In the fall of 2021 I decided that my counselling skills were not going to go to waste. I started seeking out office space that was comfortable, wheelchair accessible and affordable. I found a great office in the heart of downtown Winnipeg in an area called Osborne Village. The office is on the main floor and it overlooks the Assiniboine River. I can see the Golden Boy on top of the Manitoba Legislature from one of my windows.

My client list is growing, and I have a few regular clients now. Some come in to the office, some prefer home visits, some like telephone, and many prefer virtual or “teletherapy.” I use the platform called Sessions by Psychology Today. They also have an app so my clients can use their mobile devices instead of having to be on a desktop or laptop computer. This makes counselling and therapy very convenient!

As my private practice thrives I have to be careful that I take time to look after myself. Burnout can happen to anyone in any kind of caring profession. I have been burnt out before, so I am very careful and will not let that happen again.

To keep myself balanced, a work-life balance, I have decided to work with my private practice Monday to Thursday. Friday to Sunday are my days off. I have also developed a new passion and hobby which allows me to be creative and nourishes my passion for helping people.

In my spare time, I make semiprecious gemstone bracelets. These bracelets are said to have crystal healing properties and some people believe the energy that comes from them can help them feel better. Some wear them for the healing properties, others just like the visual appeal of wearing natural stones. I have been wearing these types of bracelets since my cancer diagnosis in 2017. The designing, creating, assembling, and sale/gifting of these beautiful and natural gem bracelets is very “recreationally therapeutic” for me. I love making these bracelets, and I have also started making custom orders for people. Some of the most popular types of stones I use are onyx, obsidian, howlite, amethyst, rose quartz, jade, jasper, agate, hematite and lava. My supply has grown leaps and bounds since October 2021, and I think I have almost every type of bead now!

Counselling and therapy is hard work. Making crystal healing bracelets is fun and energizing. The combination of these two activities creates a great balance for me. I am very well mental-health wise, and feel energized and grounded. I remember years ago listening to Dr. Laura Schlessinger on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. In addition to her marriage and family advice talk show, she would talk about selling her jewelry that she handcrafted. Now I get it. A therapist who has a creative and fun outlet is better equipped to handle any stress, trauma, grief, and conflict that a client brings to them. It just makes good sense.

If you are interested in booking an appointment for counselling or would like to see what I have for sale in my Gentle Angel Treasures shop, please send me a message in the comment box below.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW