Testimonials

Our Counselling School Reviews

(Students and notable authorities review our training)
Thanks for the wonderful classes! And thanks for the technology which allowed me to be able to receive great lessons without the need of having to work towards a Canadian visa. I look forward to future new courses!
Elisa Alvim,
Psychologist, Brazil
It is my professional opinion that this course is well-organized and very comprehensive. It is without question that mastery of this course material would enable a person to perform high-quality work in the field of hypnotherapy.
Author; Imagineering for Health, The Urban Shaman
This comprehensive course has enhanced my work with people in distress and pain. I have no hesitation in recommending Orca Institute.
E.M. Smith, R.S.W., R.H.
Social Work Department, Cancer Control Agency of BC
In the medical field few of my colleagues receive such well-organized and comprehensive training in the field of hypnotherapy medical doctors and psychologists would be well served by the certification offered by Orca.
Past president of The Canadian Holistic Medical Association (1987-88).
In my opinion the course material is excellent, well-organized, comprehensive, and covers the field very well. I was pleased to note that Dr. Milton Erickson is given so much prominent attention, and that his system of using hypnosis has been incorporated. I knew Dr. Milton Erickson personally, having met him in 1952 at the home of Mr. Aldous Huxley in Los Angeles.
Author; Feel Better, Live Longer ,Smart Nutrients, Healing Cancer: Complementary Vitamin & Drug Treatments
My time with Orca has been an amazing learning experience. The course content, the instructor(s), the classes, the administration and students have all been exceptional.There is no doubt in my mind both Diane and Sheldon bring to the table expertise in the fields of counselling and hypnotherapy that would be hard to match anywhere – nationally or internationally. If you are considering counselling hypnotherapy or wanting to add or tweak these skills for your current practice I highly recommend you become involved with the Orca Institute. It will be time and money well spent.
Steven White, CH
Former student
I have been a practicing hypnotherapist and over 25 years, I have taken many courses with some of the top Hypnotherapy schools in Canada and the United States. The Orca program is the most thorough, in depth program I’ve taken. The courses were all designed by Sheldon. His content and structure is based on real life experience teaching and practicing Counselling Hypnotherapy. He does not cut corners nor does he try to razzle dazzle clients with entertaining displays of magic. This is the real deal. No hype.
Byron Miki, CH
Former student

I have gained considerable new skills from the Orca course work and my practicum. Combined, they have allowed me to connect with my clients in a deeper and more meaningful way; facilitating increased therapeutic progress and efficacy. I highly recommend this program !!

Charlene Harrison
ormer student
Excellent
Based on 31 reviews
Matt Mckinney
Matt Mckinney
I loved having the opportunity to be supported to craft my art as a counsellor. Coming from a background of various methodologies already, Orca provided a perfect container for me to find myself with my life experience and background, unifying and reimagining my skills in a counselling format. I definitely would recommend this program to those who have a lot to offer by way of helping others who need the guidance and mentoring to bring it into the counselling room. I really appreciated both Sheldon's willingness to make it work for me, and Diane's obvious passion and care for mentoring people. I searched for years for a route to bring my gifts into becoming a counsellor and Orca was a bit of a miracle for me, when I'd found it. This has been a great life decision. Thank you.
charity leach
charity leach
I was with Orca Institute from November 2020 to March 2023 and have completed the Counseling Hypnotherapy and Counseling Skills programs. Throughout these past years the support I received was absolutely incredible. I would highly recommend Orca to anyone that is interested in developing skills in counseling. Thank you to Sheldon and Diane for helping guide me be becoming a better version of myself.
Kim Brandt
Kim Brandt
The leaderhsip team is exemplary. My calls or emails were promptly returned. Teaching and admin staff were professional and i felt compassionately supported throughout the process. Well done and thankyou.
matt lowe
matt lowe
Orca Institute provided we with the foundational skills and learning that I needed to confidently start a private counselling practice. The teaching methods promoted subject comprehension and application of the material to personal life. Personalized and non-dogmatic learning supported the unique views, life experiences and skill sets that I have to offer as a counsellor. Thank you Sheldon, Diane and Orca faculty. Your raising a much needed, growing family of therapists
Benjamin Toh
Benjamin Toh
Very knowledgeable support and good structure of the course assist me in my journey all the way. Appreciate everything and a fantastic experience.
Alana S. Cook
Alana S. Cook
The Basic Hypnosis Course at Orca Institute is a great introduction to becoming a conscientious and effective hypnotherapist. I resonated deeply with the content of course because it emphasizes the importance of person-centered therapy and Ericsonian hypnosis, trusting that the client’s subconscious already knows the best solution. With the guidance of Sheldon and Diane, and by collaborating with classmates, you can learn these techniques to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of your clients. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning about hypnosis.
Flavia Shum
Flavia Shum
I recommend Orca Institute to others based on the following experiences: 1. It allows students to register for the course they need. 2. It allows students to have an extension. Many students work part-time or have other commitments. After you notify Sheldon and pay the extension fees, you could have a month or two to complete the assignments. 3. You could reach the instructor by phone, email or text message. She will return your message within a reasonable time. 4. You would be inspired by others' sharing in the counselling supervision class. 5. You would feel that Orca has a friendly studying environment.
Brenda Braaten
Brenda Braaten
As a graduate of the Counselling Skills Program with Orca Institute, I highly recommend the program. It is well organized and offers a wealth of practical and relevant learning in order to launch your own private practice. Diane and Sheldon lead you through the program and provide support whenever needed. They are ready and available to guide you in your growth as a counsellor and to provide feedback that is both helpful and encouraging. Diane is amazing and she provides space for you to be yourself and to discover who you are as a counsellor. She values diversity and individuality. As a university graduate I found the program challenging and intensive; this is an in-depth study of counselling skills and your skills will develop and flourish along this journey. I also grew personally as I traveled through each class. I would not hesitate to immerse yourself into the counselling program at Orca Institute.
Shaista Fatehali
Shaista Fatehali
Attending Orca Institute has been a a very fulfilling experience for me both professionally and personally. Not only did I learn how to become a counsellor, but I also learned so much about myself as a counsellor. I highly recommend Orca to anyone looking to become a counsellor.
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