Testimonials
Discover how Christine’s services have transformed the lives of parents and children alike.
We were very excited to have Christine do a workshop on making time for self-care with families from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Navigator program.
The session was insightful and deeply meaningful for our families. Christine was the right person to do this workshop for our families, because she is also walking in similar shoes of raising a child with special needs. She “gets it” and families could relate to her not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Christine understands each of us are on a similar but very unique journey. She did a great job on giving us tips on how we can cultivate time and create self-care habits in our busy lives. The one big take away from her session was simply making time to “be” with our children. We look forward to working with Christine again.
Lillian Kitcher
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Navigator Program
I felt it was important to write a testimonial to describe the life transforming coaching sessions I experienced with Christine L’Abbe.
Christine got to know me on a deeper level through an exploratory first session where we looked at different areas to focus on during our time together.
Christine is kind and compassionate and I immediately felt very comfortable sharing with her. She intuitively knew when to provide guidance and when to simply listen. Her sessions were flexible and met the needs of my current situation and sometimes they naturally flowed in different directions as needed. I personally learned a lot about myself during these sessions and solved some challenges in my life. Christine was generous with her time and I always felt fully supported and understood.
Without hesitation I highly recommend Christine’s coaching sessions.
B. Holt
Parent
Christine is amazing with my son and I cannot say enough wonderful words about her.
The first time we met her, I was shocked that she immediately focused on HIM and was able to attune to him and build a powerful connection. All other therapists we have ever met, always talk to me (instead of him) and focus on his limitations or pity him (and me) for his delays.
Christine is the only person (outside our little family) who can connect with him in a very deep and meaningful way, which is truly priceless to me, as his mother. Not only she is a great ABM practitioner who helps my son so much, she is also a truly authentic and deep person. When I see her working with Demir, I feel so happy and touched that my son has someone else who cares about him, respects him, sees him in a very authentic way, and appreciates his whole being.
I highly recommend her as an ABM practitioner and/or a conscious parenting & special needs family coach. I also highly recommend subscribing to her YouTube channel and following her blog Becoming Butterflies Inc. She consistently posts about what it is like to be a special needs parent, how to support our special needs kids, and how we, as parents, can change and transform ourselves to have a bigger impact on our children’s progress and development in a very powerful way.
Anastassia
Parent
Christine is a miracle worker and an angel. Of all the many, many health practitioners that my son has seen throughout his life, none have generated such immediate, tangible and dramatic improvements.
Having multiple diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism, IBS, dystonia, paranoia and OCD-like traits, my son has several physical and emotional challenges. After a single treatment with Christine, my son stopped a habit of constant drooling, and, for the first time in his life his t-shirt stayed squarely on his shoulders! I see practical improvements in my son after virtually every appointment including, improved posture, improved hand-eye coordination and improved mobility skills. He has started walking in excess of an hour a day, doing yoga stretches and even practicing the occasional interpretive dance. On the emotional level, Christine has earned her wings many times over. By offering her special brand of patience, kindness, and understanding, she helped to guide my son through many challenging appointments with a rare combination of dignity and grace. I totally and completely recommend Christine to everyone, whatever their ails, and am eternally grateful for her and her knowledge, compassion and wisdom.”Christine got to know me on a deeper level through an exploratory first session where we looked at different areas to focus on during our time together.
Christine is kind and compassionate and I immediately felt very comfortable sharing with her. She intuitively knew when to provide guidance and when to simply listen. Her sessions were flexible and met the needs of my current situation and sometimes they naturally flowed in different directions as needed. I personally learned a lot about myself during these sessions and solved some challenges in my life. Christine was generous with her time and I always felt fully supported and understood.
Without hesitation I highly recommend Christine’s coaching sessions.
Andrew
Parent
I am so thankful for Christine's presence in our lives, and here's why.
She popped up on Facebook at a time where I was finally ready to let the type of light she shines in! I think my son Simon was always ready for her, but I had my own journey as a parent right? I was ready to stop fighting, to stop being a warrior and to finally just BE! Be the mom I wanted to be, accept the help WE wanted to accept, be still, and start seeing the challenges we were facing as opportunities to grow, to see Simon as he is - a beautiful boy full of life and with beautiful gifts (as Christine would say).
From the first moment we met, it's like Christine could read between the lines of our lives. She offered us a safe space to speak freely, to heal from our misadventures and learn from them. She changed our language, speaking of different abilities, rather than disabilities. She listened without judgment. She helped by taking us where we were on our journey and moving us forward, and she cares deeply.
Christine always takes Simon where he is, listens and respects his boundaries. And that, is a gift of its own - her gift!
Every single time we leave a session, Simon and I sing in the car and I come home with the desire to move forward more and more and more... as a parent, as a mental health practitioner, and as a person. The fact that Christine's work not only influences the person she is working with, but also that person's surrounding is huge.
There is something about how Christine views things without blaming or shaming, something I find inspirational as well. It's something I thrive to do - no matter what the emotions, there is no need for shame or blame.
Antoinette
Parent
Christine was a guest speaker at our virtual parent support group (Tourette Ottawa Chapter) and offered our parents a different way of looking at our children and hence understand them better.
She captivated the audience with real and common examples that allowed us to put her suggestions in practice. It was an eye opener for many. Thank you Christine.
Tourette Ottawa
Chapter
As a coach, Christine took the time to fully understand my struggles and had the ability to take me on a journey of understanding, calmness and clear vision.
Her gentleness in explaining everything was remarkable. She has truly helped me be at peace with whatever chaos is happening around me.
Jo-Anne
Parent
My sessions with Christine began with an intention to explore a different career, but instead, turned into a journey of self-exploration. She quickly identified how consumed I was with the external world; with people's thoughts of me, and the stories I was creating in my head around situations. I never realized how burdened I was by guilt, negative self-talk and self-judgement, until now. There were a lot of 'ah ha' moments in our chats... as I began to redirect my attention inwards.
Our meetings always felt like a safe space for me to express myself, and never once did I feel like Christine was judging me. She listened attentively as I rambled on about situations I had encountered and the negative feelings they brought on. I knew she was paying attention because she would often bring up comments I had shared in previous sessions, to show me how my insecurities were all interconnected.
After every session, Christine was diligent about sending me a debrief email. I found it really helpful to have the key points of our discussion on paper, so I could review them and remain committed to my goals.
The weekly homework she provided was realistic and achievable. She forced me to become more aware of my thoughts, by asking me to write them down in a journal, (every day if possible). That end-of-day reflection helped me look inwards for answers, triggers and linkages to my past. We also integrated a 5-minute meditation every day. Writing about situations that make me feel good inside, and repeating positive affirmations throughout the day, also helped focus my thoughts, and practice self-love and self-growth.
Overall, Christine's sessions made me accept that healing, loving yourself, and becoming more authentically 'you'... is not something you check off a list; it's a practice. I used to think I could read a book and then poof, I would be a changed woman. But when that didn't happen, I was left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled. Now, the pressure's off. I understand that this is a process; it's something you have to work at, over months and years.
That being said, it's incredible how much progress I made, in such a short time. I can honestly say that I feel lighter and happier. The coaching sessions have brought much more balance into my life, and have sent me on a really positive path.
Caroline G.
Parent
Evolve Movement is the community I have been looking for since my daughter was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
In my desperate search to find treatments for my daughter's devastating disease, I kept cutting time for self-care and enjoying my wonderful child. Thanks to coaching sessions with Christine, I am more balanced, centered and energized to continue my journey as a special needs mom.
Amy
Parent
Having Christine as a coach is a blessing, I have worked with other professionals before but she is different. She is very good at identifying and describing the current problem and suggesting the ways to deal with the problem.
She is very easy to talk and open up to, by creating a safe place we were able to uncover a lot during our sessions.
As a parent of a neuro divergent child, I believe she has gone the same way prior, and now she has become a great compassionate guide for others.
Mehrnaz
Parent
Evolving together is a community where parents can find some answers, guidance and help for their differently-abled children.
We are at the beginning of our journey with our 4-year-old girl, and we are learning how to connect with her, how to become more conscious about her needs and how to advocate for her.
Advocating for them is very important and we need to give up the idea that different kids need to be "fixed". Instead, we should focus on creating an environment where they can develop and reach their full potential.
Christine advised us that it is very important to know how to respond to the child's needs, and to adapt to her changing needs, so that she feels safe and connected with us.
Christine shows us how to make her feel safe, make her know that she is heard and encouraged her to keep going.
Thank you Christine, for the effort and involvement to bring everyone together!
Anca
Parent
Something happened the other day when we were with you, or perhaps it was thanks to your words that I could reconnect with the essence of Amelia, she can definitely feel it.
We have a much better atmosphere at home now, it is wonderful and I am really grateful for this.
Emily
Parent
Thank you so much for coming Christine! Parents loved you and between myself and Mari, we had a flood of emails afterwards asking to make this an annual event and have you over and over with us.
Kids and parents felt an instant comfort and connection with you. And that speaks volumes.
Jessy, Educational EXPO for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
(CHEO)
Thanks so much for making this amazing session available to us. The speaker was great. It's not easy to speak to a bunch of blank screens, but she expertly and passionately spoke about the topic. Although I was just listening, I was fully engaged, such an interesting way to think of things.
The personal examples and stories helped explain things in a way that was relatable and memorable. Definitely something to consciously think about going forward. Thanks again.
Attending A Virtual Workshop
Parent
Christine is a miracle worker and an angel. Of all the many, many health practitioners that my son has seen throughout his life, none have generated such immediate, tangible and dramatic improvements.
Having multiple diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism, IBS, dystonia, paranoia and OCD-like traits, my son has several physical and emotional challenges. After a single treatment with Christine, my son stopped a habit of constant drooling, and, for the first time in his life his t-shirt stayed squarely on his shoulders! I see practical improvements in my son after virtually every appointment including, improved posture, improved hand-eye coordination and improved mobility skills. He has started walking in excess of an hour a day, doing yoga stretches and even practicing the occasional interpretive dance. On the emotional level, Christine has earned her wings many times over. By offering her special brand of patience, kindness, and understanding, she helped to guide my son through many challenging appointments with a rare combination of dignity and grace. I totally and completely recommend Christine to everyone, whatever their ails, and am eternally grateful for her and her knowledge, compassion and wisdom.
Andrew
Parent
Yesterday, my son blurted out 'I like myself mom, yup, I really do'.
Thank you so much for your kindness with him and shedding light on his gifts and personality so he can learn to see it and so I can learn to love every part of this little human being. I've learned a lot through our interactions.
Arlene
Parent
After years and years of therapies and specialists. My son has thrived most in his lessons with you. It is easy to see why. You are filled with knowledge and experience, but most importantly, you see and accept him for who he is, helping personalize his lessons.
This allows him to feel happy and accepted as he is, creating a safe space for him to learn and progress. Connection is everything! We were isolated for two years during the pandemic and you were the only 'educator' he spoke of asked to see.
Samantha
Parent
Mon mari et moi avons décidé de faireconfiance à une connaissance qui nous avait parlé des bienfaits de la méthode Anat Baniel exercé par Mme Christine L’Abbé. À notre grand étonnement, dès la première séance, un grand calme s'est installé en nous, car on savait que notre fille de 3 ans était en bonne main. Mme L’Abbé est tout d’abord une personne formidable, passionnée par ce qu’elle fait et à l’écoute des parents et de l’enfant, ce qui est très rare de nos jours. Avec ses conseils, elle nous guide afin de continuer à avancer d'une toute nouvelle façon avec beaucoup d'espoir et de sérénité. Si quelqu’un désire obtenir du coaching, un guide, aider son enfant avec des besoins particuliers et ne sait pas par ou commencer,
Christine est LA PERSONNE qui vous faut. De plus, avec son équipe de spécialistes/experts, elle saura vous guider afin d’obtenir une piste éclairée et tout le soutient possible.
P.R.
Parent
We turned to ABM and Christine in hopes of it helping our daughter Luna be the best version of herself as she lives with cerebral palsy. After only a few sessions, her alertness, enhanced posture and improved range of motion were noticeable to all, including family and doctors. Christine is patient, caring and passionate. You can truly see the love she has for these kids and the urgency to help them. Following Anat’s techniques she truly helped our daughter achieve new goals we had been working on for weeks.
Her ability to be guided by the child, using ABM to awaken parts of our daughter's brain was not only fascinating but miraculous. She often told us Luna has an “amazing brain” with such excitement. At first, we were taken back, as parents of a child with severe brain damage, “amazing brain” is not something that crosses our mind when describing our daughter but as she would move Luna, limb by limb, vertebrae by vertebrae, her body responded, and with Christine’s guidance her abilities improved. Our views on our daughters' brain damage has changed. She indeed has an “amazing brain” and we will keep learning new skills and push neuroplasticity through ABM.
We are forever grateful to Christine for our sessions and hope she can use her technique, compassion and skill to aide as many children and adults with special needs.
Melissa & Corey
Parent
We had four intensive sessions in Montreal with Christine for my daughter (7 years, for her language, fine motor and attention difficulties) on May, July, September, November 2018.
Christine has been an amazing therapist during her lessons and my child has been motivated to participate during the lessons; she willingly did all the exercises Christine was giving; has become conscious about her breath, about the way she feels her body, her movements and has become much more precise with her motricity (which reflected in her writing in school as well); distinguishing and self - managing fast and slow movements. The slow way of learning (which has been taught also by Christine) helped a lot my child in her learning process in school and in the speech process itself - pronunciation, articulation, sentences structure. We have been doing therapies for years - occupational, speech, ABA; nevertheless the Anat Baniel Method we have discovered this year had an amazing new positive impact global development, self- improvement and motivation for my daughter.
Christine is not only very professional, but she engages and truly communicates with the child. She addresses with the child the challenges by listening and being completely present for my child and her individual needs.
My daughter loves her so much! Thank you, Christine, we are looking forward for the new intensive sessions in Montreal in the new year.
Milena
Parent
Christine was a guest speaker at our virtual parent support group (Tourette Ottawa Chapter) and offered our parents a different way of looking at our children and hence understand them better. She captivated the audience with real and common examples that allowed us to put her suggestions in practice.
It was an eye opener for many. Thank you Christine.
Tourette Syndrome Parent Group
We were very excited to have Christine do a workshop on making time for self-care with families from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Navigator program. The session was insightful and deeply meaningful for our families. Christine was the right person to do this workshop for our families, because she is also walking in similar shoes of raising a child with special needs.
She “gets it” and families could relate to her not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Christine understands each of us are on a similar but very unique journey. She did a great job on giving us tips on how we can cultivate time and create self-care habits in our busy lives.
The one big take away from her session was simply making time to “be” with our children. We look forward to working with Christine again.
Lillian Kitcher
Parent Navigator
In just a short amount of time, it was clear that Christine's work was effectively decreasing my son`s high muscle tone caused by cerebral palsy. This provided him with much more freedom in his movements and much more freedom to explore movement possibilities. We frequently see him ''do something new'' and gain in his gross motor skills following ABM lessons. Christine`s ability to connect with the children she works with is remarkable. In just two short series of lessons, my son developed a bond with her and is extremely fond of her. We have now been seeing Christine L'Abbé for over a year and they continue to have a lovely, trusting, warm relationship.
It is beautiful to see my son have such a beautiful relationship with someone who is helping him make connections with what his body can do. Christine L'Abbé is a calm, kind and compassionate soul and a very competent practitioner and we are very lucky to have her in Ottawa.
I encourage anyone who has a child with special needs, a loved one who is recovering from a neuromuscular disorder or anyone who just wants a better mind body connection to see Christine and discover the ABM method.
Michelle
Parent
My daughter has a rare genetic syndrome and we started seeing Christine in January 2018. Not only is she a great therapist but she also has this ability to build a great relationship with kids.No one is capable of getting my daughter in those positions without her crying, but Christine can do almost anything to Elia. She plays with her, she sings to her and Elia doesn't even realize that she is working.
Elia has made TREMENDOUS progress since we have started and I can't wait until our next intensive session. Christine also has a lot of knowledge in anything related to child development. She is really professional, full of resources, and has a huge heart.
We are really lucky to have her as our therapist. We will never thank you enough Christine.
Pinar
Parent
Christine couldn't be more loving and passionate for what she does.My son has quad CP. He's 21 months and we've been seeing Christine for ABM intensives for almost 1 year now. We had nothing but good experiences with her. Already in the first intensive, Ethan, who had stopped babbling for a couple of months, restarted to babble and was using new sounds for the first time.
He has only improved since then and every intensive brought some other positive changes.Even when Ethan is not very collaborative, Christine comes up with ideas on how to work with him in different positions and get him engaged in his lessons. Her creativity is great. Thanks for all the great work you do, Christine! We are so fortunate to have you in Montreal!
Tania
Parent
Christine came to Kingston and worked with my daughter for four days, 2 sessions a day. I am absolutely amazed at the connection she had with my daughter, Faith will let you know if she likes you or not. She loved Christine. Since Faith's surgery and cardiac arrests we have never seen her move so much with so much range of motion than we did in the past four days.
Faith is usually very high tone (high spasticity and dystonia). We definitely cannot wait to work with her again and I am so excited to she how far she comes with her. I would definitely recommend this approach after what we witnessed as opposed to daily forced exercises with your child. So happy we found her (thanks Linda xo). Can't wait until next time.
Maureen
Parent
We have been bringing our son, who has Down Syndrome, to see Christine for lessons in Montreal for nearly 8-9 months. Christine is very warm and calming presence, and she has developed a very good relationship with our son who is almost 3 years old.
Over the course of that period, the changes and progress we have seen are truly amazing. We feel that with ABNM he is more and more able to tap into his full potential, with movement, gross and fine motor skills, as well as with his cognitive abilities. Every time he has lessons, he immediately can manifest new things and shows new learning!
Christine is very patient, and very skilled with children and our son immediately trusted her. She explains everything very well, and is always open to questions and discussions. We are truly grateful to have found someone like Christine!
Joana
Parent
Yesterday, my son blurted out ‘I like myself mom, yup, I really do’. Thank you so much for your kindness with him and shedding light on his gifts and personality so he can learn to see it and so I can learn to love every part of this little human being. I’ve learned a lot through our interactions.
Kelly
Parent
Something happened the other day when we were with you, or perhaps it was thanks to your words that I could reconnect with the essence of Amelia, she can definitely feel it. We have a much better atmosphere at home now, it is wonderful and I am really grateful for this.
Ariana
Parent