As an assertiveness and communication skills coach and best-selling author, Barbara Small uses real life examples from both her personal and professional experience in her books and workshops. Her style is very down-to-earth, no-nonsense, direct, practical and fun. She uses situations familiar to all of us to demonstrate the tools and techniques she shares with her readers and participants.

Barb helps her clients and workshop participants focus on their strengths and on moving forward. She knows that it is possible to begin to value yourself, feel more confident, become assertive and communicate clearly and effectively. She looks forward to sharing her experience and knowledge with others.

Barb has a Masters degree in Counselling and has also trained as a Life Coach. She is the best-selling author of three self-help books, "If I Could Just Get Out of My Own Head: A No-Nonsense Guide to Communicating Effectively",  "What About Me, What Do I Want? Becoming Assertive" and "Blah, blah, blah... Changing Your Negative Self-talk". Her books have sold across Canada as well as internationally.

Barb worked with clients in private practice for over a decade and has been a speaker and facilitator since 1993. She has developed and taught numerous personal and professional development workshops for businesses, professional associations, community groups and the general public. She has taught through Continuing Education at both Camosun College and Malaspina College. Barb developed the curriculum and taught the course "Challenges in Counselling Support Practice" in the Counselling Support Certificate program at Camosun College for several years.

In the past Barb has worked as an employment counsellor, substance abuse counsellor, EAP counsellor and has been a program coordinator in both the post-secondary and non-profit sectors.

Barb has also completed the Registered Holistic Nutritionist Program through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and has a strong interest in holistic nutrition, complementary health and the mind-body connection between nutrition and physical and mental health.

Barb completed a diploma in Business Administration and worked for several years in the business field before navigating a career change into counselling, coaching, teaching and writing. Her own personal journey is an example of her belief that change is possible and that we all have the ability to create the life we want to live.

Barb is a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and the Federation of BC Writers.