our time together.

What Happens During Your Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes. Here's how we structure our time together to make the most of every moment.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use Together

Our counselling practice draws on several evidence-based approaches. Each one serves a purpose. Each one is chosen because it works. We don't use every technique with every person. Instead, we tailor our approach to you.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) work: This approach recognises that you're not broken. You have different parts of yourself, each with its own wisdom and protective role. We learn to listen to these parts with compassion. We help them work together instead of against each other. This is particularly powerful for healing from complex trauma.
• Somatic approaches: Your body holds wisdom. Trauma lives in the nervous system, not just the mind. We pay attention to what your body is telling you. We work with breathing, tension, and sensation. This helps your nervous system find safety and calm.
• Polyvagal-informed work: This builds on understanding how your nervous system responds to threat and safety. We help you recognise when you're in a protective state. We teach your system that safety is possible. This is especially helpful for those with CPTSD.
• Cognitive Behavioural approaches: Sometimes our thoughts create suffering. We gently examine the stories you tell yourself. We explore whether these stories are actually true. We practice new ways of thinking that feel more honest and more helpful.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This isn't about forcing positive thinking. It's about accepting what's hard while moving toward what matters to you. We clarify your values. We build willingness to feel difficult emotions while living a meaningful life.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): When emotions feel overwhelming or relationships feel chaotic, DBT offers concrete skills. We learn distress tolerance. We develop emotional regulation. We improve our ability to be present with others.

Between Sessions: Your Practices and Homework

The real work happens in your life. Sessions are the laboratory where we experiment. What you do between sessions is where change becomes real.

We never assign homework that feels burdensome or disconnected from your goals. Instead, we collaborate on practices that feel meaningful to you.

Types of Practices You Might Explore

• Reflective journaling: Writing can be powerful. You might track emotions, notice patterns, or simply express what's hard to say aloud. Some people write daily. Others write when something significant happens. There's no right way.
• Grounding and nervous system practices: If you experience anxiety or flashbacks, we teach techniques to bring you back to the present moment. These might include breathing exercises, sensory awareness, or mindfulness practices. You practise these when you're calm so they're available when you need them.
• Communication experiments: If relationships are part of your work, you might practise new ways of expressing yourself. You might try listening differently. You might notice what happens when you ask for what you need.
• Values clarification work: We might ask you to reflect on what truly matters to you. What kind of person do you want to be? What relationships do you want to nurture? These reflections guide the direction of your healing.
• Skill practice: If we've learned a new skill in session, you practise it in real life. You notice what works. You bring back what you discover.
• Reading and reflection: We might suggest articles, books, or other resources that speak to your journey. Our therapy book club offers a community space to explore these ideas together.
• Creative expression: Some people draw, paint, move, or create music. Healing isn't only verbal. We honour all the ways you process and express yourself.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress isn't always linear. Some weeks feel like breakthroughs. Other weeks feel like you're standing still. Both are part of the journey.

We track progress through conversation. In our early sessions together, we get to know your baseline. Where are you starting? What brings you in? As we continue, we notice shifts. You might sleep better. You might feel less reactive. You might find yourself responding differently in relationships. You might feel more connected to what matters to you.

We also use reflective discussions. We might ask: What's different from when you started? What feels easier? Where are you still struggling? These conversations help us both see the progress that's happening, even when it feels subtle.

Some clients find it helpful to keep their own notes about what's changing. You might notice patterns in your mood, your relationships, or your sense of yourself. Bringing these observations to session helps us understand what's working.

Between-Session Support

You're not alone between sessions. Our therapeutic relationship continues.

• Email support: You can reach out via email with questions, reflections, or if something significant comes up. We respond within one business day. This isn't crisis support, but it helps you feel held in the process.
• Session summaries: After each session, you'll receive a brief email summarising what we discussed and the practices we talked about. This helps you remember and reinforces what you're learning.
• Access to resources: We share articles, practices, and tools that support your work. These are tailored to your specific journey.
• Group opportunities: Our CPTSD support group and therapy book club offer community. You can connect with others who understand what you're experiencing. This is particularly valuable if you're healing from complex trauma.

Your Agency Matters

This is your healing journey. We're guides, not directors. You choose what practices feel right. You decide what to share and what to keep private. You set the pace. If something doesn't feel helpful, we talk about it and adjust.

Healing happens in relationship. The relationship between us is part of the medicine. We work together. We respect your wisdom about yourself. We honour your pace.

Ready to Begin?

Our therapeutic counselling services are available across British Columbia, including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities throughout the province. We also serve clients internationally through secure online sessions.

The next step is simple. Book your first session through our online booking platform. In that first 50 minutes, we'll begin the real work of understanding your needs and creating a path forward together.

Book your session now at: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Our therapeutic counselling services serving British Columbia are designed to meet you where you are and support you toward where you want to be.

Step 4: Evaluation, Completion & Ongoing Support

You've made it this far. That matters. Step 4 is about recognising your progress, understanding what comes next, and knowing that support continues beyond our sessions together.

Progress Evaluation

As we move toward completion, we'll take time to reflect on your journey. This isn't about filling out forms or ticking boxes. Instead, we'll have meaningful conversations about what has shifted for you.

• How do you feel when you think about the challenges that brought you here?
• What coping strategies have become part of your daily life?
• How have your relationships changed?
• What new insights have you discovered about yourself?

These reflections help us see the real transformation that has happened. Sometimes change is gradual. Sometimes it arrives suddenly. Either way, it's worth acknowledging.

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

Readiness looks different for everyone. You might notice:

• You're managing difficult emotions with greater ease
• You have tools that actually work when stress shows up
• Your relationships feel more stable and connected
• You're making decisions that align with your values
• You feel more like yourself than you have in years
• You're ready to move forward independently, knowing support is available

Completion doesn't mean you're 'fixed.' It means you've built something solid. Something that will hold.

Maintenance Strategies

The work you've done in our sessions is yours to keep. Here's how to maintain your progress:

Follow-Up Support Options

Completion of regular counselling doesn't mean goodbye. Our trauma informed counselling services serving all of British Columbia remain available to you.

Booster Sessions: Many clients return for occasional sessions when life transitions happen or when they want to deepen their work further. These sessions help you stay grounded and continue growing.

Group Participation: Our CPTSD support groups and therapy book club provide ongoing community and learning. These meet regularly and welcome both new and returning participants.

Email Support Between Sessions: If you choose to continue with occasional sessions, between-session email support keeps you connected and supported.

Crisis Access: If you ever need immediate support during a difficult time, we're here. Reach out and we'll help you find what you need.

What Happens Next

As we approach completion, we'll create a personalised plan for you. This plan includes:

• The specific strategies that have worked best for you
• How to recognise when you might benefit from additional support
• How to reconnect with our services if you need us
• Resources you can access independently

You'll leave with clarity about your path forward and confidence in your ability to walk it.

Celebrating Your Growth

Before we close this chapter, let's be clear about something: the work you've done is remarkable. You showed up. You were honest. You were willing to change. That takes courage.

The healing you've experienced, the insights you've gained, the relationships you've repaired or deepened, the boundaries you've set, the self-compassion you've developed. These are yours. You built them.

Staying Connected

Our trauma informed counselling and life coaching services available across British Columbia remain part of your support system. Whether you need a booster session in six months, want to join our support group, or simply need to know we're here, we are.

Healing isn't something you complete and then leave behind. It's something you integrate into how you live. And we're honoured to have been part of your journey.

Ready to move forward? Let's talk about what comes next for you.

Book Your Next Step