Counselling & Coaching at A Good Place
Finding Yours Together
Counselling & Coaching at A Good Place
Finding Yours Together
Finding Yours Together
Finding Yours Together
Welcome. My name is Dave Anthony. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Certified Addictions Therapist & Intervention Developer. While I specialize in addiction, anxiety, and depression, I am able to work with you on many subjects, and challenges you are facing. I am also a Certified Executive, Career & Personal Coach.
Prior to completing my education in the field of Mental Health Counselling, and Personal Coaching I studied Leadership, and Psychology extensively. I graduated with distinction from Trinity Western University.
Before beginning my journey into university, and the counselling & coaching world; I worked in the hospitality industry for over twenty years. I have enjoyed my roles as a head chef, corporate-product development chef, and finally as a restaurant owner.
Both my former, and current career have been rooted in being of service to people, and my community. As a chef, creating memorable dining experiences for my guests was my goal. In recent years, my goal has been to create a safe, comfortable, and open space for my clients as we work together to find their good place.
A counsellor is not a ‘mechanic’ working to ‘fix’ you. I believe counsellors are co-pilots travelling alongside of you on the journey of your design reaching a destination of improved physical, and emotional wellbeing.
The relationship we will build is an alliance. This partnership is forged over time, and based on mutual trust, and respect.
For my part, as your counsellor, I will work with you to help you understand the symptoms which are keeping you outside of your good place, and interfering with you living a life you love.
Trauma, is the result of directly experiencing or being a witness to a physical, or emotional event which leaves bruising in our minds, and often our physical bodies. I am a trauma informed counsellor, which means I focus on how trauma exists in the present for you, and how to move forward.
Whether, you are in addiction, recovery, or suffering from any traumatic event, the first step is to ask for help. If you are reading this, you have already taken action towards recovery, healing, and improved health.
I have a counselling partner! She is an 11-year-old shorthair Mexican rescue dog named, 'Cleo'. Cleo is a blend of the best pieces from many breeds. I call her my Spanish Beach Hound. She is gentle, and an extremely friendly, friend. She will be happy to make a new friend in you too.
If you prefer for Cleo to be absent during our sessions she has her 'Dogs' in the neighbourhood to visit while you are visiting me. She won't be offended, and neither will I. Let me know ahead of time, and I will make arrangements for her.
Asking for help takes courage. Living in the present, and working on your plan to realize a fulfilling future is our focus. You are the expert on ‘you’. I am a visitor on a tour of your life with you as the guide. While I specialize in addiction, anxiety, and depression, I am able to work with you on any subject, and challenge you are facing.
The Existential Method of therapy focuses on finding the meaning, and purpose in one's life. We will find a way to find yours. Life in the present, while looking forward can be the key to success. I will be happy to join you on the road to reaching your happy destiny.
If you are struggling with addiction, no doubt the substance fills a void in your life. Replacing substance use with a 'purpose', can lead to the realization of your meaning.
Teenagers (Grade Seven & Higher)
Adults & Couples
Elders
I welcome any person belonging to any culture, race, creed, religion, denomination, orientation, or gender. I am able to work with you on any subject, and challenge you are facing.
While I do not work with children under the age of 12, I do have wonderful colleagues whose focus is on young children. I would be delighted to refer you to one of these skilled therapists.
Throughout my education & training, my mentor has been a Retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a master of trauma reduction & recovery, and has given me three years of extensive training in this area of therapy. I am comfortable working with veterans, as well as active members of the armed forces, first responders, and front-line healthcare workers.
I offer a reduced fee schedule for these clients, which is detailed in the 'Counselling Fees' section below.
Existential – Cognitive Behavioural – Gestalt – Client Centred (Rogerian) – Faith Based - Group – Couples – Psychodynamic – Interpersonal - Traumatic Incident Reduction (T.I.R.)
This is a lot to digest, and maybe a little overwhelming too. Regardless of method, we are simply having an ongoing conversation with the goal being your improved overall health. We will develop some exercises, and techniques to improve your daily life. Additionally, we will create specific, measurable, and attainable goals to work towards.
The first step is to call or email me. We will have a short discussion to set up our initial session as soon as possible. Please leave a message if I am not able to answer at the time of your call. You will hear from me within 24-hours.
Our first session will be a little over an hour long, as there is some administration work to complete together. Time is valuable for us both, and this first session is foundational to the work we will be doing together. We need the extra time for the paper work, and to begin our journey right from day one.
Life is busy, and so are you. I offer outside of regular office hours availability by request, which provides more flexibility for you to schedule our sessions inside of your personal time.
Sessions are 50 minutes in length for Individuals and 80 minutes for group or couples
Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday and Monday CLOSED
I am also available for Tele-Medical / On-Line Sessions.
$160 per 50-minute counselling session
Couples: $225 per 75-minute session
Armed Forces Members | First Responders & Front Line Healthcare Workers
$125 per 50-minute session
Couples: $180 per 75-minute session
GST is applicable
Sliding Fee Scale for Those Who Qualify
Fees are Paid Prior to or Upon Arrival for Each Session
Payment Options: Cash, Personal Cheque or e-Transfer
If you have health benefits, your insurance carrier may cover our counselling sessions through your extended medical plan in whole or portion thereof. Please consult with your carrier to find out what coverage you may have.
Third Party Sponsors
Some clients have a friend, family member or employer pay fees for counselling services. This means that the third party will be aware of the clients participation in the counselling relationship.
This does not mean that the third party has any right to the content of my work with the client. I remain bound by our confidentiality agreement and ethical rules related to the informed consent policy we will enter into.
Your time is valuable, and so is mine. My request is that you give me as much notice as possible if you are unable to make our scheduled session. If I know ahead of time I can schedule another client in the available spot.
A missed session without notification will require payment prior to scheduling your next session.
If a third party (other than your own extended benefits provider) is paying for my services, they will be charged for the full cost of the missed session.
Finally, if you are going to be late, no problem! Just let me know. I like to keep a fair amount of time between clients, so we should be able to get a full session in, time permitting.
Simply put a coach is a supporting-guide or co-pilot for the client. Coaches assist clients as they masterfully transition from where they are to where they want to be.
Coaches provide support in achieving a goal or to overcome a hurdle(s). Working with a coach will cause the client to unlock potential, achieve success, and build confidence.
Coaches train their clients on thought conditioning & reframing. How to manage mood, beliefs, and expectations to align with intentions will result in focused energy, and consistent flow of progression through the game plan.
Together we will build a new foundation for change, improved health, and new opportunity as we build a path to a new beginning.
Executive, Career & Personal Coaching Goals Are:
My coaching package rates are competitive and vary depending on the content, and scope of the curriculum which makes up your personal game plan.
I do not offer single coaching sessions. The Game Plan process takes time to design, to implement transforming actions into habits, and to realize your goals.
Depending on the Game Plan: Sessions will occur Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or Monthly
Packages do not limit the timing or scope of the curriculum. Additional sessions may be necessary based of the game plan we create together.
As is the case in all education based work, I am creating a curriculum just for you. This takes time for me to build behind the scenes, and between our sessions. For this reason total package fees are paid at the time we sign the coaching agreement. Instalment plans are negotiable.
Payment Options: Cash, Personal Cheque or e-Transfer
In my mid-thirties, I decided to change my career. I was in search of my purpose for the next phase of my life. I began working with my 'Coach' to create a path towards realizing my new meaning in life. We designed a purpose focused plan. It took some hard work, but the results were well worth it.
As we worked on my personal plan, it became clear I would need to go to University for the first time in my life. I needed to decide what program I would take, pick a school, move away from where I lived, figure out how to pay, and learn how to be a student again.
There are many decisions to be made. You're not alone. Me, you, and millions more have considered 'how to do it'. Many conclude it is too daunting, and just not possible. With a coach, I now know from experience that achieving this goal is possible.
There is a way to create a path of least resistance. This challenging time can be transformed into a smooth journey, which you will look back on as a foundational turning-point in your life.
This will be an exciting time for new students, and their family. I'm here to help you make it happen.
Choosing to go to college, university, trade or tech school is a tough choice to make, especially when you've just reached the end of your high school career.
Where should you apply? What field of study or program should you take? On line or on campus? In what city will go to school, and will you need to move? Is it dorm life, or off campus renting for you for the next year or seven? What if you don't feel ready to make any choice yet at all? Coaching can help you come to a purposeful & intentional decision.
Student life is challenging. Many of us had to move away from the comfort of home for the first time. However, it is also an exciting time. In fact, this is the most exciting time to be entering into post-secondary education. So many schools to chose from, and now with technology making higher education possible from your own living room, the world is actually at your finger tips.
As part of my coaching practice I will coach high school seniors (Grade 11 and 12 students) aged 16+ years of age.
The Initial and the Final Coaching Sessions will include a Parent or Legal Guardian for a Portion of Those Meetings
Creating a united alliance between student, and parent is vital to success, and for parents peace of mind.
The ideal time to begin this journey is in the Fall of the students senior year, but better late than never applies here.
This package also includes an additional half-hour initial consultation session.
6 Session Student Package: $1,200
Terms of agreement are same as above.
... a carefully planned process with the intended outcome being that your loved one chooses to begin the journey along the road to recovery. It is important that the friends and family involved avoid spontaneity in what they say, when the meeting is set, and where the meeting takes place. The development process takes a great deal of preparation, and team work. The quality of the preparation will lead to the quality of the outcome of the intervention. Every member of the team must stay on the same page throughout the process so their loved one is more likely to choose this life changing, life saving help.
The intervention should focus on the positive. That being said it is also important for the one struggling in addiction to understand their condition affects the overall health of the people in their lives. The purpose is not to blame them for causing harm. Instead, we want to show them their addiction includes negative changes in their behaviour, but that there is a solution: detox and a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Family and friends who want to stage an intervention can make a plan for one on their own, or they can consult a professional interventionist like me. We will structure the planning process, guide the intervention team, and lead the overall event.
An intervention is an important event, created by family and friends of a person struggling with addiction. The goal is to create a space where the person struggling will realize they have a problem, they need help, and most importantly they have support. While reality television shows have popularized interventions, these depictions often offer an incomplete sense of how an intervention is created, and how the subject of the intervention is involved in the process.
Your loved one is not 'tricked' into attending the meeting. The popular TV Shows suggest to the subject they are taking part in a documentary about addiction which ends with a group meeting. This is not how we do it. As the team works through the planning for the pinnacle meeting; the person in need of help is taking part in a counselling or coaching process of their own. Your loved one is invited into be the process in the final phase of the work. This final phase is the intervention meeting. This process will be outlined in great detail in our initial meeting.
Misleading the person in order to surprise them or force them into attending when they arrive says to them, "these people are not trustworthy; they lied to me". The human response most of us would have to such a 'surprise' would naturally be defensiveness, and resistance to the people, process, and most of all getting help.
While interventions should always provide encouragement and incentive for the person struggling with addiction to seek help, interventions come in more forms than the style frequently shown on television shows. The pre-work takes a great deal of teamwork, planning, and time, which is not fully expressed on these shows.
This is a therapeutic process for all people involved; not just the person suffering and so, there will be emotional challenges, breakthroughs, and healing before, and during the intervention. The 60-minute TV shows are obviously constrained and limited by time, so they are not the best representation of the whole process from beginning to end.
Even with preparation, there are some points that must be avoided during the intervention meeting. These include:
To fully understand what an intervention should accomplish, it can be important to know what an intervention should not entail. An intervention is not:
The only way for interventions to be successful is if they are based in love, honesty, and respect.
Discussions about emotional hurt, anger, fear, or concern should only come up if they reflect the love of family and friends.
An intervention is not a place to embarrass, shame, or scold the person struggling with addiction; these tactics are more likely to make the person retreat further into substance abuse patterns.
In addition to being a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), and Personal Coach holding a BA in Leadership; I am also a Certified Addictions Specialist.
When friends and family feel too emotionally charged while working on a DIY intervention, they can consult a professional interventionist, social worker, therapist, or other counsellor at any time for help. They can ask a professional for guidance in planning the event. Professional assistance at any level can be extremely helpful. An outside perspective can guide the process toward the most beneficial conclusion and keep everyone focused.
In some instances, hiring a professional is essential. Professional interventionists are highly recommended if the person who is the subject of the intervention has displayed any of the following:
Interventions are most successful when they are planned and implemented well. If the meeting is structured, especially with help from a professional, interventions can be successful in convincing the person to get the help they need immediately. For a successful intervention, keep the following in mind:
Those struggling with addiction are not always aware of the harm they are causing themselves or others. The intervention can show them their addiction and the behaviours associated are not only damaging to their own body, mind and spirit, but also hurting those around them. If the subject of the intervention knows they have support as they enter medical detox and a comprehensive rehabilitation program, they are more likely to agree to treatment.
When considering an intervention to help a loved one who is struggling with addiction there are some important steps that can guide the process.
Step 1: Building the Team. This could include contacting other family and friends. Support for the process is important, and it is important not to do all the work alone.
Step 2: Who Will Take Part. Generally, only close family members, friends, and coworkers should be included on the intervention team. If a person is currently struggling with their own substance abuse issues, they should not be included on the team.
Step 3: Building a Cohesive Plan. This includes scheduling a specific day, time of day, location, and guest list. It also includes an outline of how the process will work and what everyone will say. This is the overall guide to the event.
Step 4: Team Education & Reconnaissance. Learn about the substance of abuse, addiction, and the recovery process. Gather information about detox and rehabilitation programs, particularly those that suit the personality and needs of the person struggling with addiction.
Step 5: Design & Delivering Impact Statements. Everyone at the intervention should have something to say about the person’s struggles with addiction. These should be personal statements, detailing how the addiction has harmed the person they love. Relationships can be deeply hurt by substance abuse. Written statements about the impact on relationships can help the person struggling with addiction to understand that their struggle does not impact them alone. These statements should be emotionally honest and focus on love. There is no place for personal attacks in these statements.
Step 6: Design the Support Plan. People attending the intervention should be willing to support their loved one in some capacity while the person goes through detox, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery. For example, offer rides to treatment once a week, or offer to attend family therapy sessions or support group meetings with the person.
Step 7: Designing Boundaries & Outcomes. If the person refuses treatment, relationships with friends and family must change. Everyone person should commit to ending codependency and enabling behaviours. Be clear that there will be consequences if the person refuses help.
Step 8: Rehearsal. Emotions run high regarding substance abuse and addiction. To avoid taking too much time, blaming the loved one, or falling into self-pity, rehearse the whole intervention with everyone at least once before it actually occurs. Then, each team member will have an idea of what to say, when they will speak, and when to cede the floor.
Step 9: Problem Solving & Expectation Management. While television nearly always shows the person at the centre of the intervention accepting help, this is not always the case in real life. Even with a well-planned intervention and clear offers of help, the individual may not accept help for a variety of reasons. If they do not, then follow through on the outlined consequences.
Step 10: Build the Follow-Up Plan. Whether the person accepts help or not, it is important to uphold statements made during the intervention. Otherwise, the person may experience excessive stress, which could slow down their rehabilitation process, lead to relapse, or deepen substance abuse problems.
At A Good Place, we use a hybrid of the the Johnson & Family System Models of Intervention:
This Johnson Model is currently the most common form of intervention for people struggling with substance abuse in the US. It is designed to catalyze the person suffering addiction to enter a rehabilitation program. One or more caregivers plan a specific intervention, similar to the type outlined above. By showing the individual that they are surrounded by people who care for them and want them to get better, the individual knows they have support going into treatment.
This Family System Model not only focuses on the person struggling with addiction, but also on their family. All relationships are affected by substance abuse, and spouses, parents, children, and other close family members and friends can be dramatically impacted by these patterns of abuse. This intervention type catalyzes the whole family to seek help in the form of individual and family therapy, specific support groups, and other forms of treatment.
Regardless of what model is used, the point of the process is to help someone struggling with alcohol or drug addiction realize that they have support to overcome their condition. Real help is available. Support comes in many forms, including medical care, therapeutic help, and social support.
The most important tools we have to use are compassion, and love.
AAC. (2020). American Addiction Centers. americanaddictioncenters.org est. 2007
The intervention itself is no more than 90-minutes. There is a significant amount of pre-work, preparation, and task completion before the day of the intervention. The total cost will vary based on the scope and the individual situation.
We will have an initial call or video conference to discuss the individual situation you and your family are dealing with and how I may be able to help. Should you and I decide to move forward we will schedule the first meeting in the Intervention process.
Once the scope of the intervention planning and roll out is complete; the final cost will be determined based on the plan. We will enter into a contract outlining the plan in detail, including a fee payment schedule.
Although difficult to accept, interventions are not always successful immediately. Facing such a choice can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety about the prospect of stopping the way they are living. The fight against addiction is a life long battle, even in sobriety, and living a successful life in recovery, the challenge remains.
It is a fact that a person who is suffering in active addiction can only be helped when they are ready to receive help. The intention of an intervention is to create a clearing for your loved one to see hope for a renewed future in sobriety. While family and friends are reestablishing clear personal, and familial boundaries, choosing sobriety is wholly their decision to make.
My office is located in Vancouver’s West End.
1688 Robson Street Suite 305
V6G 1C7
The building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators.
I am available for secure on line tele-medical sessions through Doxy.Me.
After we have spoken on our initial phone call or through the "Message Dave" page found below, I will send you a link to join our session at the agreed date, and time.
Doxy.Me does not require clients to create a profile, or log in with any personal information. Our sessions are secure, and any footprint of our session is erased.
Go to https://doxy.me/patients to tour this platform as it relates to clients.
Q: How long will I need to be in counselling?
Dave: There is no timeline for our process, but my goal is to get you ready to live your life in a good place outside of counselling as soon as you are ready.
Q: What can I expect to happen during our sessions?
Dave: Initially, we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling. We will talk about your past, leading into the present, and create some initial specific measurable, and achievable goals. As we move forward, problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours will be worked through. Coping strategies for dealing with problems in a healthy, and constructive way will be addressed, Your long-term goals will evolve over time.
Q: How do I know counselling will work for me?
Dave: Everyone is different. However, I have the experience to help my clients to develop trust in me, and in the process. My primary goal is for you to be comfortable throughout our work together. When a client experiences the correct approaches for them, there is an extremely good chance improved health will occur.
Q: Can you diagnose me?
Dave: Only a Psychologist (Psychology PhD) or a Psychiatrist MD Pdoc is able to offer a diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with any type of medical, or psychological condition it is vital that I am aware of the diagnosis. This knowledge will assist in creating your treatment plan for our work together. Your medical history will be discussed during our initial session.
Q: What if I need a treatment you do not offer?
Dave: If I believe I am not able to treat you effectively, I will refer you to a respected colleague who has expertise in the area of counselling needed.
Q: I'm concerned my family, friends, boss or coworkers will find out I am in counselling. Is there a possibility that could happen?
Dave: Your confidentiality is paramount. I am bound by the ethical codes for counsellors, which demand that I ensure your information is never shared without your permission. There are very specific circumstances (for example, when ordered by a court) wherein I would be obligated to disclose details to a third party. When we meet for our first session, every detail regarding this subject, and other important information will be discussed clearly, and in length.
Q: Are you covered by my extended health benefits?
Dave: Very likely. Consult with your benefits provider to determine the scope of coverage offered through your plan. Your Human Resources Department will be able to assist you.
Mon | Closed | |
Tue | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Wed | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Thu | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Fri | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Sat | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Sun | Closed |
Dave has helped my transition through what I felt was one of the most difficult times in my life, both professionally and personally. Stress from the Covid pandemic, a destructive rift in the family, and ongoing professional demands grew to levels I was not equipped to deal with. I was shutting down inside and shutting out everyone around me. With Dave’s kind and gentle guidance at the beginning, being a solid sounding board and providing sage advice though all our sessions and helping me see how we are all in this together in the end; I have travelled a journey that has left me balanced and well equipped to face my current challenges and all new challenges to come. Thank you, Dave!
I can confidently say my counselling experience with Dave has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. Dave is a highly skilled and experienced counsellor who is able to address many areas and speak to the science/psychology. Dave has become a good friend of mine and someone who I hold closely, I’m so thankful to God for introducing me to someone who has been such a helpful resource and friend for me in this time in my life. Thank you, Dave!
When we started working with Dave our life was in complete disarray, we had completely lost the ability to communicate with compassion, understanding and love. We had a 1 year old, we were fighting constantly and our little family was on the brink of extinction. Dave created a safe environment for us to regain our composure and work though our hurdles. It was easy to be honest and share with Dave because he suspended judgement, offered fresh new perspective and shared techniques that helped us navigate the hurdles keeping us from moving forward. Dave is relatable, endlessly patient, reliable and down-to-earth. Dave assisted us in save our family. I would recommend him to anyone seeking to put in the work and change their lives.
I had a wonderful experience with Dave over a few months last Spring. It was a lot of work over those months, but he really listened, made me laugh, and helped me to feel comfortable in my own skin again. He is genuine, supportive, caring, and he has a unique style, and personality. I strongly recommend him as a counsellor. I am looking forward to seeing him for a follow up soon.
I have worked closely with Dave for a few years. He is a gifted communicator and a genuinely kind, and warm person. He deeply cares for people and does his best to meet their needs. He came into the counselling field after a successful career in the restaurant industry where he excelled because he treated his employees, and peers with dignity and respect. He is a natural leader and an empathetic listener. He is an exceptional counsellor, and coach.
Dave is very warm and caring. I feel comforted by him because he fosters an atmosphere of openness, while maintaining a great sense of professionalism. He asks thought-provoking questions, and offers relevant feedback. At the same time, he holds adequate space for me to express myself, as well as communicate and process my emotions. Dave, is very open to discussion about the process of therapy and is more than willing to tailor the process to my needs. I recommend him highly!
David is easy to talk to and seemed to understand the transition I was going through. A good listener, he helped me put a lot of things into perspective. He has good insight, and helped me figure out the path forward.
Dave, is a great coach. I decided to go to trades school after 12 years in marketing. We worked together on subjects, which I hadn't thought of, but needed to work out. Originally I thought I would go to college. While working through the plan, it became clear I was suited for culinary arts training. This was great because I would be able to work, and go to school at the same time. We were able to figure out what I loved doing but I never considered cooking as a career. I feel like I made the best choice for me.
My husband and I were so scared we were nearing the end with our son. We had tried so many different thing to help him over the years of his alcohol use, but now we were losing our own health. Our son M, didn't want help. I got in touch with David through a mutual friend. We don't do counselling where we are from but when I talked to David the first time, I felt some little relief. My husband and I decided to meet with him and we have not stopped. He considers us all the time, and our feelings about our son, and what drugs do to people. We were angry, and sick too. He is good and listens to me. He calls us sometimes to check in, and thats nice. We came to the day where intervention had to be done. The work David did and guiding for our family was so good. So much to plan and think of. The day when it happened was the saddest and happiest moment my husband said. M, went to care. He now smiles and call us. He is happier now, and thinner. We still go to David because it is good to go. Please go if your kids needs help.
If you are experiencing a crisis, call this number to speak with someone who can help you right now at 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
For Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment Information & Support, as well as Treatment Referral Services Call 1-800-663-1441 (toll-free in B.C.) or 604-660-9382 (in the Lower Mainland) to find resources, and support.
If you know of a any child, adult, or elderly person who is suffering from abuse or neglect please contact Family Services at contactus@fsgv.cain or call (604) 731 4951
If you are aware of or concerned a child is in need of emotional support or is being abused or neglected, discreetly introduce them to the Kids Help Phone 1 800 668 6868
If you’re concerned that an animal may be in distress, call the BC SPCA. Your actions could help save an animal, and you may also be protecting children or adults at risk of being harmed.
To report an animal in distress, including wildlife, please call the BC SPCA Provincial Call Centre: 1-855-622-7722.
The call centre is open seven days per week:
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Statutory holidays.
If this is an animal emergency outside of these hours, please contact your local police department .