My Story
A bit about me ... my name is Joe and I have lived in beautiful Kelowna, BC for the past 35 years. There has been a lot of good in my life since moving to Kelowna, there has also been some heaviness. At age 21, I suffered a back injury. It left me in a world of physical, emotional, and mental pain. After the accident, I spent the next 15 years in what seemed like darkness. During that time, I navigated isolation, addiction, loss of identity, and more. Eventually, I found my light and my rope, and I climbed out of the pit I was in. I learned a lot while stuck in that place, but nothing more important than this ... pain is inevitable, it will creep in, it will surround us, but allowing it to take charge is a choice. So, I decided to change my choice, my mind, and my whole being. Soon, I found myself on a path I never expected to walk down. One of compassion and understanding ... of patience and courage, a path where everyone I meet is welcome to join. So grab your stick and lets go for a walk.
A Space Inspired by Love
Love, both internal and external is the reason Return to Self Counselling exists.
But, Love is only part of the story. Healing and Empowerment are its companions. Healing invites us to tend to the wounds we’ve carried, the ones that whisper we are not enough or that our pain is too heavy to share. Empowerment allows us to reclaim our voice, our choices, and our sense of self-worth. Together, they help us return home to who we truly are.
I created Return to Self Counselling for you. It's a place where you can be truly heard ... where your experiences are met with empathy, attunement, and care. It was inspired by the belief that when you feel safe to explore who you are, healing naturally follows. My hope is that this space offers what you have been seeking at different times in your life ... a space where you will be seen, valued, and supported. Here, love, healing, and empowerment join as one.
What I Believe
My core belief is simple: everyone belongs. All are welcome here ... regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, faith, age (18+), or life experience. This is a space free of judgment and bias, where you can show up as your whole self. No matter the weight you’re carrying or the story you bring. You are worth showing up for.