It’s Time to Consider
Individual Counselling!
Individual counselling for people in Barrie/Simcoe County, or virtually via video conferencing across Ontario
Individual counselling is about you – because it’s time you put yourself first! You do a lot for the people in your life, now is your opportunity to explore some of the changes you want, or need (or, in some cases, have been told you need), in order to improve your mood, or feel less stuck!
Counselling allows for self-discovery, better self-acceptance and the development of a sense of contentment, which fosters unprecedented growth from within. It will encourage hope, optimism and bolster self-confidence. Typically, counselling fosters new insight, which increases the ability to openly communicate with newfound respect for others and openly work through issues with more motivation and ownership. Counselling can help you tap into a new you!
A client may attend individual counselling for as few as three or six sessions, or as long as several years, depending on the goals for therapy.
Reaching out to a counsellor can be a difficult thing to do, but I have gratitude that you are placing your trust in me. As we start the counselling journey together, feel free to ask me anything you need to make the experience more comfortable and welcoming for you. As a Registered Social Worker, I am committed to maintaining your best interest during each and every interaction together.
GAIN INSIGHT
Insight-oriented counselling can be beneficial for clients wanting to explore their thoughts and feelings a bit more in depth. It can help to understand why you feel the way you do, help identify any unhealthy patterns of behaviour, and help you explore healthier coping strategies to deal with your emotions.
Quality of life
Counselling can help process painful, traumatic, negative or sad memories so clients can move forward with a more positive outlook on life. Counselling can teach new coping skills to learn healthier ways to respond to a problem, which helps to regain a sense of control, acceptance, peace-of-mind, happiness, and improved quality of life.
Emotional health
Counsellors are professionally-trained listeners who can help you get to the root of your problems, overcome emotional challenges and make positive changes in your life. Many people seek counselling for everyday concerns, including mental health problems, interpersonal problems or relationship problems. An effective counsellor helps you become stronger, more self-aware and more emotionally intelligent.
New Ideas
Counselling can work better if you have clearly defined goals you would like to achieve, as your counsellor can help you create coping strategies to move forward. A good counsellor can help you define your goals in a clear and concise manner. Clients who are open to trying new ideas and skills make better progress in counselling, as they are typically committed to the process inside the counselling room, and after they leave the session.
THE STARTING POINT
What’s going on in life?
It is a normal part of life to face setbacks and challenges along the way. Whether it be from soaring stress at work, increasing difficulties at school, relationship turmoil, alcohol or drug use, or from depressive or anxiety symptoms. Sometimes people can navigate stress and move on, other times we find ourselves filled with self-doubt, loneliness, and frustration. No matter how lost, stuck, angry, or defeated you might feel right now, please know that positive change can happen and I can help you with that change, in a way that is going to help you feel better and allow you to move forward in life.
Are you feeling stuck?
Are you feeling underwhelmed?
Are you feeling unfulfilled in your relationship?
Maybe you feel depressed.
Maybe you don’t feel heard, valued or respected.
You might be feeling like nothing can make things better.
You might be wondering why it has to be so tough.
You might be wondering why you are repeating old patterns and falling back on things you learned when we were younger.
You may be wondering why you can’t simply figure things out and move on!
Counselling Services for Issues Including:
LGBTQ2S+ Support
While I can likely relate to some of your stressors, I promise your counselling will be LGBTQ2S+ affirming, which will help you live and accept the most authentic version of yourself.
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Depression
It is a normal part of life to face setbacks and challenges along the way. Depression may feel as though it can not be beat, but counselling helps tackle the challenging symptoms you have been experiencing.
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Men's Issues
From a young age, most men are taught rigid masculinity – that is to be strong and to keep their emotions to themselves. This often leads to many men feeling isolated, anxious and depressed. Counselling can help.
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Anxiety
No matter how worried, fearful, or sad you might feel right now, please know that positive change can happen and I can help you with that change, in a way that is going to help you feel better and allow you to move forward in life.
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Separation/ Divorce
Emotional Regulation
Employment/ School Stressors
Sexuality
Gender Based Abuse
Relationship Stress
Alcohol or Drug Addiction/ Misuse
Grief & Loss
Trauma
Gender Identity
Gender Transition
Take the First Step
Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute telephone or online video consultation to see if counselling with me is a fit. During the call, we can discuss your challenges and whether I can help you! I’ll answer any questions you might have about myself and my approach, as well as counselling in general. If appropriate, I will also provide you with a few options and resources that might be useful whether or not we decide to work together.
My Approach
Assess/ Clarify Situation
Through careful consideration, curiosity and open dialogue, together, we can identify a newfound way of thinking about and understanding your situation.
Goal Setting
In order to be effective, it’s typically best to aim for setting SMART goals, as they are easier to achieve.
SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely. Let’s get goal setting!
Implementation
Together, we will explore and create habit-forming strategies to support you and help you achieve your goals. Your progress will be reviewed and adjustments will be made to keep you moving forward towards long-lasting change.
One Step at A Time
I learned early in this work to meet clients where they are at, which allows for building a better rapport together and sorting out the type of issue you are dealing with. Working together, I can help you understand your issues better, which helps with setting goals for moving forward.
I will listen, I will ask lots of challenging questions and I will prompt your strengths to get working for you. I will tap into your wisdom, sometimes even when you don’t believe it exists, and help you set small, achievable goals to work towards. Together, we will identify potential obstacles to your goals and develop plans to address them. Your progress will be reviewed and adjustments will be made to keep you moving forward towards long-lasting change.
FAQ
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy usually mean the same thing, as they have a lot in common. Both terms are used to describe talk-based therapies to help someone address a problem they are dealing with. Problems could include mental illness, mental health problems, relationship issues or any stressor they are dealing with.
Are my counselling sessions private and confidential?
Everything you discuss in counselling is confidential, with a few exceptions. A record of each session is maintained and only you, as the client, has access to the file, without your written consent. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including:
- If there is reasonable grounds to believe that a child under the age of 16 may be in need of protection
- If there is reasonable grounds to believe that you or someone else is in imminent danger of harm
- If there is reasonable grounds to believe a vulnerable adult is in need of protection
- If there is reasonable grounds to believe a regulated professional you have received care from has caused harm
- If presented with a court order to release client files.
Are your counselling services covered through extended health benefits?
Social work services are covered under some benefit packages, so check your coverage to see if your benefits will cover counselling with me, as a Registered Social Worker (MSW. RSW). Social Work/counselling expenses are recognized by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a medical expense for income tax purposes.
What is your counselling session rate?
The fee for an individual counselling session is $125.00 and sessions typically run around 50 minutes in length. Session fees are due the day the session takes place and payment can be made by cash, e-transfer or credit car. A receipt will be provided.
What if I can not attend a scheduled appointment (need to reschedule or cancel)?
In order to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify me 24 hours before the appointment in order to avoid paying a cancellation or ‘no-show’ session fee.