ABOUT KAREN
To me, health is not the absence of symptoms. It involves participating in activities that bring meaning to our lives, surrounding ourselves with people that make us feel seen, heard, and connected, adapting to challenges, and making the most of our situation.
We don’t get to choose whether we have a health condition or not, but we do get to choose how we show up in our lives and how we move forward.
Anyone who has some life experience knows life can be messy and unpredictable, but there is great wisdom that comes from adversity. We have an innate ability to adapt and evolve, no matter what our circumstances. There is almost always something we have control over, something we can do to shift our path or experience. There is hope to be found.
I love what I do. Holding space for someone’s story. Making connections between someone’s physical, emotional, and social experience and the environments they live in. Asking thoughtful questions that get to the heart of the matter. Empowering people to do/be/feel something they didn’t think was an option. Hearing about the confidence that comes when someone tries a new activity or conquers one that was challenging.
“Searcher, there is no road. We make the road by walking.” ~ Antonio Machado
As an occupational therapist, I believe that meaningful activity not only promotes health, but helps us get through the vulnerability of health challenges. My hope for you is to have resilience and maintain your identity and sense of worthiness through life transitions and difficult times.
It is always a privilege and an honour to walk beside someone for a short while on their path, to witness them take their story back in their hands and know that their health condition doesn’t dictate their identity.
When you are struggling with well-being and doing the things that are important to you, I can help you develop practical coping strategies that fit your unique life. My goal is for you to be able to easily apply the strategy that works best for you in any given situation so you can get unstuck and start doing more of what sustains you and lights you up!
It all starts with giving yourself permission. Permission to ask for help. Permission to not know all the answers. Permission to show up. Permission to screw up. Permission to shine.
Is it time to edit the story you have been telling yourself and write a new one that honours who you have become and are becoming? Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out if I might be able to help.
Karen Gilbert Occupational Therapy and Consulting
Vancouver BC, Canada
