Being a musician, I am trained to listen. Listening is at the heart of coaching. It is also one of the greatest gifts we can give others: to listen, without judgement, interference or projecting our own thoughts. I ask powerful questions as I listen to help clients discover their motivations behind their goals.
The health-coaching process is led by the client and we co-create action plans to bring you closer to your desired vision of health and wellness. Coaching conversations can focus on any aspect of health and wellness and can even venture into other areas of life or business. If you are looking to create change in your life, a skilled coach can help you discover alternative ways to realize your goals and achieve your vision.
Although my training includes functional health principles, I do not diagnose or treat disease. I can work with you to both understand and enact plans that may be prescribed by a licenced health practitioner. If you are contemplating working with a functional health practitioner, I can share curated information that will allow you to investigate the root causes of your health concerns, as well as other obstacles that may be preventing you from reaching optimal health.
I am an ally that assists you and supports you on your journey to take back control over your health and wellness and empowers you to write your own narrative.
Some of the health topics that I am curious about and have experience working with clients around include gut health, autoimmune diseases (including diabetes), cognitive decline, nutrition, and recovering from cancer treatment.
I am also currently working with post-secondary students to assist them with adapting to online learning during the pandemic. See my article on Academic and Wellness Coaching.
Testimonials
“Derek’s coaching made a world of difference during my academic year! I was really struggling with online school and motivating myself on a daily basis. Derek created a supportive environment during every coaching follow-up session, which helped me keep on track and motivated. Overall, his professional guidance and holistic approach helped me navigate the drastic changes the pandemic brought to my life and come up with easy and effective ways to organize my daily routine and lifestyle to suit my personal goals and academic demands. Thank you Derek!!”
O. Rodriguez
Mississauga, ON“During my sessions with Coach Derek during the winter semester, I was able to identify my objectives through his guidance. My grades improved drastically following the application of discussions from the sessions. I will recommend him for sure and plan to continue working with him in the coming semesters.”
T.S.
Calgary, AB“I found the coaching sessions very helpful. The sessions provided a safe place where I could reflect on what I was going through at the moment and with the directions of Coach Derek, I was able to find a solution . After each session, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you so much again for the help”
Z.Z.
Nairobi, Kenya“I first saw Derek through an offering provided by the Lakehead University student union. As a mature student going back to school after over a decade in the workforce, Derek’s help was invaluable in helping me prioritize the skills and considerations I needed to focus on to ensure that I started back on the right foot. I continue to see Derek as his input and insights continue to be a huge benefit, and I would certainly recommend him to anyone who’s considering touching base.”
Carl Langdon
Thunder Bay, ON“Derek creates a very low-stress, non-judgemental atmosphere for his sessions. I started working with Derek during the pandemic with hopes of improving my academic productivity while working on my Master’s from home. Some of the helpful topics we discussed were my motivations, and what I could change about my daily routine to be more efficient with the time spent on schoolwork. I’m so glad I started Wellness and Academic Coaching with Derek, he is a very genuine person and was a huge help and source of encouragement during some of the least enjoyable times!”
