Faye Schwab Counselling Services:

Individuals

We have all been wounded in some area of our life and recognize that area as a weakness or we might hear ourselves saying, "That's just the way I am. What can I do?" To heal our wounding is, in the counsellor's view, our life's work. To be fully alive, fully all we were intended to be, is the goal of individual Counselling. Those things we need that are missing from our lives can essentially be found within ourselves. To strip away all the layers of "life" that happen to us and uncover who we are at our core takes courage and a willingness to face ourselves honestly. The result can be transformative. Life can be lived with an integrity born out of a place deep within us, a life where we can be true to ourselves no matter what the outcome. In that deep place of authenticity, we are unshakable, consistent in our values and beliefs and in touch with our true selves.

Couple Relationships:

When two healthy, whole people come together to share their lives, the result is a relationship that is one of respect and freedom. Each gives to the other the space they need to grow; each grows individually. Then, in the shared relationship space there is reciprocal quickening. Spiritually, each is on a journey of becoming and to do that in relationship with a life partner is exciting as well as humbling.

A relationship is a living, dynamic entity. It is the space, a "third" space between people. That "space" requires nurturing for it to stay alive and for it to grow. Each contributes to that nurturance and is responsible for the health and growth of the relationship.

It is the goal of the counsellor to bring that kind of concept into reality for the couples who seek therapy. The counsellor's experience has shown that when couples are willing to work on their relationship, specifically their responsibility to it, the partnership can be a source of energy and joy affecting all other areas of life.

Parenting Skills:

Parents often have difficulty with one or more of their children. They worry because they are so "different" from the parent. Interestingly, the child that is most like the parent does not cause the same worry. It is our concept of who the child should be and how they should behave that causes the greatest degree of stress and tension within families.

All children need to connect to their parents, to be in relationship. When the child is perceived for who they are and given the support and unconditional love each of us needs, there will, in all likelihood, be harmony and mutual respect within the home.

A "problem child" is the product of a family system that is biased, inconsistent, neglectful, controlling, abusive and / or indulgent. It is the family that needs to change and the child will change as a result.

Personal Growth:

Sadly, many in this world are not interested in becoming all they can be. They are not even interested in bettering themselves in small ways by facing up to the issues from the past that still affect their lives. As we personally grow, we affect those around us in positive ways and ultimately change our world, one person at a time. Growth occurs in close relationships and sometimes that relationship is with a therapist. Therapists / counsellors are skilled in confronting the problem areas in one's life to facilitate change and growth. The resulting benefits are enhanced self-awareness, a deeper sense of self, clarity in issues surrounding one's life and improved interpersonal relationships.

Life Transitions:

Times of transition usually involve loss of some type. The loss could be through the loss of a job, moving to a new location, separation and divorce, the loss, through death, of a spouse, parent or child or perhaps the loss of a pet. Loss is part of life and grieving is an essential part of the work we must do in order to recover from the loss. At this time, the time of transition from one life circumstance to another, is the time for us to recognize what our life, our soul is asking of us. In so doing, we move to a different emotional place. The transition is made more tolerable and even becomes a time of growth when we can view it from the larger perspective of a life's calling.

Group Work for Those Over Fifty:

Currently, a study of the book by James Hollis, "On This Journey We Call Our Life" is being facilitated in Parksville at SOS. James Hollis is a Jungian Analyst with a very engaging writing style that is at once deep, thought provoking and stimulating. It is an exciting book that asks ten questions (one per chapter). Questions such as "By what truth am I living my life?" and "What is my fiction?". The study group has touched every member in one way or another and has been transformative for many.