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
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.
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.
I have spent the last 12 or so years working with people who have experienced trauma. These individuals have been my greatest teachers. 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.
I regard my work as a privilege and a gift. The fact is we all suffer. However, it is the work of reflecting on our distress and wanting to do something other than numbing out the pain that philosopher Joseph Campbell might have referred to as the "Hero's Journey".
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)