Akoya Lifestyle & Wellness Therapy

10/08/2025

🌿 Community Sauna & Bonfire Gathering — Seeking Models for Autumn Photos 🍂🔥

Hey Comox Valley friends! 👋

I’m hosting a community sauna + bonfire gathering this Thursday, Oct 9 from 2–5pm at my Riverside Studio on Forbidden Plateau — part cozy autumn hangout, part photoshoot for my website and socials.

I’m looking for a few men and women (models) to enjoy the sauna, fireside chats, and happy-hour snacks in trade for photos.

I’m a leadership coach, clinical counsellor, and wilderness guide based in the Comox Valley and Tofino, creating images that reflect authentic, down-to-earth people connecting in nature.

If this sounds like your vibe, please DM me — I’ll do a quick chat beforehand to make sure it’s a good fit.

Cool and cloudy = perfect sauna weather! 🔥

Harmony

Akoya Coaching & Therapy

www.akoyatherapy.com

09/04/2025

This summer reminded me of something simple: nature teaches leadership.

⚓ A tent that takes patience to set up.
⛵ A boat loaded with gear, reminding me to prepare well before setting sail.
🌊 A hammock overlooking the sea, inviting stillness in the middle of the journey.

Nature slows us down, yet somehow makes us sharper, clearer, and more intentional.

I’d love to hear from you - what was a highlight from your summer in nature, and how did it shape your perspective on leadership?

08/06/2025

📸 In this photo, Jarrod Evans (my digital storyteller & photographer) and I look like kindred spirits in the forest — and we are. But behind this serene image is a story of wildfire, leadership, and surrender.

The first time we scheduled our photoshoot, Jarrod was called home. A wildfire evacuation alert. Nature had other plans.

So we paused. I let go. Practiced wu wei — the Taoist art of non-forcing. A principle I’m learning to return to often in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Two days later, the winds shifted. He returned. Safe. Grounded. Telling stories of ash-covered cars, red-orange skies, and how he and his partner packed their most precious things with calm and care, prioritizing working together.

Nature informs leadership.
It reminds us what matters.
It asks us to move with, not against.

This shoot is part of my rebrand for Akoya, with a renewed focus on serving clients in-person in the Comox Valley Regional District, and expanded executive coaching offerings — in the studio, online, and out on the land.

Just like the Douglas fir, whose seeds thrive after fire, sometimes things must burn for something new to grow.

Stay tuned. New things are coming soon. 🌿

[Thank you for introducing me to Jarrod. He’s a gem!]

07/20/2025

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart.💛

It requires courage. Vision. And a certain kind of risk tolerance - not just in business, but in how we live, trust, and create. ✨

A few weeks ago, after visiting me in the Comox Valley, my friend and fellow entrepreneur Peter Lambert asked me where he might go to sleep beside a river. I made a suggestion.

What he did with it? That was all him.

He slung his hammock off the side of a 300-foot-high trestle, suspended above a wild river on Vancouver Island. He slept there - swaying between earth and sky.

When he sent me this photo, I felt proud. Not just because I nudged him toward that magical spot, but because it so perfectly captured what I admire about Peter - his willingness to take the idea, and go further. To find his own edge and rest there.

That, to me, is the heart of entrepreneurship.

We met on the beach at the Social Venture Institute at Hollyhock two years ago, struck up a conversation about scaling values-aligned businesses, and have been in monthly mentor-mentee exchange ever since - trading reflections, strategy, and deep listening.

Peter runs a business in gutters and hedge trimming. Mine is in therapy and coaching. On paper, our work is worlds apart. But what unites us is our love for nature, social impact, and the personal transformation that entrepreneurship demands.

This post is a thank-you to Peter - and to all those who walk alongside me.
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. But people like Peter remind me: we are not alone.
We’re building something braver, together.

[Here’s his business if you need purpose driven gutter or hedge trimming services in West Van - http://Www.westsidegutters.com and http://Www.vancouverhedgetrimming.com]

03/03/2025

✨ Hey Friends! Want to speak with confidence, clarity & impact? ✨

When I first joined Toastmasters, I knew I wanted to be a better speaker—but I didn’t realize how much it would transform my ability to connect, inspire, and lead. As a coach and therapist, speaking isn’t just about delivering words; it’s about holding space, guiding transformation, and making ideas come alive.

Because of Toastmasters, I’ve stepped onto bigger stages, presented at conferences, and led workshops with greater confidence and ease. If you’ve ever wanted to strengthen your voice—whether for leadership, storytelling, or personal growth—this is your chance!

Join us at the Comox Valley Toastmasters OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday March 5 at the Comox Marina at 6:45pm and experience it for yourself. Who knows? This could be the first step toward the speaker you’re meant to be!

It's almost time! Will you be there? 🤔

Comox Valley Toastmasters is hosting an Open House this Wednesday, March 5th... Come join us and expand your public speaking abilities!

For this event we will begin at 645pm, you'll leave with some practical knowledge, you'll get to experience a "mini-meeting", and there will be space for your questions!

We meet at the Comox Marina in the Spinnaker Building & no preregistration is required.

Hope to see you there!

01/25/2025

Calling all heart-led, mindful female leaders—ready to feel inspired this February? 💫

Join me and a powerhouse lineup of inspiring speakers at the next Empower Women Canada - Worthy event on February 10th, hosted at the stunning Brentwood College on South Vancouver Island.

🔥 My Workshop Highlight
Curious how vulnerability fuels creativity? In my workshop "The Creative Female Founder", step into a transformative space where creativity meets courage. Discover how vulnerability fuels creativity and empowers founders to innovate and lead authentically. This engaging 60-minute workshop blends visioning and hands-on exercises to help you unlock your creative potential and chart a bold, inspired path forward.

🔥 Plenary Session
I’ll join incredible women like Linda Biggs, Shahana Alibhai, and Aeryon Ashlie to dive deep into Women’s Wellness during an energizing plenary session.

💡 Save Your Spot!
Don’t miss out! Use Promo Code: WORTHYME at checkout for an exclusive discount—your ticket to empowerment awaits.
https://empowerwomencanada.com/event/worthy-south-island/

Thank you, Suzanne Hedges, Kelsey Pringle, and Jordan Sandhu, for making this happen. Can’t wait to see you there!

09/30/2024

The world has always been my classroom. Royal Roads University (RRU) has confirmed it still is! In August I started my journey of certifying to become a Masters Level Executive Coach through RRU. I am a humble learner returning to the beginner's mind.

For years I was down on coaches - having experienced vicarious traumatization myself from my therapy clients who were re-traumatized by the mental health support they received from well-meaning coaches - for trauma that should have been dealt with clinically. So when I entered the program I was a little aloof about doing so and not a believer. But I've been hearing the call to become a coach to expand my therapy practice for about a year now, and was drawn to the freedom of expression coaches were afforded. So I heeded the call.

When I found myself in a classroom of like-minded heart-on-their-sleeve kind of folks, I quickly changed my tune and felt right at home. I also learned coaching is very different than counselling. In counselling we investigate the past, repair, and support wellbeing in the present to improve functioning and healing. It may be more directive to minimize harm from re-traumatization. In coaching we focus on the future, we improve performance but not per-formatively, more client-driven performance guided by one's own wisdom. Coaching is very boundaried but also non-directive.

Thank you to the GLOW cohort, AKA Glow-Hort (Generous, Loving, Open, Wise) and the faculty of RRU for showing me coaching is a very worthy profession indeed.

09/30/2024

We are all worthy of expressing our purpose and discovering "Personal Mastery" (as defined by Peter Senge, 2006). My mission and purpose is to help mindful leaders BE THE CHANGE THEY WISH TO SEE.

Tomorrow in Kelowna, BC you can join me and a fine quiver of female game-changers at the Worthy Okanagan event where we will express our unique purposes as Women-Owned business leaders. I will be speaking on MINDFULNESS AS A FEMALE FOUNDER, as well as the climate of the WELLNESS INDUSTRY in a panel discussion.

Today, being the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a particularly poignant day to reflect on one's purpose given our deeply harmful colonial history. Be mindful about your purpose, direct it with integrity, compassion and vigor, and leave the rest to the the creative forces of the universe.

06/28/2024

Join me at the EMPOWER WOMEN IN BUSINESS CANADA WORTHY MICRO EVENT: Central Vancouver Island on August 12th where I will be speaking! This accessible and inclusive event brings together women and organizations from across B.C. to provide expert advice, guidance, and industry knowledge. Positioned to equip you with tools to overcome day-to-day barriers in both your professional and personal life, WORTHY is more than just an event—it’s a transformative experience. Prepare for a day of growth and empowerment at Tigh Na Mara on Central Vancouver Island. Immerse yourself in enlightening discussions, profound connections, and tangible takeaways to propel your journey forward.

Thank you Suzanne Hedges for connecting me with this incredible event and being part of the dream team that's creating it!

https://empowerwomencanada.com/event/worthy-central-island/

12/05/2023

As we near the turning of the calendar to 2024 and the final weeks leading up to the darkness of the winter solstice, this is a natural time to focus light inward. 🔥 This is your invitation to book up to 2-months ahead and dial in your New Year Intentions and your Winter Solstice Celebrations of nature, the return of the light, and commitments of renewal! ❤️

If you would like to experience a session in-person in Tofino at my Beachside Therapy Studio including therapy outdoors, I will be in Tofino at the end of this week, and as well as January 18, 19, and 20th of 2024. Please email me to book in-person sessions. Sessions in-person in the Comox Valley remain available at the Riverside Therapy Studio pictured here), including therapy outdoors. Also please email to book in-person.

harmony@akoyatherapy.com
https://www.akoyatherapy.com/

11/22/2023

“Once the aux box was installed I had an instant sanctuary. A sanctuary for my clients to experience a refuge from life, a place to dive deep into mindfulness and self-reflection and nature.”

-Harmony owner/operator in Comox, BC.