Peace Bye Peace
About Peace Bye Peace

Sandi Deschambault

Registered Art Therapist

Sandi has over 15 years of clinical experience. She has supported individuals of all ages and with a variety of issues including addictions and mental health, trauma, FASD, eating disorders, acquired brain injury, separation/loss and grief, and people with intellectual disabilities. Learn More...


David Deschambault

Certified Spiritual Director

David is a personal counsellor and certified Spiritual Director who received his training at the Hayden Institute, North Carolina, and St Augustine's Seminary, Toronto. He has over 30 years of combined experience in mental health, addictions, corrections and law enforcement. He is a co-founder of Peace Bye Peace, a retreat centre in Midland, Ontario. Learn More...


Pet Friendly

Peace Bye Peace welcomes you and your pet. Dogs must be leashed. We have three cats on the premises which do not reside in our hermitage or bed and blessing.


Professional Associations


What is Spiritual Direction

In our contemporary world people are dealing with complexities that can challenge faith. The world is quickly evolving and many of our beliefs are also evolving. As a result we are experiencing resurgence in the practice of spiritual direction.

Spiritual direction, guidance or companionship is concerned with helping a person with his or her relationship with God.

Most people who enter direction are seeking understanding about themselves and how their life circumstances are shaping the world they live in. For instance directees may ask themselves, “What is God trying to tell me in the present moment or life situation in which I find myself right now?” Once people have begun to listen properly they can discern what God’s message is for them.

To ask these questions means to open the door to our interior life. A spiritual companion can help us recognize a richness that has been buried deeply within. Spiritual guidance is directly concerned with a person’s actual experiences of their relationship with God.

When director and directee are joined together they create sacred space and invite the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“Spiritual direction is the companionship of two souls, on the pilgrim journey of faith, in union with the mystery of mysteries we call God”



What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is an expressive means to explore feelings, thoughts and behaviour that is very useful for individuals who have a visual communication style. It involves art making in the process of healing. It is helpful with all ages and is often used in conjunction with traditional “talk therapy”. There is no artistic experience necessary!