My story
Benoit Forest
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
I've considered my childhood as being relatively uneventful when it comes to adverse or traumatic events. I was always a friendly, sociable, and well-liked person. People wanted me around. Yet I felt disconnected from life, empty and heartless, lost and confused, especially when I was alone. I couldn't feel my emotions, I convinced myself I was uncreative, I developed social anxiety and deep insecurities of being unwanted by and even dangerous to others. These beliefs kept me focused on being a "good boy" as I buried myself in video game addiction and overextending in relationships. Consequently, I lost track of my dreams, desires, passion, and creativity for the sake of desperately being liked by others. On the flip side, I became covertly judgmental and pushed others away, thwarting any opportunities for real intimacy. Having absolutely no self-confidence, I followed the status quo with my head down, not wanting to rock the boat, let alone share my opinions. I later learned, through my counselling education, that I was deeply co-dependent, putting others' needs ahead of my own and basically abandoning myself. I realized that I was hiding in order to keep myself feeling safe. I didn't know that these survival strategies were symptoms of deeper spiritual pains.
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I felt stuck, which is when I started asking myself lots of questions! Why do I operate in this manner? What am I keeping myself safe from? Where does my power lie within me? What influences my choices and actions?
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The insights I've gained from following my curiosities over the years have taught me to trust and love myself, resulting in more empowerment, confidence, and joy. I literally became the hero of my own epic adventure! I learned to access more courage and patience to deal with pain and conflict, thus feeling more connected and whole. The modalities I use remind me to listen attentively, to be honest and gentle, to see my life situations from different perspectives, and to challenge my conditioned beliefs.
I especially noticed a change ever since I started living a more spiritual life. In practical terms, this means that I now choose to acknowledge that I am in relationship with ALL beings. This perspective allows me to receive from and collaborate with others, effectively drawing insights and inspiration from many sources around and within me - as I learn to honor my human experience in any given moment. I've come to trust my own intuition. (Game changer!) This allows me to access curiosity and find meaning in the events that unfold before me, and makes it easier for me to PLAY with life and find creative ways to engage with adversity.
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I have since reconnected with my unique creative expression through movement, music, dance and play! Having studied and worked with animals, children, and adults with diverse needs, I have learned varied and more subtle forms of communication. My therapeutic counselling training, experience as a teacher in the Waldorf environment, and personal work with spiritual teachers provide me with a holistic and spiritual outlook that will support you and your many facets, encouraging you to express yourself authentically and to love the person you are becoming.

My vision
I am here to help humanity evolve into more creative, loving, and responsible members of the web of life. I support those who are ready to get to know themselves more deeply and honestly, and who want to participate to life in an inspired way. I believe that it is life-affirming to share our unique perspectives and gifts with one another. In order to do so effectively, we must learn to acknowledge the spiritual nature of our existence and to live in integrity with that understanding. This requires us to take an honest look at our inner landscape and to witness and accept every aspect we encounter. We can take responsibility for our healing by being lovingly accountable for our choices, thus effecting positive changes in our lives. This is applied shadow work! I am here to guide those who are ready to incorporate this holistic healing practice in their lives; those willing to find clarity and illuminate the shadows that block them from living in integrity with their values.
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Clarify your talk and walk it with confidence! My goal is to help you find strategies to come back to your essential nature; to light the way to your center and fall in love more and more deeply with yourself as you explore life. When we love ourselves, we naturally take care of our needs, assert healthy boundaries, and participate in the wellbeing of all. I will help you stand strong in the face of challenges that arise so that you can meet the world courageously and feel fulfilled in doing so. All within the lens of compassionate curiosity, allowing everything we encounter to be an opportunity to evolve and offer more of yourself to the world. It is an honor to walk alongside you on your journey!

Co-facilitating: Reclamation - Expansive Man Retreat
Benefits of Doing the Work
Transpersonal Awareness
Be curious
- Be seen and heard exactly as you are
- Follow your curiosity and explore your challenges
- Create a safe space for yourself to express authentically
- Communicate with and relate to others with ease
- Understand your personality and psyche
- Move beyond limiting beliefs
- Achieve balance in your life
Symbolic Sight
- Consider new perspectives
- Upgrade your relational awareness
- Gain insight into your current situation
- Empower yourself with actionable steps
- Recognize where you are in your life's cycles
- Build trust in your innate ability to navigate life
- Learn about the psychological rhythms of your constitution
Be honest
Energetic Healing
Be responsible
- Open yourself to receive
- Hone your intuitive capacity
- Energetic hygiene and maintenance
- Clear and ease tension and discomfort
- Practice listening more deeply to your body
- Cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion
- Learn about the various layers of your being
Spiritual Evolution
- Uncover purpose and meaning
- Honor your connection to all beings
- Integrate transformational experiences
- See yourself in the reflections others provide
- Understand the deeper layers of what it means to be human
- Find freedom in taking responsibility for your choices
- Experience peace through self-healing work
Be kind
