When Tara Odovichuc’s marriage broke up in 2005, she found herself in a dark place.
“It was a really tough time,” said the Red Deer resident, recalling how she did “a lot of fumbling” over the course of a year.
Odovichuc ultimately did recover from the emotional setback. She now even sees the painful journey as a gift to be cherished.
“I would never give it back, just because there was so much growth and awareness that came from the experience.”
An Alberta Health Services counsellor, Odovichuc realized that her failed relationship had empowered her to become a stronger, happier and more confident person. And when she suffered another unexpected breakup in 2009, she was able to apply her new insights and rebound quickly.
“It was just really kind of looking at it from this new perspective that I’d figured out . . . and seeing that I could either do it the easy way or the hard way. I chose the easy way.”
Odovichuc is now even helping others overcome relationship strife. As the Breakover Coach, she serves a North American client base that extends as New York City.
Communicating via Skype, phone, email and face-to-face where appropriate, Odovichuc helps people find meaning in the adversity they’re facing and to grow as a result.
“It’s basically helping people turn a breakup into the best thing that’s ever happened to them,” she said of the process.
“It’s a lot about closure, but it’s also about figuring out what you want for the future as well, and working toward that.”
Odovichuc doesn’t describe herself as a counsellor, but rather a coach. In fact, although she thinks traditional counselling can help some people, for others, ongoing talk about their pain and suffering can push them into a bigger hole.
That was her experience when she sought professional help at the time of her divorce.
“I wanted answers on how to feel better and they couldn’t give them to me.”
Odovichuc encourages people to focus on the positives in their situation and to adopt a favourable outlook. These strategies, she added, can be used to overcome other setbacks, such as the loss of a job.
“It kind of takes the roller coaster out of life.”
Odovichuc has been operating Breakover Coach for more than a year. Some clients are now seeking her help for other issues.
“I find I do a lot of generalized coaching. People approach me during this time of their lives, but then it kind of expands further.”
Originally from Camrose, Odovichuc was living in White Rock, B.C., before she moved to Red Deer six months ago to help a sick family member.
She hopes to write a book about her Breakover process — something she’d considered doing before becoming a coach.
“I’ll probably do an e-book to start,” she said, explaining that this format would be more affordable and accessible to those in need.
“I just want people to not have to suffer.”
Additional information about Odovichuc and Breakover Coach can be found online at breakovercoach.com.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com