Hi and welcome to Dave Phillips Counselling. The choice to pursue counselling is not one people typically make quickly or lightly - it is usually a key step at the end of a complex process of trial and error, musing and thinking, and conversations with friends, family, self and/or God. I too have been in the "other chair" of counselling and know first hand how vulnerable we all feel when we hire a new therapist. Yet I also know the rich and long-lasting impact that good counselling has made in my life - I am indeed a satisfied customer.

Although the goals we set for a healthier life may not always be fully realized in the way we at first imagine, I believe strongly that the process of growth is the most important one we make as humans and the trip is almost always worth the effort. I consider it one of the greatest privileges of my life to partner with others as they move toward a better and healthier life.

I take an intensely customer-centered approach to therapy. This means that although each of us have our distinct roles in the counselling process (I, as therapist, will guide/consult/teach/cheer-lead; and you, as client, do the work of change), the customer is always in charge and I am very clear that I will be working for you. I promise to respect your right to choose your own path for your life and to value the journey that has brought you to my office.

I also work very hard for my clients. I will draw upon my extensive experience and education to construct useful and robust treatment plans to help you achieve your goals for a healthier life. As mentioned above, although I will not take responsibility for your life and choices, I promise to work hard at supporting and guiding the therapeutic process.

A bit about me. I grew up in BC into a loving but dysfunctional family - although my parents were wonderful people, they were overwhelmed by their own personal challenges and this seriously impacted my early years which I have had to work through in my own therapy. My adult life however has truly been an amazing journey. I have experienced the unique joy of being happily married for 25+ years and I have had the privilege of raising 3 wonderful sons, one of whom has had to work through the challenges of ADD. I have the greatest friends a person could ever want and I have been so fortunate to have worked as Director of Cares Counselling Center for so many years. The colleagues and board I worked with at Cares have had such a positive effect on my life.

I have also known deep sorrow - I lost my father to cancer when I was 15 and my mom just a few years ago. And I am now working through the sudden and tragic death of my beautiful 17 year old son last year. Although very painful, I am working hard at finding joy and beauty in the midst of my broken heart.

I embrace an Emergent Christian faith which means that I value openness and dialogue between people of all spiritualities. I hold 2 Graduate degrees in Counselling Psychology and consider myself a life long student of life and change. Lastly, I am a eager consumer and critic of modern film, an avid golfer and, sadly, a pathetic fan of the Vancouver Canucks.