Life Compass Counselling

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Canada
Dawson Creek, BC
Life Compass Counselling

Empowering Individuals & Couples to Heal, Thrive, and Flourish! A safe & nurturing space for your transformative journey. In-person & virtual sessions.

Specializing in Relationship | Trauma | Certified in Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP)™️. Life Compass Counselling & Consulting is an affordable counselling business located in Dawson Creek, BC. Geared to the overall wellbeing of individuals, Life Compass offers a variety of counselling, consulting and therapeutic solutions for couples, families, individual and groups. Life is a journey

and we all need help along the way at times. Find out how Life Compass can help you on your journey to wellbeing.

07/25/2025

Your actions speak louder than your words.

What you do carries far more weight than what you say.

We may declare love, commitment, or change, but without aligned actions, words become hollow.

Relationships thrive on consistency, not promises.

Trust is built in the small, daily choices: showing up, listening deeply, and respecting limits.

Reflect for a moment:

Do your actions mirror your intentions?

Are you "solving" problems with words but avoiding the effort to change?

What might others truly believe about you based on your behavior?

Growth begins when we stop explaining and start embodying.

The most profound healing? It happens in the doing.

💬 Your turn: Where do you notice a gap between your words and actions?

Let’s talk without judgment, just curiosity.

Here are some thoughtful hashtags to complement your post:

07/18/2025

I was recently asked a thought-provoking question.

The question was: What do I love the most about being a counsellor?

There are many aspects I find deeply rewarding, however, one thing stands out above the rest.💜

06/18/2025

Our relationships are dynamic systems that we can sometimes struggle to understand.

Let’s talk about the four flavors of reliance, because no one wants to wake up one day realizing they’ve become their partner’s emotional caretaker or, worse, a lone wolf who forgot how to ask for help.

🌀 Dependence: Normal, healthy, human. You rely on each other; for comfort, for support, for that "I’ve had a terrible day" vent session. It’s not weakness; it’s connection.

🌀 Codependency: When "we" swallows "me" whole. You lose yourself in their needs, their moods dictate yours, and boundaries? What boundaries? It’s not love - it’s an emotional merger with no exit strategy.

🌀 Independence: Self-sufficiency is great… until it becomes a fortress. If you’d rather chew glass than admit you need help, you might be overcorrecting. (Spoiler: No one thrives in isolation.)

🌀 Interdependence: The sweet spot. You’re partners, not clones, supporting each other without losing yourselves. It’s trust, respect, and the ability to say "I’ve got you" without disappearing in the process.

Bottom line: Interdependence isn’t about perfect balance, it’s about showing up as you are, together.

Relationships aren't about losing yourself or going it alone.

They're about finding that sweet spot where both people can thrive. Where do you land on the spectrum? Drop your thoughts below. 👇

P.S. If you’ve ever had to unlearn "I don’t need anyone" or "I’ll fix everything," raise your hand. 🙋‍♀️ We see you.

06/10/2025

Your body remembers. You know that pit in your stomach before a hard conversation? The way you freeze or lash out when a certain button is pushed ? That’s your nervous system shouting, ‘Hey! We’ve been here before, and it didn’t go well, it wasn’t safe!’ Your body remembers what your mind has tried to forget. But here's the beautiful part - you can be supported to release what your body has been holding onto. In Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP™️), we don't just talk about trauma and how we hold onto painful past experiences, I help you connect with how it's stored in your body in a way that supports conscious, emotional release. The goal is not catharsis. It's not about reliving the pain, but rather giving your body permission to let go at its own pace.For instance, when we notice that familiar tightness in the chest, ISTP™️ supports us in staying present with it, not overwhelmed by it. We might use breath, specific gentle movement or mindful touch to create safety in the body first.This work allows the body to complete what it couldn't at the time; to release trapped survival energy in doses that feel manageable. And that's when the healing is free to begin. Have you noticed where your body holds and stores tension and stress? Share below ⬇️ And if you're curious how ISTP™️can support you DM me 'RELEASE' to chat!"

06/06/2025

Small strategies can make a hard day a little bit easier.

As a counsellor, I teach clients that micro-moments of regulation add up.

Try these when life feels like too much:

The Sigh Switch:
Inhale deeply, exhale with a loud “ haaa.” (This cues your vagus nerve to dial down stress.)

Gravity Hands:
Let your hands feel heavy in your lap, notice their weight for 10 seconds.

Pause, Don’t Push:
When overwhelmed, whisper(or shout😉): “This is a signal, not a failure.”

Your body isn’t giving you a hard time, it’s having a hard time.

Be gentle.

Which feels most doable today?
💬 (Tell me below!)

06/04/2025

Let’s be real. I may have a cozy office and a professional demeanor, but behind closed doors?

I’m just a human who owns more PJ pants than dress pants and considers 8 pm "too late for emails."

Here’s what they don’t put in the brochures about this job:

1. My self-care routine is a constant work in progress:

"I should really meditate."
..ends up doomscrolling through dog videos instead.

"Well, joy is healing too, right?"

Professional insight: Sometimes survival mode counts as self-care.

2. I flip my lid like everyone else.

Me in session: "Let’s approach this with curiosity and compassion."*

Me in traffic:"OH COME ON, YOU WALNUT! JUST MERGE LIKE A NORMAL PERSON."

Growth opportunity: We all have our moments.

3. My inner teenager still makes guest appearances:

"I’m a mature professional."

Five minutes later: "Wait, did I just judge someone for not knowing who Duran Duran is?"

Speculative diagnosis: Mild case of arrested development.

4. I’ve perfected the art of professional improv:

What I say: "That sounds like a meaningful realization."

What I’m thinking: "Did I leave the stove on?"

Trade secret: We’re all just doing our best out here.

5. My coping mechanisms are…eclectic:

Theoretically healthy option: Deep breathing

Reality: Stress-eating cereal straight from the box at midnight.

Note to Self: Maybe don’t give dietary advice today.

Why this matters:

Because therapy isn’t about having it all together. It’s about showing up just as you are.

Your turn: What’s your "I know better but..." guilty pleasure?

Rewatching the same comfort show for the 10th time?

"Accidentally" napping instead of folding laundry?

Secretly enjoying terrible pop music from your teenage years?

Share below or 📥DM me your most relatable coping strategies. (Mine involve carbs and nostalgic playlists.)

05/21/2025

Plain talk here.

As a woman in my midlife years, I’m so grateful for all the amazing things in my life. It’s a beautiful and messy phase, and I’m so lucky to be living it.

I’ve been thinking about my own journey as a midlife woman, and the journeys of my friends and clients.

And let me tell you, our hormonal systems can be a real force to be reckoned with!

They can make our days a bit crazy, but they’re also what make us who we are.

Sometimes we need the support to help calm the storm.

For all the ladies out there grappling with the mental, emotional, and physical effects of PMS, PCOS, perimenopause, post-menopause, postpartum, and related challenges, ISTP™️ can serve as a powerful ally to support your mental, emotional, and physical health.

This holistic, person-centered, body-based approach beautifully aligns with your body’s innate knowing and intuition.

It reconnects you with what has always been there; we just tend to forget how to listen.

It reminds you of your inherent wholeness, guiding you to relearn the language of your bones, cells, and tissues.

The beauty of Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP)™️ lies in its ability to directly support whatever you are experiencing.

It’s an adaptable and flexible system that addresses your needs in the moment.

With evidence-based practices blended together, it meets you right where you are.

And the best part? Talk therapy is optional and available if you want it.

Let suffering be optional and make your wholeness a priority.

Reach out to me if you want to learn more about ISTP™️ and how it can help you right where you’re at. 💜

05/17/2025

Why are we fearful of being ourselves?

We often mask the truth of who we are in various ways. We posture, project, and deflect, striving to keep our true selves protected and hidden.

I, too, engaged in this behavior frequently, often without even realizing it; it was simply a part of my existence.

Through my journey of deep work, processing, and healing—a journey I continue to navigate—I’ve come to recognize how exhausting and laborious it is to conceal the truth of my being.

I’ve learned that this behavior is rooted in a primal drive for self-protection, compelling us to hide our authentic selves because it hasn’t always felt safe to reveal them.

This tendency stretches back to our early development, serving as a strategy to blend in, make ourselves small, and remain less exposed to uncomfortable situations and potential harm.

However, without intervention and awareness, we carry this armor into adulthood, using it as a social strategy to ensure our acceptance and likability.

The risk in this is profound: we may never truly express who we really are, which can result in a myriad of interpersonal issues.

Lean into the work. Take the risk.

Otherwise, nothing will change.

And life is beautifully, tragically short to waste a precious moment. 💜

04/23/2025

Elevate your relationship.

Are you looking to deepen your relationship and connect on a whole new level?

I’m proud to share that Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP)™️ is now available as an option in my couples therapy sessions.

This innovative approach supports genuine intimacy by exploring the somatic connection—engaging your body, mind, and emotions to create a deeper bond.

How ISTP™️ can transform your relationship:

Enhanced intimacy.

Learn to understand your bodily reactions to feelings, connecting with your partner in a new, intimate way.

Stronger connection.

Share experiences and check in emotionally to cultivate understanding and support.

Emotional awareness.

Tune into your body’s signals for better self and partner understanding.

Safety in vulnerability.

Explore fears, joys, and desires in a nurturing space without judgment.

Many clients find ISTP™️ feels a little different at first, but once they see how it deepens their emotional understanding, they’re amazed by how it helps articulate their deepest, most vulnerable truths.

Ready to elevate your relationship?

DM me to schedule your first somatic therapy session❣️

04/21/2025

✨Kind words✨

Last week I received some kind words from an Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice Client(ISTP)™️ client and I am so grateful to share her beautiful feedback with you.

Whenever I receive feedback from my clients, I am reminded(and humbled!)of what a privilege it is to do this work.

I believe in the power of ISTP™️ and am blown away, time and again, to witness its positive, transformative impact in my clients.

Have you experienced the benefits of ISTP™️ yet? If not, reach out. I love sharing about how ISTP™️ is a life shifting therapy. 💜

04/04/2025

Moving from contraction to expansion.

As a counsellor trained in Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP)™️, a somatic body-based psychotherapy, I have the privilege of witnessing the transformative journeys of my clients as they navigate the complex dance of contraction and expansion in their lives.

Let me share a bit more about contraction and expansion.

Understanding contraction:

Contraction is a natural phase in our growth journey. It often surfaces as feelings of fear, sadness, and the urge to withdraw.

During this time, many clients describe the sensation of tightness in their bodies, feelings of being "stuck," and a decrease in energy and vitality. Think of contraction as a cocoon—though it may feel uncomfortable and confining, it is a crucial stage where deep introspection and healing can take place.

In my practice, I guide clients to explore these feelings, recognizing that acknowledging the “inner cocoon” is an essential step toward growth.

It allows for the space needed to confront painful emotions and thoughts, paving the way for authentic transformation.

Welcoming expansion:

After working through the contractions, my clients often experience an exhilarating phase of expansion.

This is when they begin to feel lighter, braver, and more open to the beauty that life has to offer.

They start embracing new opportunities, deepening relationships, and rediscovering their authentic selves.

Expansion is liberating. Clients report experiences of increased vitality, creativity, and a profound sense of connectivity with the world around them.

Physically, many notice that their bodies feel freer, with greater mobility and energy.

🔄 How ISTP™️ facilitates moving from contraction to expansion:

ISTP™️ blends the wisdom of integrative restorative yoga, the power of breathwork, the healing touch of bodywork, the focus of mindfulness, the freedom of movement, the resonance of sound, the strength of resilience enhancement, the depth of body-oriented processing/integration, the sacredness of ceremony, and the insights of neuroscience.

Are you currently experiencing the weight of contraction, feeling heavy and withdrawn?

Or have you felt the freeing lightness of expansion, welcoming new possibilities?

Remember, both contraction and expansion are vital for your holistic growth and healing.

If you’re feeling stuck in contraction, consider exploring ISTP™️ as a supportive avenue for your healing journey.

📣 Let’s connect!

Share your experiences, thoughts, or questions in the comments below.

03/12/2025

It’s become clear to me that growth and expansion flow from moments of quiet, rest, and solitude.

I discover my creative spark after honoring my need to unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As winter closes, and spring approaches, I’m reminded of the power of these seasons.

Just like nature, we too benefit from slowing down.

Wintering teaches us to pause, reflect, and replenish our spirits, creating fertile ground for fresh ideas and opportunities to take root.

After this period of rest and reflection,
I feel energized and poised to welcome a season filled with exciting new developments, growth, and expansion in my personal and professional life.

As we will soon transition into a new season, I invite you to reflect on how you can cultivate time for rest and rejuvenation in your life. ❤️

Address

Dawson Creek, BC

Website

http://www.thelifecompassway.com/

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Our Story

Owned and operated by Rhonda Pickles, Life Compass Counselling & Consulting is an affordable counselling business located in Dawson Creek, BC. Geared to the overall wellbeing of individuals, Life Compass offers a variety of counselling, consulting and therapeutic solutions for couples, families, individual and groups. Life is a journey and we all need help along the way at times

Rhonda Pickles, a Registered Professional Counsellor and Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling, is an entrepreneur and business owner, workshop presenter and facilitator, and has worked for

several years in her private counselling practice in Dawson Creek, BC. Equal to her love of people is her love of horses. Rhonda has also brought the power of horses into her work and business to offer cutting-edge and innovative equine-based programs under the umbrella of Equine Edge.

Rhonda runs her Equine Edge programs out on her farm a short 20-min drive south of Dawson Creek. At her facility she offers Animal Assisted Therapy and Equine Facilitated Counselling & Wellbeing programs and services. She provides her innovative programs for individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations; for children, teens, adults with a range of needs and abilities; life skills, personal & professional development programs.