How I Work

I consider myself an experienced guide and companion on your journey.  But I hold the knowing that you are a competent person who is the ultimate source of what is right for you. 

Dandelions

I'm Relational.

There is a profoundness in the moments we are both present, authentic and transparent. It is in these moments, when we show up and are seen by each other that healing can happen. 

The counselling relationship offers connection and space where you can be heard,  and — more importantly — hear yourself while you are reflected and witnessed by another. Together we figure out what you need to feel safe, so that you can find the strength and courage to be a witness to your own emotions.  



Sun beaming through trees

I Work in the
Here and Now.

Being in the here and now with you means that I am a person who is IN the experience with you. Not an observer, or an expert who gives you advice.  

I won’t ask you to spend lots of time talking about stories from the past, as being in storyteller mode keeps you distant from how the past is impacting you in the moment.  We will deal with challenges and trauma from the past, but will concentrate on how the fallout from these experiences is affecting you now. 

 

Woman with scarf blowing in the wind

My Practice is Embodied.

Your body is a gateway to your emotions, memories and past as well. 

In my training, I learned to attune to my body sensations and signals. I rely on this information as a resource as we work together. 

I pay attention to communication from your body too: your posture, gestures, and breathing are just as important as your words and your beliefs.  Your body is a gateway to your emotions, memories and past as well. 

I'm Faye

My  life’s work has been about finding my own voice.  Having followed a path of self-discovery through Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Somatic and Embodied practices. Now, I want to share with others the healing modalities  that have brought me freedom, clarity, and joy.

 

 

Faye Shedletzky at Align Within

My Approach

 

Gestalt Therapy - Gestalt Therapy is  the foundation of my understanding of how change happens.

Gestalt is a knowing that all of your behaviours make sense. All the ways you wish you weren’t: people pleasing, overthinking, lacking confidence, self-critical, overeating, using substance to numb out….  In Gestalt, all of these are creative adjustments you came up with when you didn’t have many other options.

Gestalt is a relational way of working. A kind of magic can happen in the space between you and I, in the here and now. As a counsellor I am curious about you instead of trying to change you. Paradoxically, being curious instead of pushing you to be different allows change to unfold naturally.

Somatic & Embodied Practice - Our bodies hold wisdom. If you are anything like me, you grew up in a culture that prioritised your thinking, rationale mind.  You might even feel disconnected from your body.  But your body, emotions and intellect each have valuable information and work together in a balanced way.

When we don’t feel safe, we automatically flip into self-protective ways of being; like fight, flight or freeze. Noticing those cues allows you to attend to what those frightened, protective parts of you need.  When your nervous system regulates, you can tune into the deeper ‘felt sense’ of your body. If you haven’t done this before you will be astounded at the eloquent and creative ways your body communicates to you through sensation, thoughts and images.  It is a powerful way to tune into who you are and what you need.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a powerful, transformational model of change.

In IFS all parts of you are welcome.  All parts make sense. The beauty of this approach is not just in understanding and acceptance of all our parts; it  is the centering of our Self and the relationship between our Self and our parts. Our Self can offer us the support and healing we have been searching for in all the wrong places – especially from other people.

When you have harmony in yourself you can be harmonious in relationships with others, within your family and in your communities. In this way, IFS offers a model for a more compassionate caring world.

What My Peers Say

Faye has such a beautiful capacity to hold space in a grounded and caring way. She is understanding and wise, and can make sense of how things fit into the big picture. She also walks her talk. I appreciate being able to trust and rely on Faye as a competent, kind, and authentic professional!

GEMMA A., CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR



I am privileged to have known Faye Shedletzky for about 10 years and can witness to her beautiful Spirit and the extraordinary way she deeply connects with people.  She seems to know how to get right to the heart of what me or others are trying to express, and connects so beautifully with Love, unconditional acceptance, and deep wisdom.

ANNE MORRISON,
MSW, RSW, 
THERAPIST, SUPERVISOR, AND TRAINER

Faye is a conscientious, compassionate and experienced practitioner that meets you where you are at and works from a holistic perspective. I highly recommend working with her!

CANDY WIDDIFIELD, M.ED, REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR & REGISTERED REIKI MASTER TEACHER

I have had the privilege of doing inner emotional work with Faye.  She is a gifted, intuitive guide who helps me sort my feelings.  Sacred listening is always evident as she skillfully supports me to follow a strand of energy I would otherwise have missed.  Faye has a wealth of tools in her tool belt including Tapping (EFT), Family Systems and much more.  I am so grateful for her inner wisdom.

Faye's gentle nature is so appreciated as she invites me to be curious about the feelings that show up.  I trust her implicitly.  I feel blessed and empowered after a session with Faye.  I am so grateful for every opportunity to work with her.  She is a exceptional guide.  I highly recommend her to any one ready to do their inner healing work.

JUDY M. EDUCATOR AND ENERGY WORKER

There is something about Faye, a kind of purity of heart, that never fails to stir greater kindness in me, and which stays with me long after we have talked. I am a better person through knowing Faye.

JANET BEGGS, REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

Insights

Flock of birds

Dealing with Overwhelm

Staying busy.  “How are you?” someone asks.  They barely wait for an answer and say “busy?”.  These days, ...
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Feet standing on moss

Navigating Sensitivity

Sensitivity is a continuum.  Some days we feel more sensitive than others.  Truth be told, we can all ...
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Woman leaning on tree

When Nice Turns Not-So-Nice

Are you the person in the room who knows something is going on even though no one else ...
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