Client Testimonials

"Bev Swanson is a muse.  Her wisdom seems to emanate from a source so fundamentally honest, so selfless.  Bev has transported me from the despair of divorce to rebirth ... transformed me from victim to victor and taken me on a life adventure that has taught me how to be excited again. She has restored my sense of wonder.  Never judgmental, yet principled, Bev has this way about her that tests your resolve ... that provides such revealing, sobering perspective it literally renews your celebration and anticipation of life.  

It’s difficult for a man to speak to a woman in spiritual terms and yet, with Bev, it’s possible. It’s impossible for a man to admit vulnerability and yet with Bev you can . . . and not feel compromised.  Above all, Bev Swanson is professional, warm, approachable, compassionate and real.  One can’t help but respect her intellect, her training, her insights and her innate sense of humanity. I would trust Bev with my life ... in fact, I have."

Peter Skakum, Halifax, Nova Scotia

"The coaching process has been an exhilarating journey.  Through purposeful assignments and reflection, I have found a deeper sense of self, of purpose and passion.  I have been able to work through life long obstacles and, as a result, am leading a richer and more passionate life.  I have been able to see how making small changes in the right places has ripple effects into all areas of my life.  Bev Swanson is a wise and supportive coach who is gifted in drawing out the best in her clients."

JoAnne K., Landmark Manitoba

"My experience with coaching from Bev has been awesome.  As with most people, I was experiencing a bit of a dip in my life when I was referred to Bev.  Actually, it was more like a crash.  What I learned from my coaching sessions was specific strategies on how to get myself out from under the mat and come out feeling like I could move forward with even more exuberance than before.  I feel better equipped, not only to deal with the pitfalls, but also to get the most of what I want out of life.  Through our coaching, I was able to discover who I really am and became increasingly aware of the values that I have and want to keep.

Bev has a marvelous way of drawing out from me some of the areas of my life that I have neglected to give attention to.  The benefits I have gained from her coaching are numerous, but I think one of the biggest benefits was being given realistic tools and strategies to take what I have learned and start building a better me.  It’s more than just that old cliché of “having a better outlook on life.”  It’s more like being in control of my life, what this journey can be and how to be the best I can be.  I also believe that I can give more of who I am to others in my life; my family, my friends, my coworkers, my boss; and in my next relationship.

Bev has been such a positive influence in my life.  Other people have even noticed the difference in me.  And not that it was bad before.  It’s just so much better now.  I’m on top of the world and feel like I can accomplish anything.  I believe that life coaching will be beneficial on an ongoing basis to truly maximize my own potential and keep on track with my personal goals, not just when I hit a crisis."

Avis Johnston, Winnipeg, Manitoba

"When Bev first suggested that we exchange Bed & Breakfast Retreat services for Life Coaching services I was very open to the idea, although I was not quite sure what to expect, since we would only be sharing 3 days together. From the moment we met, I felt completely at ease. There is an openness and genuine kindness and love that radiates from Bev's being. I felt it instantly. I felt that we connected and knew right then and there, that whatever my expectations were, I would let them go and just enjoy the time I spent with this wonderful woman. 

Bev has a knack for asking the right questions, which in turn brings out this desire to be honest with her. There is a sense of trust and genuineness about her that is absolutely sincere.

The sessions totally exceeded my expectations and even though we only spent a short time together, I already feel a conscious shift in my being. Patterns that were previously deeply ingrained are beginning to dissipate as I open myself to new ways of thinking. So thank you Bev, for just being yourself.  This experience of sharing was truly a blessing."

Lorraine Chainey

Two Spirits Retreat Bed and Breakfast, Thunder Bay, Ontario

"A few months ago, I felt discouraged about the ongoing pattern in my life.  I was weary, my energy was depleted and my pace of life was far busier than I wished it would be.  My life didn't reflect the things I felt were priorities.  I felt helpless to make changes because over the last 20 some years of my life, my life has looked this way and no matter how determined I was, nothing ever changed.  When I started talking with Bev about what life coaching was all about, there was a glimmer of hope that perhaps this might help me to truly live the life I longed for.  Quite quickly, however, I asked myself, "Why would this be any different?"  I knew that my pattern was very set and my habits ran deep.  I almost gave up before even starting.  What has happened to me has been truly remarkable.  

Bev challenged me to think about what my "ideal life" would look like and to ask myself what was preventing me from living it.  When I began to feel helpless to change, she would ask me what was stopping me.  Slowly, as I took baby steps in making small changes, I started to notice more things changing around me.  As I became intentional about my priorities it seemed that the universe was helping me protect them, even when I slipped up.  

In just a few short months, there have been some significant changes to my rhythm of life that I would never have dreamed could happen in years.   Instead of feeling overwhelmed with my life, I feel a sense of peace about the progress I am making.  I feel more centered, more connected with myself and the people that are truly important to me.  I am so grateful for all that I have been able to accomplish with Bev's help."

R. Thiessen...Landmark, MB

"Bev, our time together has been magical.  When we started this coaching relationship, I felt lost and without purpose. Through this coaching process, you have been my catalyst to uncovering my inner gifts and secret desires.  Through every session, you inspire me to follow my heart and to believe in my own greatness instead of listening to that little 'gremlin' in my head.  I now have a clear direction and feel confident as I stride forward in my wonderful life!  Thanks again for your faith, support and guidance.  I am forever grateful."

Penny...Aurora, Ontario

"I needed help to reduce career-related stress. Bev quickly helped me to feel good about my career roles, by celebrating my inner values and by moving forward to action. Together, we identified the gremlins that were draining my energy.  She showed me how to return balance in my life and my wife noticed my attitude became more comfortable.  I liked working with Bev.  She was always positive and supportive, pleasant and professional.  I benefited from her insights and methods."

Daniel, Calgary, AB

** A Client's rendition of the coaching model . . .

"Cake recipes, marketing strategies, political ideologies ... there seem to be blueprints and models for most of life’s pursuits, not the least of which is the model for altering life’s-direction, its destination and even its meaning.

Life-changes, I’ve learned, demand sequential steps and emotional bridging ... there is momentum to maintain and dependencies to set free. I’ve learned that fundamental life changes involve risk and surrender, they demand trust in self, trust in the universe and, most importantly, trust in a partner, a GPS system more commonly understood as a ‘Life Coach’.

The point ... Once a model’s components are identified, they can be repeated with an expectation of similar successes."

Peter Skakum, Halifax, Nova Scotia

** Corporate Coaching testimonial - 6 week wellness process

"In today’s fast paced, ever changing business environment, we sometimes overlook our most important asset: our people. We spend untold thousands of dollars maintaining and upgrading our equipment and business systems; how much do we spend on our people to inspire and maintain their souls?  After a long journey searching for an answer to the question above, I found Bev Swanson and the group coaching wellness process she facilitates.  This wellness process truly allowed me and my senior leadership team to get to know and trust each other on a new and deeper level. In addition, and even more important, it allowed each of us to get to know and trust ourselves on a deep and individual level. The result has been a cohesive team that works together in the face of immense challenges in the current economy.  I have had colleagues from other parts of the company note the new energy and vitality of the team that I have the honor of serving.  This new energy and increased performance came from the 6-week group coaching wellness program that Bev facilitated and led us through. I highly recommend it to any business or corporation that is truly looking to inspire and serve those that they work with; for they are your most important asset. This process is life changing and life giving. “Living by Design” will take you on paths not charted: the results will be beyond expectation."

Mark Wowchuk, Plant Manager, ESCO Steinbach Steinbach, Manitoba