the art of caring for yourself
"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive.
One must never, for whatever reason, turn his or her back on life.
Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product."
One must never, for whatever reason, turn his or her back on life.
Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product."
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client comments Read what some of Lynda's clients have to say about the benefits of coaching, the positive impact of training workshops, and the results of collaborative consulting. Benefits of Coaching "When I first came for coaching I did not know what to expect. I am surprised at how quickly things went from feeling very confused and muddy to a place of greater joy and clarity. I would recommend coaching with Lynda to anyone going through life changes. This coaching exceeded my expectations - it had a lot of substance to it. I feel like a veil has been pulled aside and I am feeling ready to live my life more fully."
Colleen Bowen
"Lynda's gift is her energy, her clarity, her generosity, her wisdom, her Presence. Willing to sit and open; to truly hear what is, and to guide you gently back to the loving Presence you are. I feel connected and renewed with a sense of energy and contentment, ready to step forward toward my highest possible Self."
Patricia Galaczy,
Educator, Consultant and Founder of The Art of Dialogure "Lynda reminded me how powerful I am. Somewhere along the way I forgot.
I was faced with some challenging interactions with doctors as well as difficult surgical options on my health and healing journey. Lynda used visualizations, a kind of art therapy (drawing), combined with writing, movement, touch and vocalizations to help me move the negative energy. This dramatically reduced my stress levels!!!
She reminded me through this process that:
I found the sessions worked well when they were scheduled regularly and consistently. This continuity helped to change patterns that no longer served my best interests.
Lynda continues to be an integral part of my healing team. Her open-hearted acceptance and willingness to move through whatever is up at the moment is priceless!!!
I feel HUGE GRATITUDE to and for this woman and the piece coaching holds in my life!!!
Thank you Lynda!!!"
Jeannie Vasilakos
B.Ed., R.M.T. "As helping professionals we focus our energy on advocating for others, often forgetting about ourselves. Lynda understands the importance of nurturing the nurturer and offers an invaluable service. My coaching with Lynda is an investment in my own wellness. As a result of my coaching with Lynda I am finding that I am able to create space for 'being' in the midst of all of the 'doing'."
Cristine Urquhart, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Consultant, Trainer "Lynda and Creative Wellness's ability to be flexible and responsive to our agencies needs was tremendous! The staff are excited about developing self care plans and look forward to working with Lynda again."
PEERS Victoria
Chris Leischner M.S.W., R.S.W. Executive Director, PEERS "I chose to work with Lynda because I trust her judgment and integrity, not only on cognitive issues but also in emotional matters. She continually provides helpful feedback, suggestions, insight and encouragement.
I am really pleased with the results so far, especially Lynda's support and encouragement as I progress in the writing of a sometimes painful Memoir. As a direct result of my coaching relationship with Lynda, I find that I am writing with renewed energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
I highly recommend Lynda Monk and Creative Wellness. Lynda's coaching is a gift you can give yourself. Some one who is there for you, and only for you, during the time you spend together."
Brenda Dafoe, M.Ed,
Writer "Working with Lynda as a coach was an extremely positive, productive and enjoyable experience. She is perceptive and insightful, and very quickly saw into the heart of the issues I was grappling with. I felt a personal connection right from the start of our coaching relationship, and found her to be warm, supportive and encouraging. Her understanding of the process of decision-making was illuminating and she provided creative and useful tools to guide me toward a place of authenticity and clarity. Lynda's dynamic and flexible approach was a joy to engage with and was integral in my achieving the goal of making a fully explored, grounded and conscious decision to help me create the kind of life I want."
Maneesha Madan,
Registered Massage Therapist Positive Impact of Training Workshops "I have attended several Creative Wellness workshops. What has always struck me about Lynda is her knowledge and understanding child protection/maltreatment and the issues faced by social workers. She is kind, compassionate, humorous and she helps you to look at the issue from a more insightful perspective. Lynda is very enthusiastic and committed to the professional self care needs of social workers."
Darlene Thoen
Casework Supervisor Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services "In 2000, Lynda Monk came to my office and we talked on bringing her in on a trial basis to offer training courses related to how stress affected not only fire fighters but their families. Having sat through these presentations before and at first going in with a pre-conceived notion that it wouldn't be of any use to me, I knew that it might be a hard sell to the fire fighters. That first session we had 25 fire fighters present. Three hours later, they were all sold on her approach to the issue and looked forward to her next sessions. We now run at least one session per year utilizing Creative Wellness and they are one of the highest attended training courses. Lynda Monk is very approachable, likeable and down-to-earth. She can communicate readily at any level, thus my fire fighters really appreciate her sessions."
Dave Enfield
Fire Chief/Emergency Program Coordinator Saltspring Fire/Rescue "While I was working as a training manager for a First Nations organization in B.C. I worked with Lynda Monk on a number of occasions. She worked with us in the capacity of trainer and curriculum developer. I always found Lynda to be professional, knowledgeable, skilled and caring communicator. I always received excellent feedback on her training from training participants who commented on her energetic training style and her comprehensive knowledge of content. I highly recommend Lynda for any task associated with training and/or curriculum development in her area of expertise."
Maggie Kovach,
Training Manager "Lynda presents very difficult and challenging material in a very kind and gentle way that provides participants with the safety required to learn while they explore personal trauma."
"Lynda's committment to ensuring that professionals take time to address their own trauma or vicarious trauma needs - enables participants to engage in those courageous conversations necessary to maintaining professional humility."
Grace Atkinson,
Manager of Training Services, Caring For First Nations Children's Society (CFNCS) "It is always a joy to collaborate with Lynda Monk on any project. Whether training, curriculum development or a myriad of wellness activities, Lynda is flawless in her facilitation and will custom design a training session that meets your needs in a timely, flexible and sensitive manner. Lynda's sessions consistently result in glowing feedback and always leave the participants stronger and wiser for having spent the time with her." Kim Dooling
Regional Child Welfare Consultant Field Education Coordinator Workshop Evaluation Question What will you do differently as a result of what your learned in this workshop?
Written responses from midwifery students at an April 2008 Creative Wellness Workshop: taking care of yourself while being in service to others. Consulting Results "Lynda has that rare gift of being able to write in a way that is both theoretically sound as well as personally engaging. She uses her experience as a front-line practitioner, educator, and consultant to great effect, consistently writing in a voice that is compelling and thoughtful. Her written work reveals her concern for quality and attention to detail. Lynda writes with authority, compassion, and integrity."
Jennifer White, Ed.D
Assistant Professor School of Child and Youth Care University of Victoria "Three words come to mind when reflecting on the work provided by Lynda Monk.Passion, Commitment and Innovation. Lynda leaves a trail of legacy, our ministry has certainly benefited from our partnership with her in the areas of training and organizational health."
John Campos, RSW,
Ministry of Children and Family Development Creative Wellness Guided Meditations "During the course of my busy life, one of the best ways to take care of myself is to recognize when to just stop and take the time to rejuvenate by not feeling as though I will be letting someone else down! I found the overall tone of the Creative Wellness Guided Meditations CD to be very soothing, the music was a lovely compliment to the messages being shared. I particularly found myself drawn to the self care track. As a busy caregiver with a bit of a superwoman complex, it was a very powerful reminder that in order to be effect and caring to other I must first care for myself properly. Listening to this meditation was like receiving a permission slip to take some time off to do what fulfills me most... and I accepted it (which never comes easily to me)- so thank you!"
Lisa Bleskie
Early Childhood Educator "I used your CD in my group therapy session on Monday night, with overwhelmingly positive responses from my clients who are all working people with a variety of stressors and life struggles. We used #6, Progressive relaxation. This is particularly good for a number of reasons; Peter's voice is very soothing, the rhythm and cadence of his speech not rushed nor excessively slow. This length of the exercise is perfect in that working people can easily wrap their minds around taking 10 minutes out of their day to practice the relaxation response. Well done!
We may be ordering a box of these wonderful CD's!"
Julie Chambers, RN
Group Therapy Program Langley Memorial Hospital "When I started listening to Creative Wellness Mini-Retreats I thought I would enjoy the experience. One hour later I was thirsting for more, as one "retreat" beckoned me to the next, and the next. It's as if Lynda Monk can see into your soul and deliver exactly the right words to inspire your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Soulful, calming, affirming and inspiring - a spectacular coaching experience on CD available when I need it! Thank you Lynda!"
Linda Dobson Sayer, Master Coach, Trainer, Consultant
Dobson Sayer & Associates "I highly recommend Creative Wellness Guided Meditations for anyone seeking to become more mindful, self-aware and relaxed. There is a wonderful selection of meditations to choose from - all of which will enhance your feeling of well-being, peace and internal harmony. The more often you listen, the deeper they will take you."
Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity "Inspiring, authentic, fulfilling." ~ Patricia Galaczy
"This was an amazing oasis of warmth and reflection in the midst of a demanding, fast-paced life." ~ Kerri Hampton
"Wholistic, educational, inclusive - I am taking real tools and excitement about expanding my practice." ~ Heidi Cowan
"Inspiring, helpful, enjoyable." ~ Sue Yardley
"Freeing, creative, beautiful - thank you for the opportunity to be myself, to find myself again and to allow me the time and inclination to make a commitment to myself." ~ Patti Bauer
"Purposeful, therapeutic, peaceful - encouragement to commit time to the worthiness of my writing practice." ~ Workshop participant
"Powerful, tender, empowering." ~ Jeannie Vasilakos
"Insightful, nurturing, sacred.- the value of reflecting and questioning the information gained is invaluable." ~ Kelly Hewkin
"I have journalled in one way or another throughout my life, embracing it as a therapeutic journey toward self-discovery and vitality. Before I read the LSW book, I wondered what journalling techniques could there possibly be that I haven't already discovered?
Immersing myself in the Life Source Writing book has brought the wonder-full surprise of connecting with your experience in order to re-connect with my own. I felt like I was drawn through a portal into my own soul and experience, gently encouraging me to open myself to my journey. Transformational! What a gift to have been taken into places of such warmth and depth, feeling so encouraged and energized by the beautiful energy with which you've infused the book. Thank you again for the amazing experience." ~ Renee Deakin Please go to the Services and Programs page for information about what we offer, or contact us by email or phone. |
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Coach & Consultant Lynda Monk, MSW, CPCC 866.619.9542 Upcoming Offerings
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866.619.9542