our life & work together

Thanks to the miracle of modern technology we are very blessed to be able to offer our work from a wild and remote island off the coast of British Columbia. Moving to Cortes Island has been our response to 'the call to adventure'. The energy of this powerful awakened island supports us in our personal growth, relationship and creative lives painting and writing, all of which immensely supports our professional lives assisting others to heal and wake up.

Our work together is deeply rooted in our genuine care for each others' awakening to the fullness of who and what we are. We do our best to live what we teach and challenge each other daily to be fully embodied, engaged and authentic in our words and actions. The teachings and practices we offer our clients arise from our own direct experience of what has been most transformative and impactful for ourselves.

We are fully committed to this self-inquiry work, this transforming energy, that is both personal and global. We bring this dedication and devotion to our time invested in sitting with others. We are happy to evolve along with you.

About Kira

Kira is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology and a Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor. Since 2007, she has been in full-time private practice, guiding individuals, couples, and groups in exploring both the personal and transpersonal realms. With nearly two decades of experience, Kira has specialized training in Jungian dream-work, gestalt therapy, hypnotherapy, bio-energetics, shamanic practices, expressive art therapy, trauma healing, and somatic body-work. She is also trained in EMDR therapy and completed Levels 1 and 2 of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy through the Alder Institute in Toronto, ON.

Kira's work has been profoundly influenced by the "fourth way" teachings of the Enneagram and Diamond Heart models. These frameworks utilize all three centers of intelligence—instinctual, emotional, and mental—to facilitate a deeper understanding of our place in the universe and to realize our true potential as human beings. Her Enneagram and Diamond Heart teachers include Don Riso and Russ Hudson from the Enneagram Institute, as well as Sandra Maitri and Michael Torresan from the Ridhwan School.

Kira is currently exploring the connection between the Enneagram archetypes, IFS, and Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. This integration seeks to illuminate how understanding our inner archetypes can enrich our personal narratives and empower us on our transformative paths of self-discovery. Her clients experience a profound depth of presence and compassion when working with her, fostering authentic connections that honor their journeys.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW Associates!

We are very happy to welcome Registered Therapeutic Counsellors Dustin Fleming and Maylene Jacob to Opening Works Counselling

ABOUT Maylene

Maylene is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Couples Counselling, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Worth, Psychedelic Integration,

Growing up in a large extended family with mental health and substance abuse challenges, I developed an early curiosity about human behaviour and what can help people make significant life changes. My approach is to create a safe container and understand your unique story in order to support the valuable and courageous work of getting to know yourself more deeply through the counseling process. 

Understanding that feelings and behaviours are linked, I will support you to overcome personal challenges to live more intentionally and authentically, accessing more ease and confidence in your life. I use an Internal Family Systems (IFS) model to guide you through self exploration and examine how relationships have shaped your lived experiences and self image. This approach, incorporated with mindfulness and somatic techniques, can help you understand and transform unwanted thoughts and behaviors and move towards a life you love. As a couples counsellor, I utilize attachment theory, IFS techniques, and Gottman’s couples counselling methods to achieve clients desired outcomes.

I specialize in addressing relationship and identity concerns, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and integrating psychedelic experiences, acknowledging these as rich opportunities for personal growth. By offering a non-judgmental space in individuals and couples counselling, I encourage you to give a voice to parts of yourself that want to be seen and heard, understand the origins of your emotions, and engage in supportive behaviors. While we work with thoughts and feelings, we are also developing the skills and confidence to optimize how you want to live day to day, for your highest good.

Having personally benefited from therapeutic work and seen it transform people in incredible and inspiring ways, I am honored and humbled to facilitate this journey for others. Using humor, joy, self reflection and encouragement this blend of personal empathy and experience makes each counseling session an opportunity for learning and expansion. I look forward to meeting you and working together.

ABOUT DUSTIN

Dustin is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) trained in Transpersonal Counselling with a 3-year diploma from Clearmind International Institute (Vancouver BC, 2020). His counselling training is centered around Family Systems Theory and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

Dustin is IFS certified (Adler Institute, Toronto ON) and has a basic working understanding of trauma informed process work and somatic experiencing.

Dustin has a therapeutic understanding of the Enneagram model of personality and has also both participated in and trained to support Enlightenment Intensive Retreats.

With a background in Shamanism, he has studied with various indigenous elders over the past 20 years with Mayan, Cree, Haida, Shipibo Conibo, and Lakota peoples. Through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies he has trained in the modules of death and dying, psycho-pomp, soul retrieval and drum journeying.

Dustin has also completed over 2000 hours of psychedelic psychotherapy work which includes 500 hrs of personal work and 1500 hrs of direct support with clients.

With a deeply grounding presence, Dustin is a natural support and care worker. He believes in the healing potential of a safe and supportive container. Within such a container, all parts of ourselves are welcome and can help guide us towards contact with our essential nature from where true healing can happen from the inside out.