Columbia Counselling Associates

04/15/2026

**Perspectives, Realities, and What to Expect: Understanding Reconstructive Skin Removal Plastic Surgery**

In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, I sit down with Dr. Juan Pablo Cervantes to explore the often-misunderstood world of reconstructive skin removal surgery.

Together, we unpack the realities behind the procedure—moving beyond assumptions and surface-level narratives to better understand what this process actually involves, both physically and emotionally.

Dr. Cervantes offers insight into what qualifies someone for reconstructive surgery, how decisions are made, and what patients can realistically expect before, during, and after the procedure. We also talk about the deeper layers that don’t always get discussed—identity, healing, expectations, and the ways people navigate change in their bodies over time.

This conversation is not just about surgery. It’s about perspective. It’s about understanding the lived experience behind the choice, and creating space for more informed, compassionate conversations around bodies, change, and care.

Whether you’re personally considering this path, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn more, this episode offers a clear and respectful look into a topic that deserves more nuance and openness.

Listen at Encouragement Along the Journey on
Spotify and Substack

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VgkcLuExl2b

01/25/2026

Holding Dreams, Living Meaningfully, and Staying Open to What Is Still Unfolding

12/11/2025

🎙 New Podcast Episode: Assumptions, Identity, and the Courage to Listen
Listen here:

05/30/2025

Growth is a journey, not a milestone. Honour the progression.

~ Haide

03/08/2025

Candid Conversations Between Friends

The new podcast is up!

I had the privilege of hosting two dear friends, Darice and Laura, on my podcast.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragement/episodes/Candid-Conversations-Between-Friends-e2vsab2

In this engaging conversation, Haide, Darice, and Laura explore the dynamics of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of maintaining New Year's resolutions. They reflect on their journeys through various life seasons, emphasizing the importance of community, intentionality, and creating environments that foster creativity and alignment with personal values. The discussion highlights the significance of embracing change and the ongoing quest for meaning and purpose in life, regardless of age.

01/26/2025

Join counsellor Haide Wall Giesbrecht as she talks with her family's former service provider about helpful supports - how to find them and how to be them.

Encouragement Along The Journey · Episode

10/15/2024

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF GRIEF

"A number of years ago I finally got to realize a childhood dream of visiting Mt. St. Helen's. The memory of the eruption was seared into my recollection. Even though we lived in the Lower Mainland of BC, more than 4 hours north of the volcano, I recall waking up on a Sunday morning with ash coating car windows, stairs, and outside surfaces in general. That was the day I became aware of the fact that we live in the shadow of volcanoes."

Our counsellor Haide's new blog post is up at:

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/living-in-the-shadow-of-grief

People sometimes ask me if my blog has a specific focus or intent. My main intent is to walk alongside my readers, sharing my experiences, addressing questions people ask me, and learning together. This post will lean heavily into storytelling and my own experience. It may be a little on the longer....

09/21/2024

Relationship matters. As a team, we deeply value our relationships with our clients as well as our relationships with each other. Regular connection is an important part of our intentional team building. What activities do you enjoy for team building?

08/28/2024

Losing a beloved furry family member brings with it a grief all its own.

This blog post was originally planned to be about the bravery needed to feel and express emotions. That post will yet come at a later date, but this post - due to life's unexpected circumstances - is about loving and losing our furry family members.In September of 2012, we spent a weekend dog sittin...

07/05/2024

Grief is one of those journeys none of us willingly chooses, yet the reality of life is that all of us will face loss at some point in our lives.

Check out my latest blog post, "The Empathy of Grief" at:

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/empathy-of-grief

05/08/2024

A post by one of our counsellors as we approach Mother's Day weekend

"Mother's Day is Not Just a Hallmark Moment" is live on my blog ~ Haide

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/mother-s-day-is-not-just-a-hallmark-moment

03/19/2024

Are you a teen or tween? Has your parent been suggesting you come meet with me? Come take a listen to this short podcast to get a sense of what hanging out with me in my virtual or physical office might be like!

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragement/episodes/For-Teens-and-Tweens-e2ha0uf