What We Treat

Acute trauma refers to the difficulties experienced in the time immediately following an overwhelming event. After a traumatic event such as an accident, an act of violence, a natural disaster, the sudden or accidental passing of a loved one, or a physical or sexual assault, it is natural to struggle with a range of different … Read more

Addiction is the process of becoming dependent on a substance or behavior to the point where one is unable to stop or limit their use despite recognizing it as problematic. Although one’s substance use or behavioural addiction may be leading to issues with their functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall sense of well-being, giving up on … Read more

Anger is one of our basic emotions. It is completely normal for us all to experience this emotion in daily life. When expressed in healthy ways, anger can help motivate us to solve problems, cope with stress, or communicate with others. However, when anger leads to aggressive outbursts or rage, it could be destructive to … Read more

Anxiety can result from the system being stuck on high alert, hypervigilant of anything that can be perceived as a threat. Oftentimes even when our rational mind is aware that there is no danger, our emotional brain, which is evolutionarily older, behaves as though we are in constant peril. This part of the brain developed … Read more

Complex trauma differs from trauma that results from a single incident or shocking event. It often occurs when individuals have endured multiple or chronic traumatic stressors, as in the case in physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or combat experience. Complex trauma can also result from the cumulative stress of multiple traumatic experiences throughout one’s life.  … Read more

What is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is any pain that lasts longer than 6 months and is not directly related to a muscular or skeletal injury; it can occur in any part of the body and range in severity from a constant dull ache to a disabling agony. In contrast, pain lasting 6 to 8 … Read more

Depression can make it incredibly difficult to find meaning and purpose to continue functioning on a daily basis. In these times it can be challenging to see a way out, which may lead to a sense of hopelessness. If you have experienced or are experiencing depression, you know that it goes far beyond sadness and … Read more

Disordered Eating In our society and in various sources of mass media, there are many different messages about what is desired or acceptable – especially in terms of eating habits and body weight or image. For men and women alike, confusion and frustration are common when the messages received are not consistent or go against … Read more

While death and loss are inevitable part of life, the process of letting go and healing after a significant loss can be complicated and painful. Someone that you had an attachment to is no longer there, and with that can come with a loss of part of the self as well.  Loss can also challenge … Read more

While counselling can be sought for a number of reasons that may or may not be related to one’s sexual identity, it is important that counsellors are competent in how issues in one’s life can be impacted by the various impacting aspects of one’s identity.  Strengths and challenges related to the experiences unique to gay, … Read more

It is common for all of us to experience changes in our moods throughout each day. Depending on the internal and external circumstances in our lives at the time, these changes might be positive or negative, helpful or maladaptive. Sudden changes in our moods could actually be very valuable, as this might help us to … Read more

The impacts of motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) are often not limited to solely physical injuries. The time following an accident can feel very frightening, isolating, and overwhelming. Fortunately, psychotherapy can be very beneficial in processing and coping with the aftermath of an accident.  This does not only apply to vehicular collisions but also includes accidents … Read more

We all have certain thoughts or ideas or even images that get “stuck in our minds” every now and again; in addition, we might engage in specific behaviours or actions in an effort to quell or get rid of such thoughts. An example could be when certain song lyrics continuously play in our minds until … Read more

PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health problem that can result from experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event such as sexual assault, combat, car accidents, or natural disasters. After such events it is a natural reaction to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, have difficulties sleeping, or participate in daily activities like going to … Read more

Self compassion refers to offering support, kindness, and acceptance to ourselves, especially at distressing or otherwise difficult times. Responding to personal failures with genuine warmth and care rather than reacting in cold and bitter ways characterize self compassion. In our society, we often find it easier to express compassion toward other people and might even … Read more

***If you or someone you know has threatened or is at risk for suicidal behaviours/attempts, please call 1-800-SUICIDE for immediate assistance OR visit your local emergency room. *** For some people, living with a mental or physical health condition, experiencing a tragic loss of a person, job, or end of relationship, or any other source … Read more