I’m a certified Realization Process teacher, personal development coach, learning consultant and expressive arts therapist in training.
Hello. My name is Thomas Lai. I help people find their authentic self while navigating change and complexity.
I am certified to teach the Realization Process®, a system of body-based meditation practices for deepening your connection with Self and others. As a coach, I help my clients explore who they are authentically, realign with what matters to them, and create a wholehearted life.
The search for authenticity and connection has been a special interest of mine. Growing up as a highly sensitive, queer, one-and-a-half generation Canadian immigrant of Asian descent with roots in both Chinese and Indian heritage presented both internal and external conflicts. Through years of personal development, alternative healing, therapy, coaching and spiritual practice, I've learned to find strength and inner peace from living as my essential nature, fully embodied.
Through Lifted Being, I serve folks from diverse backgrounds and social identities who are looking to feel seen in a safe space for self-discovery. Many of my clients are highly sensitive. Through partnerships with researchers and organizations, I also work with youth and adults in Toronto who face intersectional challenges.
As a creative person, I practice sumi-e and other forms of art. Although I am primarily a visual artist, my first love is dance and movement. Through embodied mindfulness, meaningful conversations and the use of imagination, I believe anyone can recover a sense of aliveness and belonging.
I take a gentle, non-invasive approach that integrates meaningful conversations, embodied mindfulness and the power of imagination.
Learn more about my approach.
Qualifications
Education
Expressive Arts Therapy Diploma (in progress)
The CREATE Institute
Brief Coaching Certificate
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
Masters Certificate in Adult Training and Development
Schulich School of Business
York University
Bachelor of Design with Honours
York University / Sheridan College
Membership
Student Member
Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA)
Teacher certifications
Embodiment Teacher Certification
The Realization Process®
Healing Ground Teacher Certification
The Realization Process®
Unified Mindfulness Foundations Teacher
Unified Mindfulness
Additional training
2SLGBTQ Foundations
Rainbow Health Ontario
Opioid Harm Reduction Champion
Canadian Red Cross
Polyvagal 101
Justin LMFT
I am grateful to be operating on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (ho-den-oh-sho-nee) Confederacy (aka. the Six Nations Confederacy), the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. I also acknowledge that this land is part of the Dish with One Spoon territory.
