About Alive Counselling

this is me:

What makes me come alive

I am a wife, mama, and coffee lover. I am a former elite athlete and coach turned clinical counsellor. I come alive with connection to my faith, others, nature, and growth.

I believe everyone has a story worth sharing. I’d be honoured to hear yours.

The best leaders have scars

After a career-ending injury, I transitioned into coaching. Therefore, I know first-hand about navigating injuries & rehabilitation, expectations, and identity after sport. I transitioned into counselling, because I personally benefited from it as an athlete and as an individual. I know what it’s like to be in the other chair; to feel stuck & overwhelmed.

But, I also know the hope-filled and empowering experience of someone walking with me during difficult times. I am now on the other side, & I am committed to being a safe and trusted co-journeyer with you.

“Owning our story and loving ourself through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do” – Brené Brown

education & credentials:

My playing credentials include: Back-to-back National Championships with Shattuck St.Mary’s, The Ohio State University (Division-1, NCAA), and USA Hockey Olympic Development Program. My coaching credentials include: The Ohio State University, University of British Columbia, Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy, & a professional goalie coaching company, Elite Goalies, who partnered with BC Hockey, Hockey Canada, & the Dallas Stars. My counselling credentials include: Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Brene Brown Workshops, & various trainings in Couples & Family Therapy, and Anxiety & Stress. I am also a member of the Okanagan Learning Circle for Family Therapy and Board Member of BrainTrust Canada. I am privileged to work with a variety of athletes across sports, walks of life, and locations. I love getting to educate, equip, and empower others through speaking events and interactive workshops. These include:

• “Overcoming Anxiety & Stress” with Wildfire Women
• “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” with Aligned Chiropractic
• “Creating a Personalized Mental Workout” with BC Hockey
• “Gratitude” events with Third Space Life Charity
• “Performance, Pressure, & Identity” with Breakout West Music Conference & Festival
• “What is Mental Health” with Heritage Christian School
• “Stress Management Strategies”
• “10 Cognitive Distortions & How to Replace Them:
• “7 Steps to Turn Negative Thoughts into Positive Impacts”
• “Communication Strengthening in Relationships”
• & many more

Please follow me on social media for upcoming events. If interested please, contact me. I have experience with a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. This includes attachment work, cognitive-behavioural therapy, core belief work, emotion-focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, faith-based work (Christian), positive psychology, and motivational interviewing. However, I personalize my approach based on you and your specific goals and strengths, so that you experience therapy in the most empowering and personal way possible.

inspiration & mentors:

I am inspired by those I have been fortunate enough to work with those who have overcome obstacles, and wherever they are, they are all there. They are alive.

My Teammates:

• All of Team USA, especially my friends and former teammates, and mental health and women’s equality advocates Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureaux.
• Team Canada Olympic Gold Medalist Natalie Spooner, along with Team Canada, Team Sweden, & Team Finland players. My former teammates, and still friends, your commitment and perseverance is inspiring to the next generation.
• UBC athletes and coaches who showed impeccable resilience following the suicide of a player in 2016. Implementing sports counselling has helped this team tremendously following this devastating event. The legacy has inspired this Sports Counselling Program of 1-on-1 Counselling and Team Workshops.
• As a former goaltending coach of one of the Humboldt Broncos’ goaltenders, I am inspired by their courage to continue to show up.
• Saul Miller, NHL and professional performance consultant who helped my mental game and performance as a goaltender.

My “Coaches” & Mentors

• As a counsellor, I was mentored by well-respected therapists such as David Fung (Director of British Columbia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy), Barb Gladue, Dr.Ed Weiss (Theological and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy specialist) and Dr.Reba Glidewell (American Psychological Association, Trauma specialist).
• I love the work and have done workshops on Dr. Brene Brown on courage and vulnerability, Dr.Sue Johnson & Dr.Gottmans on Couples Therapy.
• I have extended experience in the Strengths Finders Assessment used by 90% of Fortune 500 Companies for leadership & team-building. It is also recognized for resumes, applications, & life guidance.

And mostly, my Teammates in Life

My husband, my kids, my family, & my bernese mountain dog, Molson. My grandfather, Steve Bilko, who was a major-league baseball player & instilled the importance of sport in me. It’s so much bigger than the game.

Testimonial

Natalie Spooner / Team Canada, Olympic Gold Medalist & Silver Medalist

The mental side of the game is extremely important. Having someone like Barb– who has been there as a player, coach, & mental health professional—is invaluable to help players perform their best on the ice, and in life!