ABOUT SUZANNE

It is my belief that you decide what you are going to find in life largely through your mindset.  Too often, we are not even conscious of the ways in which we might be getting in our own way as we attempt to fulfill our goals and dreams.  

For over 25 years, I have worked with individuals as a Registered Psychotherapist.  I am also a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Couple and Family Therapist, ASTO Certified Sex Therapist, and Licensed Wedding Officiant.  I have degrees in psychology and theological studies, and have carefully studied human behaviour.  

In addition to my extensive listening and communication skills, I have been certified as a Life Coach by the Certified Coaches Federation in Ontario.  I am trained to work from a strengths-based perspective to help you identify your needs, and the steps you will need to take to overcome the barriers to positive change in your life.  I would be privileged to bring my knowledge and skill set to the area(s) of your life where you feel change is most needed.

Kindness, honesty and inclusion are core values for me.  To be inclusive, I feel that we all have role to play.  With my words and actions, and my personal commitment to curiosity and collaboration, my hope is that I can encourage you to be your unique self and create the positive change that you most desire in your life.  I strive to create an environment in which you can try new experiences, speak openly, and boldly create the life you most want.

MY STORY

I truly believe in the tremendous power of change.  I have worked with growth and change in the professional sphere, and also encountered it in my personal life.  After 17 years, I left a job that offered a great deal of security.  It was not the right fit for me, so I reinvented myself on my own.  I started my own business, and grew it successfully over many years.  Then, I started a second one, and this is my third business.  I know what it is like to leave safety and security, and to create something new.  After grieving several losses in my family during the COVID-19 pandemic, and experiencing some health issues, I developed a much clearer vision of the life I wanted to live.  I altered several aspects of my life that no longer fit for me.  Over time, I gradually included more creative work, more recreational time, and more meaningful social connections into my life.  I also approached all of it with a relaxed pace.  All of these changes resulted in a much happier and healthier me.  For several years, I have been happily married to my wife.  I enjoy meeting people, music, dancing, hiking, cycling, reading, travelling, and making the most out of life!

In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening.  So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.

Carol Dweck

One of the most exciting things about coaching is the buzz you get when you push out of your comfort zone, come up with a plan, and put it into action!  Life takes on a whole new meaning as you recreate your life the way you want it.

Emma-Louise Elsey