References 

"Dave has demonstrated a knack for encouraging open communication and trust between family members. He works to get family members beyond blame to an appreciation of each other’s unique strengths.  I have often recommended his involvement in assisting families to break down barriers and achieve harmony."
 

Laura Brinkerhoff Palmer, M.B.A., VP,  Brinkerhoff Holdings Ltd., Calgary,
Past National VP, Canadian Association of Family Entrprise 

"David brings a genuine caring, sensitivity and insight to family business coaching. His skill at bringing clarity to relationship problems and facilitating solutions is priceless in helping business families achieve their succession goals."

Lynne Fisher, Fisher Langford-Jones,  VP, The Business Family Centre, Lecturer in Strategic and Organizational Planning, MacEwan School of Business

"I have appreciated Dave's skills in strengthening communications in the business setting. Dave also provides very helpful insights in resolving conflict and improving relational sensitivity."

Rod Sellers, President, Sellers RV, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

"I have been impressed with David's commitment to clients and his professional excellence. I have also benefited from his business astuteness and advice in building my own practice."

Dr.Ottawa Easingwood, New Start Counselling, Lecturer, Grant MacEwan College

Qualifications and Experience  

Dave has a BA degree, plus masters level counselling studies, primarily in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dave does not have a comleted Masters degree. Since 1987, Dave's counselling has focused primarily on coaching individuals, couples and families to make positive changes through individual, couple and family therapy.

After counselling with a number of agencies and organizations, Dave opened his own practice, Positive Changes in 1995. Since 1999, part of his focus has also involved coaching and counselling with family businessess throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Dave has taught courses and led workshops at Grant MacEwan Community College, with community organizations and with business families throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

These courses and workshops have focused on the following topics: conflict management, effective communications, anger management, change management, giving and receiving feedback. 

Approach: In all settings, Dave is very protective of each individual's dignity and self-esteem and emphasizes that, while we all make mistakes, it is vital that all feel respected and not judged. He is particularly skilled at creating an environment of emotional safety, which fosters honesty and breakthroughs.

Dave is a Certified Trainer in Personal Change Management and a Myers Briggs Qualified Trainer.