Downtown Prince Rupert has an oasis for complementary health care. Walking through the doorway of Cornerstones Wellness Centre the sounds of Enya permeates the air. Big, leafy plants grace the doorway as natural cedar boards emanate warmth in the reception area. Laughter reverberates from down the hall. There is a sense of peace and safety.

This is not your typical medical clinic. Here you are supported in discovering that wellness is not a state you achieve once and for all — rather, it is a state you are achieving.

In June of 2001, four dedicated, alternative health-care practitioners and long time Prince Rupert residents opened the doors of Cornerstones Wellness Centre.

The group includes: Dr. Leslie Roberts (Chiropractor), Joanne Roberts (Energy Therapist / Psychology of Vision Advanced Trainer), Betty Lou Hunt (Acupuncturist / Physiotherapist) and Ian G. Lundquist (Jin Shin Do&Mac226; Acupressurist / Addictions counsellor). These individuals met faithfully to plan and process the emotional gambit of wading through the details necessary make their vision a reality. That vision is simple: to have diverse, complementary practitioners together in one centre, in order to facilitate the healing process from a holistic perspective.

Cornerstones emphasises the foundation of the body, mind, emotion and spirit as one being, and supports personal accountability in each individual journey toward peace and wholeness. The clinic has: nine beautiful treatment rooms that are occupied by practitioners with a variety of healing techniques, and a comfortable workshop/presentation room which is host to many healing groups. There is a lot of history involved in the people and modalities behind these doors. Let us introduce you to a few.

Dr. Leslie Roberts is a Chiropractic doctor. Dr. Roberts has added cranial-sacral accreditation to her Chiropractic training, which gives her touch a depth that goes beyond putting spines in alignment. Her work also addresses the alignment of personal energy systems. She reaches continuously beyond the expected model of spinal manipulation to what she knows is the power of intentional touch. Her interests have also allowed her to create a monthly workshop entitled "Indigo Children," based on the book of the same name.
Betty Lou Hunt has been a Physiotherapist for 30 years and finds herself most drawn to the power of healing through medical Acupuncture. Acupuncture is painless and an effective treatment for balancing the body and our lives. Betty-Lou's acupuncture has helped people quit smoking, has balanced women’s menstrual cycles, and has released unneeded tension, to name a few of her treatments. Her sessions are tailored specifically to the healing needs of each client and her sparkling spirit is a joy all unto its own.

For myself, Ian Gregory Lundquist, my speciality at the clinic is Jin Shin Do&Mac226; Acupressure. There is a deep connection between acupressure points and emotional energy looking to be released. This is a wonderful alternative for people who do not like to be needled. I hold the points through clients' loose- fitting clothing while they are lying on their back with a bolster under their knees. The cellular memory of the body may be accessed during acupressure, which leads the session to each individual’s healing journey. With trust deep, emotional blockages can be accessed that may be impeding one’s health. I use counselling skills based on the Hakomi method to help the client deal with core issue’s that may have been buried for many years, and I also teach Jin Shin Do&Mac226; and am a trained addictions counsellor.

Joanne Roberts is a leader with Psychology of Vision. She is an advanced trainer who facilitates her own workshops based on creating energy for change. She leads monthly Foundation Day Workshops, empowering and giving leaders the tools required to lead in the new millennium. She has facilitated Community Healing Programs and Leadership for Healing Communities. Joanne also is a corporate coach, working with companies that are making changes to their organisations. She coaches boards and management teams looking for healthier alternatives to their current management models. Back in the clinic, she is the Body, Mind and Spirit coach, and her practice involves personal coaching for relationships, individuals, youth and groups. Her message is one of love and personal accountability. She empowers everyone to recognise that the power of our minds can change our world.

Well — has this all been a picnic in the park? By no means. Many have felt the economic downturn on the northwest coast. Cuts to peoples’ medical plans have reduced health benefits. Nevertheless, after 18 months, Cornerstones is still hanging in there and the light is getting brighter at the end of the tunnel.

Are we still friends as partners? Yes, thanks to our commitment and continuous addressing of issues that occur on an individual and partnership level. We, as partners, agreed we would use the principles of the Course In Miracles as our guide from the beginning. Sometimes this has not been fun. We meet weekly to connect as a group and address issues that have risen. We owe our ongoing partnership and friendships to the continued practice of these empowering principles.

What is unique about the Cornerstones Wellness Centre is the openness to other modalities. Practitioners from different healing backgrounds are all welcome, with the hopes that healing may be spread and shared with everyone.

Here are some of the workshops we have held at Cornerstones: Psychology of Vision, 3-day workshops facilitated by Joanne and friends; Janie and Julian’s Healing the Body through mind and metaphor; Francine Girard’s "Yoga and the Spirit"; Jin Shin Do - the basic 6-day course; ongoing Somatics workshops with Servass Mes; Jean Christian’s presentations on Homeopathy; Healing Touch with Brenda Anderson and Marsha Read. They are all a continuing reminder of how blessed we are to be part of this evolving experience that is Cornerstones.

Cornerstones Wellness Centre also has many associate practitioners including Dean Bergstrom (Rolfer), Sue Bergstrom (Skillfull Touch Massage), Sandy Leighton (Day Spa Practitioner, Deep-Tissue Massage, Reflexology), Lina Behie (Skillfull Touch Massage) and Jean Christian (Homeopathy).

Above all else, people seem to enjoy simply being in the space at Cornerstones Wellness Centre and taking time to reflect on themselves. Feel free to visit, 627-7255. Namaste.