Our Approach

At Cedar Life Counselling & Coaching, we believe that growth happens through connection - to self, others, nature, and faith. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or renewed purpose, our team meets you where you are and helps you take meaningful steps forward. We combine evidence-based practices with a compassionate, whole-person perspective that honours your unique story and strengths.

Counselling vs Coaching

While both counselling and coaching are rooted in trust, empathy, and personal growth, they serve different purposes.

Counselling offers a supportive space to explore emotions, process experiences, and heal from past or ongoing challenges. It focuses on understanding the “why” behind your patterns and guiding you toward emotional well-being and resilience.

Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused — helping you identify goals, strengthen skills, and take intentional action toward your desired outcomes. It’s about building momentum, confidence, and clarity as you move forward in life, relationships, or leadership.

Many clients benefit from a blend of both, using the insight of counselling and the momentum of coaching to support lasting transformation.

Modalities & Frameworks We Use

Our practitioners draw from a range of approaches to tailor each session to your unique needs.

Below are some of the frameworks that guide our work - showing how they may appear in both counselling and coaching.

Cognitive Behavioural Approach (CBT / CBC)

Focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

In Counselling: Clients learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding.
In Coaching: Focuses on reframing limiting beliefs and building practical strategies to achieve goals with confidence and self-awareness.

Solution-Focused Approach (SFT / SFC)

Centres on strengths and possibilities rather than problems.

In Counselling: Encourages clients to identify what’s working and take small, achievable steps toward positive change.
In Coaching: Helps clients set clear, action-oriented goals and sustain motivation through success-focused reflection.

Narrative & Story Work

Explores the stories we tell about ourselves and our lives.

In Counselling: Supports healing by uncovering and reauthoring narratives shaped by pain or limitation.
In Coaching: Empowers clients to write new, values-aligned chapters rooted in vision and purpose.

Family Systems

Views individuals within the context of their relationships and inner “parts.”

In Counselling: Examines family patterns and emotional dynamics that influence well-being and connection.
In Coaching: Strengthens awareness of roles, boundaries, and relational communication within teams, families, or communities.

Somatic & Mindfulness-Based Practices

Integrates body awareness to promote presence and emotional regulation.

In Counselling: Helps calm the nervous system and connect physical sensations with emotional healing.
In Coaching: Encourages grounded awareness and focus to improve decision-making, leadership, and performance.

Nature-Based Integration

Draws inspiration and healing from connection to the natural world.

In Both: Encourages reflection, restoration, and renewed perspective through experiences that reconnect body, mind, and spirit with creation.

Faith-Informed Practice

Faith offers a source of hope, identity, and purpose for many clients.

In Counselling: Provides grace-filled support that integrates faith into emotional healing when desired.
In Coaching: Guides values-driven growth and purpose-led action grounded in faith and integrity.