Compassionate Inquiry

A trauma-informed psychotherapeutic approach created by Dr. Gabor Maté

What is compassionate inquiry?

Dr. Gabor Maté developed the Compassionate Inquiry psychotherapy approach, which reveals what lies beneath the appearance we present to the world.

Using the Compassionate Inquiry system, both the individual and therapist unveil the level of consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, implicit memories and body states that form the real message that words both express and conceal.

Through the therapist’s use of the Compassionate Inquiry approach, the client can recognize the unconscious dynamics that run their lives and how to liberate themselves from them.

“The purpose of the Compassionate Inquiry is to drill down to the core stories people tell themselves – to get them to see what story they are telling themselves unconsciously; what those beliefs are, where they came from; and guide them to the possibility of letting go of those stories, or letting go of the hold those stories have on them … that’s what Compassionate Inquiry is.”

~ Dr. Gabor Maté

Hi! I’m Garrett

I first discovered compassionate inquiry (CI) during a retreat with ayahuasca when the facilitators offered compassionate inquiry to everyone the day after each ceremony. I was blown away how in 15-20 minutes of focused attention this approach brought people straight to the root of understanding how their present moment experience is limited by specific experiences in their childhood. I then received therapy from a CI trained counsellor for the past couple years, took Gabor’s short course, starting practicing it with over fifty of my corporate coaching clients, and now I’m taking the full year course to go deeper into this powerful medicine.

I can help you with:

Anxiety / Depression / Grief / Psychedelic Integration / Addictions / Trauma Resolution / Life Style Changes / Relationships & Sexuality / Spirituality / Optimal Health / Fulfill Your True Potential / Connecting To Your Intuition 

My Story

I currently live in Salt Spring Island, Canada surrounded by a conscious community of friends that live deeply connected to nature, each other, and spirit. Right now, I have so much to be grateful for… A healthy body, a tight circle of badass friends that love and respect me, my men’s group, the chance to mentor teenage boys in nature connection, to lead weekly human connection events in my community, and a solid career in coaching corporate leaders to open their hearts.

Even though I score 0/10 on the ACE quiz, I definitely have trauma. I grew up in Edmonton with parents that loved me, provided financially, without alcohol/drug abuse, and without sexual abuse, but didn’t know how to hold me emotionally and created an environment of repressed emotion, depression, anxiety, conflict avoidance and stress. During the first 20 years of my life, my nervous system twisted up into a dreadlock of knots and tension.

In my therapist’s words, I was a “prisoner in captivity” (just like my parents were with their parents who did their best and so on) and survived this environment through a wide range of coping mechanisms to disconnect from my self and avoid feeling my emotions. Some of these strategies that used to serve me as a child and teenager included watching a lot of porn, masterbating at least three times a day (stacking up a mountain of kleenex next to my bed), playing video games, watching movies, binge eating sugar/snacks, hyper activity with sports, chewing my nails (still do), dissociating and checking out when at the dinner table, people pleasing, fawning, withholding, and repressing my anger/sadness to a state of depression/numbness - generally doing anything to avoid feeling my feelings and the present moment.

Today I still experience a baseline state of anxiety and depression at times, plus struggle with coping mechanisms especially in times of stress. I’ve developed a lot of resources to help me heal my nervous system such as daily breathwork/yoga/meditation, people that hold me emotionally (my counsellor and coach, men’s group, 12-steps sponsor, trees that I talk to, emotionally intelligent friends), nature connection, grief ritual, and generally living a life in environments with people that I feel safe to be my authentic self and deeply connected with.

Education & training:

  • Compassionate Inquiry, graduate level trauma-informed psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté

  • Co-Active Coaching Training Institute, Life and Business Coaching Fundamentals

  • Wisdom of the Earth Wilderness School, two year immersive apprenticeship in deep nature connection, wilderness rites of passage, & cultural repair

  • Apprenticeship in Ancestral Grief Ritual Leadership, with Randy Jones

  • University of Alberta School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Accounting Degree, Leadership Certificate

  • The Connection Institute, core instructor for training programs that help individuals deepen intimacy, self-awareness, and relational connection.

  • Advanced Authentic Relating Facilitation Training, Authentic Revolution

Confidentiality

These sessions are confidential. This means that I will not disclose the content we discuss or your name (and other identifying traits). With two exceptions: 1) I will talk about the content of the sessions with my supervisor for learning purposes, without including your name or other identifying traits; 2) in the case that I believe you are at a serious risk of causing harm to yourself or others, I may contact someone, but not without talking to you first. All this said, you are free to talk to anyone you want about our sessions.

Rates

The first session is free (and guilt free if you just have the one, because I still benefit from #1 I had the honor to connect with you, #2 I got to learn and be of service, and #3 maybe you’ll refer someone to me down the road).

If we both decide that working together would be a good fit, my rates are:

  • $150/hr for a single session

  • $125/hr for a 5 session package

Coaching & Counselling Testimonials

"I've worked with many coaches over the years and Garrett is one of the best. His calm demeanor and approach created a space that I could confidently work on my own growth. He pushed me towards action and intentionality. I would highly recommend Garrett if you care considering working with a coach.”
- Jonathan Brink

"I'm very grateful for the experience and opportunity to work with Garrett. This experience has helped me tremendously not only professionally but personally in my development inside and outside of work. I have started to advocate for myself more and make more BOLD requests of others that are starting to better my relationships with others and myself. Thank you Garrett, I'm so excited to carry out these tools you have given me to work with."
- Dominique Viard

“I was hesitant at first to openly discuss my career aspirations and personal blockers, but from the first coaching session, Garrett infused a calming demeanor and suggested simple techniques I could incorporate in my day-to-day interactions. He helped me tackle several difficult personnel topics, prioritize my work-life balance, and learn how be assertive without appearing controlling or bossy. He offered external reading materials tailored specifically to what I was trying to achieve and consistently checked in with me to keep me on track. In our time together, I resolved all my personnel issues, advanced my career, and put a new focus on my health, family and friends. Basically, everything I wanted to achieve and more.”

- Teresa Letlow

“I have been working with Garrett for several months now. From the beginning, my coach was incredibly warm, empathetic, and encouraging. He truly listened to my goals and aspirations, and helped me create a clear path towards achieving them. In addition to my work related development, we also worked on personal issues with my family. Garrett provided me with strategies to help me manage my emotions and improve my professional development. I highly recommend Garrett to anyone seeking compassionate and effective coaching. Thank you for all your help!”

- Rocco Trevino

"Garrett is deeply empathetic and able to read through the lines when my thoughts are messy. He gives me guidance to grow confidence, not only professionally but also personally. I like that he is proactive in his own personal search and development, to be able to share "homework" and readings with me. This has been extremely beneficial work and I would recommend anyone to get coaching with Garrett!"
- Servane Valentin

"Garrett's coaching sessions were so enlightening and helped me gain self-awareness on my strengths and weaknesses in both my personal and professional life. I feel very thankful to have learned and grown from my sessions."

- Chloe Carasso

“I have always had some take away walking out of a session with Garrett. Coaching sessions with him have helped me in many ways. I am no longer hesitant to speak to my colleagues about any topic that I want to talk about. Before the coaching sessions I was indecisive and holding back from pursuing a different role. Tools shared by Garrett are helping me make conscious decisions on such occasions."

- Pradeep Gouru