According to mythology, the Phoenix is a bird resembling an eagle that lived for 500 years and then burned itself to death on a pyre from whose ashes another phoenix arose. It was thought to be a gentle creature alighting so gently that it crushed nothing. The Phoenix phenomenon speaks then to the enduring belief that 'out of the ashes' of the old, new life rises. In Chinese mythology, the Phoenix is the symbol of high virtue and grace, of power and prosperity. It represents the union of yin and yang. Master Lam Kam Chuen's captures the symbolic essence of the phoenix as:

Thus the name, Phoenix Rises. It is a new creation born out of Monteith & Forsyth Counselling & Consulting Inc. that captures all the element of rebirth, new life, union of the yin and yang, gentleness, grace, power, prosperity, vision, intense excitement and deathless inspiration. It captures all that we are and hope to bring to those we serve.

Monteith & Forsyth Counselling & Consulting Inc. began as a deep-seated vision of Diane Monteith who always desired to have her own practice. She actualized this dream on a part time basis in 1984. Sandra Forsyth joined her in 1987 and together, in record time, they build a vibrant, flourishing full time private practice. For the first decade, they practiced out of the Health Plus Medical Building in Midnapore. In 1999, as part of the fulfillment of their vision, they purchased The Argyle House. In 2008, Diane and Sandra sold the Argyle House and moved their Calgary practice to Highstreet House, 700, 933 – 17th Ave. SW.  They also expanded their practice to Penticton at the Okanagan Wellness Centre, 318 Main St.  On-line counseling sessions were successfully introduced for existing and new clients.
  

Until now, the vehicle to Diane Monteith and Sandra Forsyth's mission has been largely met through counselling, psychotherapy and consulting with individuals, couples, families, and with those having concerns related to professional, business, and career success. Monteith & Forsyth Counselling & Consulting Inc. remains an important vehicle of change. However, out of it is born Phoenix Rises, the new corporate entity which represents the emerging vision to bring into the world Diane and Sandra's life long experience and growth through the means of high impact, experiential, transformative workshops: It is the difference that make the difference. 

    

T. Diane Monteith MSW, RSW MCS
Registered Clinical Social Worker / Psychotherapist
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Member
EMDR Certified Therapist
Chamber of Commerce Member

Diane, the co-founder of Phoenix Rises, is hugely successful in facilitating transformation through her experientially based psychotherapy. She has been a therapist for thirty years and has operated a successful private practice since 1984. Diane has expertise in the areas of: addictions; mood disorders; trauma; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; esteem issues; life transitions; and sexuality issues; dysfunctional family issues; codependency; adult children of dysfunctional families. Diane is trained in a number of therapeutic modalities including marriage and family therapy, EMDR, psychodrama, spiritual and energy healing, and soul journeywork.

Diane Monteith is a well-known leader in the domain of successful marriage and family therapy. Diane is highly effective in her individual work with woman. In addition, having grown up in a family of boys and having a unique personal style that combines the yin and yang, Diane has a special ability to understand and effectively counsel men. Many of Diane's clients are professionals and business owners who come specifically to rejuvenate their businesses and careers through personal growth as Diane has a unique knowledge of the relationship between outer success and inner growth. Diane is a dynamic speaker and workshop presenter. 'The Ropes of Private Practice' and 'The Secret World of Transformed Mid-life Coupleship' are but two new workshops that she is currently offering.

Sandra R. Forsyth MSW, RSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Psychotherapist
EMDR Certified Therapist

Sandra, the other cofounder of Phoenix Rises has been a psychotherapist for over 25 years and in private practice since 1987. Sandra is well known in the field for her transformative work with children and parent/ child relationships. Many families and couples, with her expertise, have successfully overcome struggles arising out of separation and divorce; blended family dynamics; parent management issues; attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems such as oppositional defiant disorder. Sandra's therapy has proven effective for individuals in the areas of life transitions; self-esteem issues, life stresses, codependency, adult children of dysfunctional families, mood disorders such as depression, and a myriad of other life issues. She also facilitates adjustment for those facing chronic illness and /or loss and grief. Sandra has an outstanding reputation for her healing therapy with those adults and children-facing trauma resulting from emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. Her therapy modalities include EMDR, visualization therapy, experiential therapies, play therapy, energy work and soul journeywork. Sandra has a spiritual emphasis that enhances the depth and breadth of her psychotherapy. She presents seminars and workshops related to her areas of expertise.