FAQ
Let me help you understand more about what a holistic nurse coach does and how I can help you grow.
What exactly is a Holistic Nurse Coach and Consultant?
You've likely heard the term life coach, business coach, baseball coach? Well, same same. It's a collaborative process between coach and client in a thought provoking and creative way to inspire and maximize the client’s potential. Except I'm a registered nurse who has completed specialized training in coaching techniques and is certified to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness.
I may know how to coach, but you are the expert of your own needs. I help by assessing your strengths, areas for growth, readiness for change, and help you define centred goals and outcomes. I then assist you through the process to not only attain your goals but help support sustainability of your goals.
Cool, right?! Learn more below!
The nitty gritty
How does the coaching process work?
A holistic nurse coach integrates a holistic perspective within the nurse/client experience, looking at the client as a whole - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - while also looking at how the environment influences and impacts the client's health and wellness. A holistic nurse coach is led by the client's chosen area of focus. The nurse helps the client look at their own health through a holistic lens, offering a more whole view of self, and the interconnections associated with one's health. It is a journey of discovery, empowerment, and growth to confidently facilitate lifestyle changes that will enhance overall health and wellbeing. The coaching process typically involves an initial assessment, goal-setting, regular check-ins, ongoing support to help you stay on track and make meaningful changes.
What are some common health needs you work with?
Stress and Anxiety: Coping Strategies and Resilience Dealing with Change Aging, Menopause Working through Life Trauma Sleeping disturbances, Smoking cessation Weight management Emotional Regulation: Grief, Anger, Loneliness, fear, shame Learn to like yourself: Self Esteem Work-Life Balance Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Self Compassion Confidence building
Will you work with my doctor or other health care providers?
Yes, with your consent. I can work in collaboration with your family doctor, or other health care provider to best meet your specific needs. A doctor’s order for my service is not required, but some insurance companies will support this service when you have a doctor’s order. Check with your insurance company.
This is a small community, how can I be assured of my privacy and confidentiality?
In Ontario, nurses must protect patient privacy and confidentiality, governed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) standards and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA); this means that I require your consent to share any information to anyone. I cannot share with your family, your doctor, insurance company, etc without your consent. There are certain exemptions to confidentiality that I am legally obligated to report; they are as follows: • Risk of harm to self or others • Harm committed to others • Suspected child/elderly/vulnerable population abuse/neglect • Legal subpoenaed court case
What does a Coaching session look like?
Firstly, as a nurse, I am professionally and legally bound to the laws and standards established by the Canadian Registered Health Act and the College of Nurses. This includes privacy as per FIPPA. I typically prefer to meet in person, but can provide online sessions as well. The first session typically takes a bit longer so that we can go through an assessment process; it usually takes about 90 minutes, but I usually block off the full 2 hours, just to be safe. The second session is usually about a week to ten days later, and usually takes about 45 minutes. Following the second session, we can determine the timeframe for follow up sessions. Typically, clients are on service for approximately 6 sessions. I am open to supporting you for as long as you want, but hopefully, you will be inspired to move bravely forward. I am always a phone call or email away. I utilize various assessment tools and treatment tools, individualized to best meet your goals. I am trained in various adjuvant modalities such as clinical hypnotherapy, CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), Meditation, and others.
What is the cost of a session?
You will get a registered healthcare professional who will listen, and work with you to meet your health goals. All forms of treatment offered are included in the session fee. There are no hidden fees or add on’s for Coaching sessions. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a nurse. Check with your company. As well, some insurance companies will cover the cost if you have a specific doctor’s order for Holistic Nurse Wellness Services; again, you will need to check with your insurance company and your doctor. Each session is $100. At this time, I am accepting e-tranfer for payment.
What if I have to cancel a session?
If you have to cancel a session, please let me know as soon as possible so that someone else can be slotted into that time slot. • Additionally, I understand when things come up in the day, that impacts your day, but if you miss more than one scheduled appointment, one, time management might be something we need to work on, and, two, I will need to charge a missed appointment fee of 10 dollars, which will be donated to the food back. • Living in Grey-Bruce, we can anticipate inclement weather on occasion. If you have a scheduled appointment during a stormy day, we could schedule an online appointment or reschedule. Remember, you are worth the investment.
Where is your office located?
Nestled within the Niagara Escarpment in Georgian Bluffs, Ontario, on some acreage we have named the “Anchorage”, is our little sanctuary. It is where the trees whisper with the wind, where fireflies light up the meadow like tiny stars or dancing fairies, where birds and critters find safe refuge. It is where I am blessed with flower and vegetable gardens. It is where you can feel safe and at peace. Where better to start your journey to wellness than in the beauty of nature and the safe haven of the Anchorage. Here is where the hummingbirds flit between flowerbeds, fireflies dance like fairies, and the porch swing waits quietly for a visit. This is where clients come to rediscover themselves. Where the body is heard, the spirit remembered, and healing begins.
Do you run weekend retreats?
Yes, twice a year. I team up with three other healthcare professionals: a Mental Health Nurse who is a yoga & Reki Master, a Dietician, and Physio Therapist/Exercise Trainer. Together we offer a Ladies Holistic Wellness Retreat. It includes Wellness workshops, yoga, optional levels of fitness activities, meditation training, fun activity options, nutritional meal guidance and recipes. It is a time to rest, relax, rejuvenate, and nurture your own wellbeing. Stay Tuned for dates and registration.
What Consultant Services do you provide the workplace?
Besides individual coaching, I also offer company wellness training inservices. I can provide generalized training or company specific training: Examples: • Creating a Healthy Work Environment • Stress Management & Coping Strategies • Change Theory • How to prevent Burnout • Teambuilding • Emergency Preparedness • Attendance & Engagement • Agency specific challenges, such as shiftwork & your circadian rhythm, lifestyle management
What’s the story behind the name Phinn & Feather?
I was living alone in a lovely old house in town, and spending far too much time talking to myself; the house even felt still and unalive, so the search for a puppy began. Criteria: friendly and playful for grandchildren, non-shedding, non-allergic, loyal, non yippy, and longevity. In my research, I found that the breed: Coton de tulear met all my criteria.
Welcome, Phinn, Phineas Bog, Phinny, and on occasion, Littl-Shi*.
I got Phinn just before Covid so he was not exposed to too many people, and so he and I became a duo. Everywhere I went, he followed. When the pandemic was over and I had to resume work away from home, we had to figure out how to deal with his separation anxiety. Fortunately, he really liked to watch TV so 8 hrs of you tube squirrel was a game changer! Even better was when my partner came into our lives and we moved to the country.
Phinn got to watch squirrels in real time, every day. He had races with rabbits, of course he never won, he would chase the Mourning Doves, and Killdeer, and always had a big smile on his face like he was on duty and protecting me. It became a daily routine between him and the all his feathered friends.
However, every morning, as we sat on the porch, there was one group of birds he never chased. The humming birds. They would fly and swoop all around him. Phinn would just stay still, look back and forth between me and the humming birds and stay still while they buzzed inches above him. I didn’t know it at the time, but learned that in indigenous culture, humming birds symbolize that angels are near and that humming birds are a connect with Spirit.
At age 5, Phinn was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, in a very short time my best friend became palliative. He and I had developed such a strong bond, it was so hard to go through this. Late at night, I would cry and he would look at me perturbed that I was interrupting his sleep, yet I am positive that he knew that his days were numbered here on this earth. A couple of days before he passed, I found a humming bird on the deck. Despite attempts of revival, our little feathered friend was gone. Phinn watched anxiously beside me as if he had hope that I could help his little friend. I used a wee box for a coffin, and tucked the wee bird into it, put it in a ziplock bag in the freezer to be buried with Phinn, knowing that it would be soon.
Phinn was a devoted companion and friend. In his final hours, he tried so hard to hang on and be my loyal dog but his little body could not continue. I buried Phinn and Feather together, and I ‘d like to believe that they are together in a field of wild flowers waiting until we meet again.
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
Clinical Hypnosis, a natural state of heightened and focused attention, is one of the most fascinating phenomena of the human psyche. Our ability to enter this unique state of consciousness opens the door to endless possibilities for healing, self-exploration and change. When we enter into a state of hypnosis, we can utilize thoughts, talents and experiences in ways not usually accessible to us. With my guidance, we can develop your latent /dormant abilities that enable making desired changes in your thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Although hypnotic trance is a very natural, peaceful state of mind that most of us experience almost daily (e.g. while daydreaming), it has often been portrayed in films and television in ways that have been inaccurate and even alarming. Clinical hypnosis is NOT a stage show, chicken clucking, mind control. It is a safe form of treatment for both psychological and medical conditions. Hypnosis has been used successfully to treat numerous psychological and physical problems and conditions. It also is a very effective technique to help individuals improve their performance in areas such sports, academics and vocations. “Peak performance” training, as it is called, can be used to help people uncover and overcome “blocks” that underlie their failure to achieve their desired goals. (Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis, 2025).
What does it feel like to be in a hypnotic state?
This will differ from person to person. Some people say there is very little difference between the hypnotic state and their normal waking state – not at all like the stereotype of being zombie-like. Others say the sensation is that of being extremely calm and relaxed, just as you feel prior to falling asleep. In most cases clients notice that their senses are more alert and aware, quite the opposite of what they had expected. Some can remember everything that happens when they are in trance, and others have less conscious recall of events.
How can a treatment aimed at your mind affect your body?
The body responds physically to thoughts. For example, when we think a frightening thought, we can experience increased heart rate, shortness of breath, “butterflies” in the stomach, muscular rigidity, sweating, shaking, and so on. Similarly, when we think a pleasurable thought, we can experience reduced heart rate, deeper breathing, relaxation of muscles, and so on. These are autonomic nervous system responses that are involuntary, but they can be utilized to promote health. When hypnotized, an individual is very open to suggestions that can enhance positive and diminish negative physical reactions. Medical and psychological professionals have recognized the use of hypnosis in the treatment of both physical and psychological problems for many years.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. The hypnotic state occurs naturally for most people. When you read a book or watch a movie, you suspend your tendency to disbelieve while increasing your ability to believe. That is a form of self-hypnosis. You are making what isn’t real, real. So, it makes sense that you need to trust the individual guiding the process. Hypnosis is safe, but it matters that the hypnotist is ethical and competent. That is why we must complete a thorough assessment, work together to determine if hypnosis is right for you.
Is Regression hypnosis reliable and /or helpful?
Although some people may practice regression therapy using hypnosis, evidence research cannot confirm that what the client is saying is accurate. There is no way to prove that the memories are true or false. These memories might be wishful thinking, imagination, or real. There is no way to confirm. In my professional opinion, regression hypnosis poses more risk than good for clients; therefore, because of this, I do not practice regression hypnosis It would not be ethical and unprofessional for me to do so.
How can Hypnotherapy help me?
• Weight management • Unhealthy habits such as Smoking cessation • Pain management • Stress & anxiety management • Performance management • Sleeping management • Confidence building And so much more…