12/12/2025
“In a first session my hope is to identify something you can do to improve your life as soon as possible. Often, especially if you are new to counselling, this requires a lot of talking. Fortunately I’m a good, boarding on great, listener. If you’re stuck that means you’re thinking about your issue in the same way. Talking with another person who is deeply listening allows new ideas to emerge. From these, we collaborate on an action. If you pay attention to the results you will move towards something better.
If you are interested in couples or families sessions this work is close to my heart. For parents, the best way to support your children is to become the best you. Our intimate relationships should improve over time. If they are not it’s likely because we are avoiding something – often short term conflict. Avoiding (sort of) works in the present by sacrificing the future. Not a good idea. Remember, the amount of distress, dread and hopelessness we may feel is proportionate to the relief and growth we can gain if we become brave enough to speak truthfully. Plus, we gain humility and connection by asking for help.
I have an interest in working with men. Personally, I have found it difficult to find other males who embody healthy masculinity. Most of the men I speak to share this experience. I’m here to offer encouragement and direction for men. You can have the adventure of your life, if you take the responsibility of your life, and humble yourself enough to ask for help when needed.
If you have some experience with therapy and are finding talk therapy limiting, or want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, I also offer Hakomi. Hakomi is a nourishment based somatic approach to assisted self discovery. Through mindfulness practices we listen to the body to explore and integrate our unconscious, with the intention of becoming whole. We all need support in asking for and receiving our souls deepest needs”- Cole
Cole works in Downtown Nanaimo on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Email: cole.schafer@islandclinicalcounselling.ca
Phone: 778-762-3750 ext. 148
