Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which can range from mild to severe. While there is no cure for epilepsy, there are treatments available to help manage the condition. Despite the prevalence of epilepsy, there are still many questions and misconceptions about the disorder. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common questions people have about epilepsy. What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures. Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical a ..read more

The cost of therapy in Canada ranges widely depending on a few different factors. You might have full or partial coverage through private or workplace insurance, and some Canadians have the option of low-cost, free, or government funded options.  The cost of therapy is a deciding factor for many, so knowing what you qualify for and how much it will cost is important.  Counsellor VS Psychologist  Typically psychologists have a “PsyD”, therefore their costs are a bit higher than a counsellor, anywhere from $200-250 per session. Psychologists provide assessments and diagnoses, that ..read more

When was the last time you took a break?  If you can’t remember, that could be having a serious impact on your mental health and  day to day life. Contrary to what the media might tell you, doing nothing is very good (and necessary) for your mental health.   The Sweetness of Doing Nothing If you’ve seen Eat Pray Love, then you’re familiar with the Italian mantra  “Il dolce far niente” ; the sweetness of doing nothing. The joy in taking time out of your week to do absolutely nothing. Delighting in nothing allows your body to rest and your mind to wander. The result ..read more

Opening up to a stranger can be difficult, especially if it’s about a sensitive subject. While it does get easier over time, it’s important to remember that your therapist is there to support you. They will often ask the opening question and guide you through your session with gentle questions and reminders. That being said, as the weeks pass sometimes it can be hard to find topics to discuss. Instead of ending your therapy sessions, this is a great time to dig a little deeper. Here are a few way to do just that:  Be present with your feelings Even though a lot may have happened throu ..read more

As counsellors, our main goal is to help you manage excess stress, anxiety, and different emotional concerns that are interfering with your quality of life.  If you are feeling on edge, angry, hopeless, or simply not like yourself, you probably need some extra support. Regardless of whether or not you have a safe person to speak with in your life, counselling can help you dig deeper, gain insights, and resolve issues to improve your day-to-day life.  There are various therapeutic approaches that can be tailored to your individual needs, but ultimately, counsellors should create a saf ..read more

What is gaslighting? Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where the bully or abusers misleads the target to make them question their judgment and reality. Gaslighters will try to manipulate, lie, and undermine your perception of reality, in order to break down your confidence and trust in self.   Gaslighting involves an imbalance of power between the abused and the abuser. It is a way to make the abused feel like they are acting unstable, and irrational, when really, it’s the manipulator who is lying and being deceitful. A gaslighter wants you to feel as if you are to blame for t ..read more

Whether you are starting a new phase of life, overcoming a breakup, grieving a loss or looking for more peace of mind, finding the right counsellor is the first step towards better mental health.   The relationship between you and your therapist can make or break how useful  your sessions are, and how much therapy will benefit you. That’s why it is so important to ask the right questions, and pay attention to your own responses as you look for a therapist.  Here are some tips to consider when deciding if a therapist is right for you.  Have realistic expectations abou ..read more

At some point or another,  we will all lose something we care about. For some, those emotions are more difficult to let go of, however, when grief becomes a part of your day-to-day life, you may find yourself harboring resentment, or carrying anger about a loss that you just can’t get over.  Grief happens to us when we lose someone or something close to us and it has the power to turn our worlds upside down.  Grief acts as a shock to the system, it breaks our routines, and distorts our realities. We may even find it hard to return to everyday life.  Whether it’s an individu ..read more

What is Somatic Therapy?  Somatic therapy is a newer type of empirically-based therapy that works with the body to release stress, tension, and anxiety that resides in the body from common mental health issues. Based on the philosophy that emotions are stored in the body, Somatic therapy aims to release negative emotions by identifying them and working through them using various techniques.  Initially, Somatic Therapy was created to help trauma survivors experience relief from flashbacks, difficulties sleeping, dysregulated eating patterns, and toxic relationships and lifestyle choic ..read more

If you’ve never been in therapy, the process can seem a little daunting from the outside.  A lot of people may be interested in counselling but are apprehensive about taking that first step, simply out of a lack of understanding about how the process works.  Even if you’ve already booked your first appointment, here’s what to expect from therapy if you’re asking yourself, how does counselling work, and what role do I play during my sessions? Getting Acquainted With Your Counsellor During your first session, your counsellor will usually begin to establish a working relationship with ..read more