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Vancouver Friends For Life Society

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Sessions
Session

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on the body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain and overall wellness, including stress management.

Art Therapy

Art therapy combines the creative arts with psychotherapy to enhance emotional, mental and physical well-being. It facilitates engagement with the creative process providing clients the opportunity to express emotions, develop self-awareness, and connect with internal and external resources through the use of imagery, colour and shapes. Sessions will be 90 minutes in length and participant... Read More

Art therapy combines the creative arts with psychotherapy to enhance emotional, mental and physical well-being. It facilitates engagement with the creative process providing clients the opportunity to express emotions, develop self-awareness, and connect with internal and external resources through the
use of imagery, colour and shapes.

Sessions will be 90 minutes in length and participants will have a chance to explore different materials and themes while guided and supported by the student art therapists. No previous art experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. We welcome you to come and explore through creative
expression!

Chiropractic

Dr. Kaely Cronk (she/her) is dedicated to helping people manage their pain and improve their functional limitations through chiropractic treatment. Patients can expect a thorough assessment of their unique problems to help understand and treat their issues. Dr. Cronk will tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient’s condition and their individual wellness needs/goals. This can include an i... Read More

Dr. Kaely Cronk (she/her) is dedicated to helping people manage their pain and improve their functional limitations through chiropractic treatment. Patients can expect a thorough assessment of their unique problems to help understand and treat their issues. Dr. Cronk will tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient’s condition and their individual wellness needs/goals. This can include an integration of diversified chiropractic manipulation or mobilization, varied soft tissue modalities, and specialized rehabilitative techniques. With an emphasis on education and empowerment, she aims to provide patients with the best quality of care to aid in their health journey.

Counselling

Counselling is a way of helping people cope with their current emotional, personal or interpersonal problems. This is done through the purposeful use of relationship to facilitate improved self- awareness, coping strategies, mood, personal relationships, emotional regulation, and the optimal development of personal resources. Counselling provides an opportunity to be listened to without being j... Read More

Counselling is a way of helping people cope with their current emotional, personal or interpersonal problems. This is done through the purposeful use of relationship to facilitate improved self- awareness, coping strategies, mood, personal relationships, emotional regulation, and the optimal development of personal resources. Counselling provides an opportunity to be listened to without being judged in a supportive, trusting, and accepting environment.

Lunch

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch. Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many... Read More

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch.

Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many of our members who live on limited incomes such as disability benefits. Lunches also provide an important time for social interaction, countering the isolation that often accompanies living with life interrupting illness.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic – we are currently offering a bagged-lunch service served through the dining room door located on the veranda. Client-members are welcome to sit and enjoy their lunch on the veranda or the nearby garden until it is deemed safe to reopen the house for a sit-down meal.

Massage Therapy

Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain, improving blood flow, and encouraging relaxation. Massage therapists usually apply pressure with their hands, but they can also use their forearms and elbows.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Clinics at Friends For Life The naturopathic teaching clinic provides practical, clinical experience to naturopathic medical students from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus (CCNM-Boucher). The students conduct appointments and treat patients while under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. What is naturopathic medicine? “Naturopat... Read More

Naturopathic Clinics at Friends For Life

The naturopathic teaching clinic provides practical, clinical experience to naturopathic medical students from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus (CCNM-Boucher). The students conduct appointments and treat patients while under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors.

What is naturopathic medicine?

“Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.” (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians).

Reflexology

Reflexology therapy is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other parts, glands, and organs of the body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology therapy can help to relieve stress, improve circulation and support the body’s efforts to function optimally.

Reiki

Reiki is a meditative practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages a positive mental state through gentle touch.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. There are many different types of yoga that range from more physically demanding to easier, more relaxing, and meditative.The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing.

Wellness Workshop

Soap Making: Learn how to make soap! (Nov. 9)
Beeswax Workshop: Learn how to make beeswax food wrap, candles & joint/muscle balm (Nov. 16)
Bathroom Elements: Learn how to make bath salts, cleaning fizzes & relaxation mist (Nov. 23)
Body Care: Learn how to make moisturizer, lip balm & roll-on aromatherapy (Nov. 30)

Brian Anderson

Mateus Ashton

Laura Bowie

Laura has been an adult educator for over 20 years, assisting people through major life transitions. She has worked in community settings counselling young, midlife, and senior clients in the areas of childhood trauma, identity issues, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. She is also currently a facilitator in training with the Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society where she works in small groups to assist those who have struggled with a recent loss.

Laura has had many learning and life-enhancing experiences that add to the depth and breadth of how she works with individuals. She is presently training in expressive arts therapy and would like to offer one-on-one counselling sessions with this focus.

Laura has been an adult educator for over 20 years, assisting people through major life transitio... Read More

Jean-Luc Bun

Jean-Luc teaches a gentle Yin-inspired Restorative Yoga, which takes the student into a series of modified asanas or poses, supported by cushions, props and other aids, with little or no weight-bearing by the body. This unique style of yoga works with each person’s own ability and limitations, to encourage healing and release of tension, trauma, and emotional blockages long held within the body, while increasing flexibility, range of movement, and symmetry. With mindful breathing woven into this practice, the student creates a safe space within the mind-body connection, allowing that silent conversation to flow between the mind and the body.

Jean-Luc teaches a gentle Yin-inspired Restorative Yoga, which takes the student into a series of... Read More

Wilford Ching
(He/Him/His)

Wil’s passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture is driven by the pursuit for balance. A healthy state of being in TCM is defined as the harmonious and relative balance of the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. His ultimate goal as an acupuncturist and student of TCM is to adjust Yin and Yang to restore relative balance or to get as close to it as possible.

Using TCM diagnostic techniques like tongue, pulse and conversation, Wil listens, evaluates, and determines which course of treatment would be the most beneficial to the patient. Examples of these treatments range from the use of acupuncture needles to facilitate the healing process, cupping, tuina (TCM massage therapy), ear seeds, gua sha (TCM scraping), the application of TCM liniments, the application of IR emitter to mimic the effects of the traditional heat and moxibustion therapies, and prescription of qigong exercises. As the patient evolves and changes, so does Wil’s approach in his pursuit of balance and harmony within the body as he adjusts his treatments according to his patient’s needs.

Wil’s passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture is driven by the pursuit for... Read More

Katherine Craig

Katherine Craig is a certified therapist who volunteers at Friends for Life and works one-to-one with members to address issues including grief and loss, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationships and stress management.

Katherine Craig is a certified therapist who volunteers at Friends for Life and works one-to-one ... Read More

Kaely Cronk

MAX 2 TREAMTMENTS PER MONTH WITH KAELY

Dr. Cronk studied psychology at the University of Victoria before earning her Doctor of Chiropractic degree (Summa Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon. She values creating a safe, welcoming, and positive space for her patients and members of the community.

MAX 2 TREAMTMENTS PER MONTH WITH KAELY Dr. Cronk studied psychology at the University of Victori... Read More

Rayana DeSilva

Rayana has over 28 years of professional experience in private practice. She imparts spiritual insight, clarity, and guidance through clairvoyance, audience, sentience and mediumship. She works with truth, and uses her abilities to foster consciousness and understanding. Her clients leave feeling deeper compassion and acceptance which creates a greater sense of freedom and joy. The spiritual path returns us to self. It is the connection that embodies the wisdom we have accrued from lifetime to lifetime which is much greater than how we identify in this life.

Rayana has over 28 years of professional experience in private practice. She imparts spiritual in... Read More

Larisse Goldstein

Larisse is a registered clinical counselling hypnotherapist and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Faster EFT practitioner. She has worked with clients of every imaginable variety. Her integrative approach has proven results across a wide range of issues including trauma, phobias, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, pain management, smoking cessation and more. She can help you navigate challenges and create beliefs that make it possible for you to experience wellbeing.

Larisse is a registered clinical counselling hypnotherapist and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)... Read More

Ed Henrioulle

MAX 2 TREATMENTS PER MONTH WITH ED

As some of you may remember, Ed had been providing acupuncture services at Friends for Life for about ten years until all the changes of the pandemic. Now, after a two-year hiatus, Ed has returned to resume his acupuncture treatments every Thursday.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, single-use, medical needles into specific points on the body to help the patient return naturally to a balanced state of mind-body energy. Typically, a series of 3 to 8 treatments are necessary to evaluate if acupuncture is going to be an effective strategy in any particular case. For some people, acupuncture works very well, while for others it is less dramatic. However, in all cases, it is a safe procedure that provides an alternative viewpoint to help understand the overall health situation of the patient. There is very little discomfort involved in an acupuncture session and there is always time to ask questions.

Ed is looking forward to seeing some of his previous clients, as well as meeting some of the newer faces at Friends for Life.

MAX 2 TREATMENTS PER MONTH WITH ED As some of you may remember, Ed had been providing acupunctur... Read More

Shayna Hornstein

B.Sc. Reg. Physical Therapist is a body-focused counsellor who helps people lessen the toll that stress takes on our bodies. Learn to pick up early stress signals and ease that tightness in your neck or stomach or wherever it is to restore your sense of wellness.

Shayna has 20+ years of combined education, research and professional practice in treating people with chronic illness. During COVID-19, Shayna is available by video conference and by telephone. She will contact you at your appointment time. If these times don’t work for you, she can accommodate other times. Please write to info@vancouverfriendsforlife.ca to set up a time.

B.Sc. Reg. Physical Therapist is a body-focused counsellor who helps people lessen the toll that ... Read More

Tim Kanik

Tim Kanik has over 20 years of experience bringing Reiki, Japanese energy work, to client members of Vancouver Friends For Life Society. Rieki is a gentle way to bring relaxation to the body and mind. Each session is hands-on and lasts one hour, and many clients fall asleep. All he asks is that you bring an open mind and an open heart.

Tim Kanik has over 20 years of experience bringing Reiki, Japanese energy work, to client members... Read More

Parsa Naturopathic Medicine

Shireen Naturopathic Medicine

Tamara Naturopathic Medicine

Judith Ogden

Yoga Room

Sandra Stephanson

Sandra has a diploma in professional counselling. Her practice is rooted in Buddhist psychology and somatic psychotherapy. She is also trauma, CBT, DBT and Narrative therapy informed. She comes to Friends for Life with over 30 years of academic and lived experience which includes a degree in physical education, anthropology and Buddhist psychology.

Sandra can support you through compassion-focused therapeutic sessions that help you traverse some of the intense and rocky experiences of your life. Together you can mindfully explore your current challenges, your vision, and your capacity to recognize, accept and respond to your needs. Sandra offers a trusting safe space and professional guidance to help you deepen your understanding of how to support your unique awareness and authentic understanding.

Sandra has a diploma in professional counselling. Her practice is rooted in Buddhist psychology a... Read More

Massage Therapy Student 1

Massage Therapy Student 2

Massage Therapy Student 3

Massage Therapy Student 4

Sandra Treto

Sandra is the owner/operator of eco-home-goods firm “Refill Road.” She’s a longtime supporter of VFFL, and an overall groovy woman! Share her passion for making her own personal products at home - and smell good while doing it!

Sandra is the owner/operator of eco-home-goods firm “Refill Road.” She’s a longtime supporter of ... Read More

Dance Vancouver Friends For Life Society

All women living with a chronic or life-challenging condition are invited to our new dance classes starting September 2023!

NO previous dance experience required. Women must consent and complete an online physical assessment before attending the first class.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT FORM FOUND IN THE LINK BELOW BEFORE BOOKING AND ATTENDING YOUR FIRST CLASS

Online Physical Assessment Form Found Here

Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie St.) When: Every Sunday from 3:15 - 4:15 pm.

All women living with a chronic or life-challenging condition are invited to our new dance classe... Read More

Lunch Vancouver Friends For Life Society

Our annual Member BBQ is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Sign up now!

Our annual Member BBQ is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Sign up now! Read More

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Located at: 1459 Barclay Street, Vancouver
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Need Help? 604-682-5992 info@vancouverfriendsforlife.ca