One Life Counselling & Coaching Reviews Analysis: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Expect
Rod Mitchell, MSc, MC, Registered Psychologist
What Do Clients Really Say About One Life Counselling & Coaching?
Finding the right counselling service in Calgary can feel overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we analyzed 35+ Google reviews of One Life Counselling & Coaching spanning eight years (current as of September 2025).
What we found: consistent themes about their intake process, specific counselor strengths, and yes - a few concerns you should know about.
Why we wrote this: Emotions Therapy Calgary specializes in treating anger, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. We created this counselling Calgary reviews analysis as a resource for clients comparing therapy options - whether you choose One Life Counselling & Coaching, our clinic, or someone else entirely.
If you'd like help figuring out what you need, we offer free 20-minute consultations with no pressure to book.
For those still exploring options, you may also find our companion articles helpful:
Table of Contents Hide
First Contact & Therapist Matching
If you're nervous about making that first call to a counselling clinic, here's what actually happens when you contact One Life Counselling & Coaching.
The standout feature: A real person answers the phone. As one client put it, this "feels rare these days."
"A real person actually picked up the phone... and they took the time to ask me about what I was looking for. They suggested a therapist who not only matched my needs but also had availability that worked with my schedule."
- Amy O.
The Intake Process
Needs assessment first - Staff ask specific questions about what you're looking for before suggesting any therapists
Schedule matching - They find therapists with the right expertise AND availability that fits your schedule
Free 20-minute consultation - Talk with the therapist before committing to make sure their style works for you
Online booking option - Skip the phone call entirely with their online system
One reviewer mentioned going from "feeling lost and unsure where to start" to hanging up "with a clear plan and a great first step forward."
Bottom line: Multiple reviewers confirmed the clinic uses actual matching (not just whoever's available) and offers a free consultation before you commit.
Individual Counselor Reviews
Multiple counselors work at One Life Counselling & Coaching. Every counselor mentioned by name received positive feedback - there wasn't a single negative review about any specific therapist.
| Counselor | Number of Reviews | Specialties/Strengths Mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Ken (Owner) |
16 reviews | Creates "safe but appropriately challenging" environment; couples and individual therapy; adapts between listening and problem-solving based on client needs |
| Darrah | 4 reviews | Career and business coaching; helps clarify goals and path forward; "asks questions to gently challenge your status quo" |
| Rachelle | 1 review | Online counselling; "drew connections from past experiences that no other therapist had helped me see" |
| Kristina | 1 review | Called "one of the most excellent ones" by another mental health professional; sessions described as "safe, validating, empowering" |
Common Themes Across All Counselors
Non-judgmental approach - Multiple reviewers used words like "no judgment," "safe," and "acceptance"
Balance of support and growth - Counselors both listen when needed and challenge clients appropriately
Different types of help available - The clinic offers both therapy (for mental health) and coaching (for career/life goals)
"I've worked with both a coach and therapist at One Life, and they've been so helpful and easy to talk to. Their judgment-free vibe makes it such a comfortable experience."
- Lauren M.
Key takeaway: While Ken has been there longest with the most reviews, every counselor mentioned received enthusiastic feedback. Several clients mentioned the clinic's "high standards" for hiring, which may explain the consistent positive experiences.
Client Transformations
Multiple reviews specifically described life changes after therapy at One Life Counselling & Coaching. Here's what they reported achieving.
Types of Breakthroughs Reported
| Issue Addressed | Outcome Described |
|---|---|
| Long-standing patterns | "Fixed things that were in my life since my teen years" and "shift from doubt and quiet acceptance of unhappiness to a life filled with purpose" |
| Relationship problems | "After a few sessions we had a plan in place. The suggestions worked brilliantly" - multiple couples reported saving their marriages |
| Anger management | "Helped me understand how anger was robbing me of experiencing life the way I wanted" |
| Career clarity | "Instrumental in helping me define my next career chapter" with clear goals and path forward |
| Past trauma | "Drew connections from my past experiences that no other therapist had helped me to see" |
Timeframes for Change
While every situation differs, reviewers who mentioned timeframes reported:
Immediate relief - Several mentioned feeling better after the first session just from being heard
Plans within weeks - Couples specifically mentioned having actionable plans "after a few sessions"
Major shifts within months - One client worked with Ken for "a couple of years" for deep changes, another saw results "after a few months"
"Today, I live my best life - with a loving family and a deep understanding of who I am."
- David O.
Three reviewers called their experience a "game changer" or used similar strong language. No reviewer mentioned their therapy "not working," though results varied in timeline and scope.
Reality check: People who have breakthrough experiences may be more motivated to write reviews. Your results will depend on many factors including your specific situation and readiness for change.
Payment & Administrative Issues
Out of 35+ reviews, two people reported payment-related problems. While this represents less than 6% of reviewers, here's what they experienced and what you should know.
The Concerns Raised
Phone payment security - One person was uncomfortable being asked for their credit card's CVV code over the phone and chose not to book
Payment system communication - Another reviewer reported "bad payment system and communication" though specific details weren't provided
The clinic responded to the first concern explaining they use JANE App (a standard healthcare payment platform) where card details are encrypted and staff cannot access them after entry.
Your Options
If you share these concerns about phone payments:
Use their online booking system instead
Ask to provide payment through their secure portal
Request to pay in person at your first appointment
Context: The majority of reviewers who mentioned administration called it "convenient" or "simple." No other payment complaints appeared in the reviews we analyzed.
What Makes One Life Counselling & Coaching Different
Based on client reviews, here are the clinic's areas of focus and what sets them apart from other Calgary counselling options.
Specialized Services Mentioned
| Specialty Area | What Reviewers Said |
|---|---|
| Couples Counselling | Five reviewers specifically mentioned couples work. "All psychologists are trained in couples counselling." Results described: "fixed marriage," "found solutions," "plan worked brilliantly" |
| Trauma Therapy | Multiple reviewers mentioned trauma work. EMDR therapy was referenced |
| Career/Business Coaching | Distinct from therapy - helps with professional goals, leadership development, business decisions. Available alongside or separate from counselling |
| Anger Management | Specifically mentioned helping understand how anger affects life quality |
Couples Counselling Success Stories
Five different couples shared their experiences, with notably consistent positive outcomes:
"When my partner and I went to see Ken, immediately we felt his compassion towards finding a solution. Without wasting any time and after a few sessions we had a plan in place. The suggestions he gently made to us worked brilliantly."
- Rosalind R.
Another reviewer mentioned working with Ken "in both couples and individual work" over two years, suggesting they offer flexibility in approach.
What Makes One Life Different
Both therapy AND coaching available - Address mental health issues with therapy or work on career/life goals with coaching, all in one place
Couples training reported - One reviewer stated all therapists are trained in couples work, unlike many clinics where you need to find a couples specialist
Bottom line: If you need couples counselling or want both therapy and coaching options, multiple reviewers confirm these as particular strengths.
Conclusion
Based on 35+ reviews, One Life Counselling & Coaching shows clear strengths: personalized therapist matching, strong couples counselling outcomes, and the unique combination of therapy and coaching services. Ken Fierheller in particular has positive reviews spanning eight years in this analysis.
One Life might be a good fit if you:
Want both therapy and career coaching options
Need couples counselling (one reviewer stated all their therapists are trained in it)
Prefer a free consultation before committing
Value therapist stability (same team appears across multiple years of reviews)
The consistent positive feedback suggests One Life is worth considering, especially for couples work or if you want both therapy and coaching options.
And if you're still exploring options, we're here too. At Emotions Therapy Calgary, we specialize in anger, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues - with free 20-minute consultations to help you find the right fit.
