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COLIN LESTER COUNSELLING
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (UBC). For more than 30 years I have been helping people with depression, anxiety and life problems. As well, those feeling stuck or blocked and/or wanting to attain greater personal growth and development.
APPROACH
I identify with the Humanistic/Positive Psychology approach and am a Rogerian by practice - utilising active listening and communicating back of understanding. Not only is this approach very affirming and helps people find relief from their difficulties and concerns, but they come to more fully understand their assumptive world, achieve greater self-understanding and acceptance and a desire to develop constructive and fruitful changes in their outlook and behavior.
I also coach clients in formulating achievable goal directed activities and new skill development. With enquiry, intention and attention, unhelpful mental habits and behaviors can be changed. I teach and coach people in learning Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused methods, relaxation, grounding, being ‘present’ and mono tasking. In addition: social, interpersonal, communication, assertiveness, and anger management skills. And developing gratitude.
ABOUT
Though primarily working as a counsellor and therapist on the teams of the mental health centres of Vancouver Coastal, Fraser and Vancouver Island Health authorities, my experience also includes work as a social worker in Medical and Psychiatric Emergency at the Vancouver General Hospital and training in psychodrama, therapy, and group facilitation while a primary therapist at UBC Day House – which was an intensive group psychotherapy program. Through the health authorities, at times I was a mental health liaison to different police forces and also a counsellor in EAP programs and a chronic stress and pain management programme. I have been trained in and lead, many “Changeways" Cognitive Behavioural Therapy groups and have done training with the Institute for Life Coach Training.
I am registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) #596.
During my career I have been involved in ongoing personal development. In early years, the "Human Potential Movement “- doing workshops and programs with Cold Mountain Institute (Vancouver and Cortez Island, BC) and Esalen (Big Sur, California). Latterly, doing work with various ‘intuitives’.
In my free time, I enjoy being on the water, working on our family property and though between bikes right now, motorcycling on the road and the track.
SESSIONS
In session, I utilise intuition a great deal.
Most often client’s blocks to vision and inspiration reduce, they have a deeper, more sincere and authentic experience of themselves, their life and others, experience greater happiness and contentment and settle more deeply into themselves - their essence. They develop a more open heart, clearer mind, greater equanimity, become more alive, move toward regaining our original sanity, and they begin to find their way.
FEES & CONTACT
I offer a free 15 minute initial consultation/intake to see if it would be a good fit for us to work together. At this point I am primarily doing telephone or online Zoom / FaceTime sessions. In person sessions (Sidney, BC) can be arranged at some times though if really wished.
Fees: $150.00 per 50 min session. E-transfer, cheque, cash.
Coverage: Many Extended Health plans cover a good portion of fees for ‘Psychological Services” - check with your insurance provider.
