Heidi Cowie will tell you with a musical laugh, that before she embarked on her own personal journey to run her own business, she sold drugs (for a pharmaceutical company). Two careers later she realized she wanted to return to what she always had dreamed of doing. And, she quips, “there is more to life than selling drugs”.
Heidi had left her general BA program, specializing in sociology in 1975 to work for Bell Canada during a time when the job market was very tight. Ten years later she moved on to work for Steifel, a pharmaceutical company. But deep down Heidi longed to help others in another way. She began by volunteering at the Women’s Center in the YWCA, and knew without a doubt she loved working in counseling and helping others. She returned to school, enrolling in the Social Work Program at McMaster University in Hamilton and graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work in. “We live in a high stress society, and everyone at one time or another could benefit from speaking with a counselor.” Said Heidi. And that’s where Heidi helps!
In 2003, after graduation, Heidi combined her business experience and training and opened a counseling practice out of an office in her home. With $3,000 invested she set up her office and web site and opened started Heidi Helps.
She meets clients as a result of referrals from Physicians and word of mouth. In her counseling Heidi assists her clients with problem solving strategies, anger management, stress management, and communication skills. These newly learned skills help them go forward in their lives with more knowledge, confidence, and self-esteem.
It is very apparent that Heidi loves what she does. “Watching people leave my office happier than when they came means that I have made a difference in their lives and the lives of people they touch. That influence will touch everyone they meet.” says Heidi with a smile that lights up her face.
In addition to counseling, Heidi also loves to speak at community and church groups. She speaks to issues such as caregiver stress, healthy relationships, communication skills, and adapting to life transitions. Heidi explains “This gives me an opportunity to connect with groups of people and hopefully share information that may improve some aspect of their lives or someone they know.” Seminars and workshops she facilitates also help her to spread her message of healing.
The sacrifice of ending her career with its lucrative salary and benefits and leaving behind many friends and alliances has been a small price to pay for Heidi when she speaks of the rewards of being able to work at what she loves best - helping others. copyright Elaine Edie 2004. Click here to read Toronto Sun article featuring Heidi.
Heidi Cowie will tell you with a musical laugh, that before she embarked on her own personal journey to run her own business, she sold drugs (for a pharmaceutical company). Two careers later she realized she wanted to return to what she always had dreamed of doing. And, she quips, “there is more to life than selling drugs”. 
