BC Business
Thirty-year-old “Michael” was having a difficult time forming meaningful relationships in his life. Growing up, the young professional had suffered through emotional family trauma that left him feeling as though he was never good enough. “I had deep-seated beliefs from the time I was little that I had no power over my own destiny,” says Michael. “I often suffered from the fear that I was falling short in all aspects of my life. I couldn’t get close to people, I certainly couldn’t get romantic and I didn’t trust people.” His low self-esteem prevented him from getting more satisfaction—not to mention joy—out of life. A year ago, he decided to seek help. While doing some research online, he came across ThroughConversation and liked what he read. Following an initial consultation with founder Jean-Paul Gravel, he signed up for a program. “I had such a great feeling about Jean-Paul… I had total faith that he could help me move through my issues,” says Michael, adding he has since recommended the program to family and friends. That was a year ago. Today, he is happier and his personal and professional relationships have dramatically improved. “There’s been a profound change in my life and I credit Jean-Paul for that,” he says. Olga Kniazeva also found success with ThroughConversation. Originally from the former Soviet Union, the highly educated professional had worked with prestigious organizations such as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Harvard University Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and Women Waging Peace. She also taught political science at the University of British Columbia. Despite having a successful professional life, after moving to Vancouver in 2003, a personal crisis plunged her into a depression that lasted years. Olga tried working with several therapists but to no avail. In 2010, she had a chance encounter with Gravel. “We spoke and it was clear to me that he had what I was looking for,” says Dr. Kniazeva, adding she was so impressed by the results she got, she felt compelled to support Gravel’s work long after she completed her program. She now takes care of business development for ThroughConversation. “Jean-Paul changed my life in a very short period of time. Gone were thoughts of suicide and depression and I felt happy and content for the first time in years. And the best part was that these results last. It’s like you enter into a new self and this new self just happens to be happy, cheerful, and more effective in life.” Gravel’s methodology was developed in response to his own life story. “Growing up, I experienced many difficult situations. I developed into a strong, confident and happy person, but I also picked up many issues along the way. I was clearly a product of the environment I grew up in,” explains Gravel. That all changed one day in New York City. “I was looking down 42nd street, watching people, and it came to me: They weren’t really living, they were simply surviving, going through the motions. I realized that many of us, myself included, were essentially living fake lives,” explains Gravel. He returned to Montreal, and embarked on a long journey of self-discovery that eventually led to founding ThroughConversation. Gravel’s clients include CEO’s, musicians and everyone in between. His winning approach has helped clients—both in Vancouver and Europe—foster healthy attitudes, beliefs and daily thought patterns that have led to personal and professional life transformations.