Thomas Friesen Counsellor

What I bring to therapy:

I am a husband and a father to two young children. I have been lucky enough to shape a life of meaning within my community of friends and neighbours. For over a decade I have been sharing life, and our home, with others from all walks of life. This has meant celebrating the good and drawing close to support when life gets tough. I have seen the goodness and worthiness in people. Everyone deserves to flourish. My priority has always been the people I encounter.

I value hospitality. I enjoy inviting friends or neighbours over to join for an unhurried meal. On special occasions, a long table garden feast. I extend a hospitality that does not demand change but provides space for change to happen. All challenges have solutions. I have seen what it looks like to be stuck at the bottom of shame with no hope of getting out. No matter how big or small it may seem, health is possible. People are worthy of healing.

I come to this profession from a life of listening. I have helped people through life transitions, supported close friends with depression and PSTD. I have listened as they examine the past and process abuse. I have helped others transition into mid-life and beyond sorting through all the “now what?” questions. I do not judge. I have found that the best way through my challenges and struggles are with people I trust. I want to be that for others.

I am a gardener and love watching winter melt away. I love seeing the first buds begin to break open, moving from dormant to fully alive. Blossoming into the beauty of spring!

When I am not at work in my practice, I am tinkering on a project, at home with my two young kids, or thinking about making pizza (maybe all at the same time).

I enjoy the learning, picking up hobbies often. Some of these have stayed with me for some time now, like making pizza, gardening, or photography. In it all, I strive to be fully present to life as it arrives.

Credentials

• Student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Member Number: 11253650
• Master’s Degree in Counselling (In Progress)