06/03/2020
EastWind Health—31 years in Nova Scotia
In 1989, when Mary and I brought our family to Nova Scotia, we saw a tremendous potential for cultivating and developing the field of complementary health care services. We dedicated ourselves to promoting a spirit of cooperation in the fields of massage therapy, counselling, and osteopathy. Many clear-thinking and good-hearted people became involved. I feel honoured to have met and worked with each and every one of them during the formative years.
In 1989, in my mid-30s, I was in the early years of my career, having undertaken several years of education and training in both psychology and various physical therapies. I dove into both establishing my own clinical practice and also promoting complementary health care in Nova Scotia. I am both humbled and grateful to say that I have experienced success in these two endeavours. I am proud to consider myself part of a thriving community of healthcare practitioners committed to providing a pathway for clients to recover innate health.
The key questions of a more intrinsic or natural approach to health-care are always the same: “Where is the health? What is preventing the natural expression of health? What needs to change in order to promote health?”
In 1989 there were 17 massage therapists; now there are over 1300, and two Massage Therapy Colleges. In 1989 there were 2 osteopaths; now there are 75, and a robust Halifax Osteopathic College. In 1989 there were a handful of counsellors; now there are 295, and a provincially regulated College. Rather than waiting until chronic and acute health care problems show up, and then waiting in line for medical intervention, people are choosing to emphasize their own health and well-being now. Incredible!
Now, in 2020, in my mid-60s, I find myself entering a new phase of life and career. Traditionally, an “elder” is one who provides guidance for those who are younger or new to a field of practice, someone who passes on the knowledge and understanding gained through years of study and practice. As such, I’m choosing at this time to redirect my energy toward increased teaching and mentorship. Therefore, it is necessary for me to greatly reduce my clinical practice hours. Effective immediately, I will see osteopathic clients in the Halifax area on Saturdays only, while continuing to offer telephone sessions by appointment during the week for counselling and health consultations. I am ‘rewiring’…
I love being part of our Nova Scotia community!
Peter
