Leo Lobbestael 
MA, RCC, RP.

Registered Psychotherapist

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.

Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

- Rumi

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I grew up spending lots of my free time outside and in the natural world. This connection to the natural world has stayed with me to this day. I believe nature is not only a place "out there" that we go to but also resides within us all as "human nature" or "the human spirit." I believe it is our responsibility to share this human nature with the world.

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I originally pursued a career in psychology to pursue my own healing and understand myself. I took a very rational approach at the beginning of this journey, thinking the more I read and learned, the more I would know. However, I realized very quickly that this was not the case. In fact, the more I tried to understand, the less I understood and the more confused I seemed to get. My exploration brought me to meditation, yoga, expressive art, somatic therapies, Brainspotting, breathwork and indigenous healing practices. This education and journey have really been a personal work and exploration of my own trauma. The work within is never complete; it is an ongoing work that I commit to every day, for myself, my family, and the world.

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I have spent the last 15 or so years working with people who have experienced trauma. In many instances trauma presents as pain but despite the pain, a deep desire to be alive and participate is always there, though often masked.

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I view my work as both a privilege and a gift. We all encounter pain in life, but it's through reflecting on our struggles choosing to address them rather than numb them that we can prevent pain from evolving into suffering. This journey of transformation is what philosopher Joseph Campbell described as the "Hero's Journey."

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Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) #4960

Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia with The British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors ( BCACC)

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