BAREFOOT COUNSELLING
AND SPIRITUAL CARE
About Us
Peter Ascough
Peter graduated with his Masters of Counselling and a Graduate Certificate of Christian Spirituality (Spiritual Direction) both from Providence Theological Seminary. Peter is also licensed as an Associate Professional Counsellor (APC) with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP).
Peter works with individuals or couples who want to find relief and healing in their present circumstances. Whether treating issues that are rooted in underlying past events or have occurred recently, he works with clients to find healthier ways of living. This may take only a few sessions, or may be a longer time depending on the specific issues being addressed. Peter uses a variety of approaches including Emotion Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, Narrative, Attachment Theory and Family Systems therapies. He is also certified in Gottman Level 1 training and a facilitator in Prepare\Enrich for couples.
"As a counsellor, I provide a warm and caring space for each individual and respect each person’s uniqueness regardless of values and beliefs. I take a holistic approach to counselling, recognizing that people are complex beings who are physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual beings. I understand that spirituality can have different meanings and importance to people and have worked with people from different faith backgrounds and with those for whom faith and spirituality are not important.
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As a Spiritual Director, my background of over 25 years of pastoral experience helps to provide a welcoming space to turn your attention towards God and how God is showing up in a person’s life. I allow for a space of silence and conversation as together, we become more aware of where God wants to bring hope, peace and clarity to your spiritual journey."
Irene Ascough
Irene graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba. She completed a Certificate in Spiritual Direction with the School of Sustainable Faith and a Graduate Certificate in Christian Spirituality from Providence Theological Seminary.
"As a Spiritual Director, I enjoy engaging with people as they are invited to explore the sacred aspects of their lives. Sometimes the invitations come in mundane and conventional ways and sometimes they come in surprising and unexpected ways.
My background in nursing has led me to value the way that our bodies, minds, and souls work together and I am able to come alongside you as you seek to grow, change, and live into greater wholeness."
Peter And Irene
Peter and Irene have been married since 1997. They have lived in Ontario, Labrador and Manitoba and have shared in a variety of jobs and experiences in churches, camps and healthcare. They have three children and enjoy many activities together, especially road trips and camping. Barefoot Counselling and Spiritual Care is one of the ways that they serve others in their journeys towards healing and wholeness.
Ministry Focus: We have worked for over 30 years in church and para-church leadership positions. This has been in paid roles as pastor/minister, youth pastor and camp directors. We have also filled volunteer roles leading music, planning and teaching programs, directing volunteer teams and more. For this reason we have an interest and passion to support people in similar roles. We understand the potential for compassion fatigue and burnout and how the roles can affect your relationships and family life in both healthy and unhealthy ways. We know that it can be hard to find someone to talk to about the deep things in your heart and are available to provide compassionate understanding that is confidential and healing.
Parenting Focus: Whether you have young children, teenagers or adult children, we believe that the relationship between parent and child is important. We know that there are many different ideas and beliefs about what loving parenting looks like. With over 30 years of working with children and youth and supporting parents in each of these stages, we will work with you as you discover what it means to love your child(ren) in your unique family and circumstance.