Areas of Focus

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Ups and downs in mood are a normal part of the human experience, however, sometimes people enter seasons where they find they are constantly on edge or perhaps perpetually in a low mood. When this happens, it can become harder to function and be involved in daily life. Relationships may suffer as it becomes more difficult to engage with others. Participation at work, home, or school may become more difficult as concentration and motivation feel limited. It can begin to feel like you are stuck and it can become hard to imagine a life that is not plagued by anxiety or depression. 

With Counselling offers a variety of approaches to help you work through anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, general overwhelm or lagging mental health. Depending on your needs, we may work with you to provide practical strategies to reduce your sense of overwhelm and protect your safety.  We will also seek to understand the root contributors to anxiety and depression to support lasting improvement in mental health. It is possible to get back to a space of greater calm and connection with others again. 

Relationships can be a source of support, enjoyment, and positive memories. However, they can also be a source of tremendous pain, frustration, and discouragement. The people in our lives that we struggle with, or the challenging times we encounter in relationships, can be a major source of stress which may impact other areas of our lives.  

At With Counselling, we see immense value in having a place to share what you are going through. We desire to help you process your experiences and gain clarity on how to navigate your situation in ways that honour your values. We believe in the importance of being heard and finding the right support as one navigates relationship difficulties. 

Andrew brings a compassionate, relational approach to counselling which helps set his clients at ease. He has training in the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy approach which informs his approach to couples counselling. He also has done training in Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy and the Neuro Change Strategy for individual counselling. If you are feeling stressed concerning a relationship, please feel free to schedule an appointment.   

Feeling angry, irritable, or frustrated are all difficult emotions to live with. When life has brought us to a place where these emotions are constantly present, we can get tired of feeling this way but not know what to do about it.  

At With Counselling, we recognize that what contributes to the experience of anger can be different for each of us. Using a compassionate, relational approach, Andrew would be honoured to help you navigate your experience and come to a better place. He desires to understand your situation, to help you gain a better understanding of your emotions, and to help you gently unpack what may be contributing to how you are feeling. If anger is affecting your ability to fulfill responsibilities, develop healthy relationships, or generally enjoy life, please feel free to schedule an appointment.

Living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or disability can come with immense challenges. There may be the experience of grief and loss over health or abilities. Increased need for medical support may result in chronic stress, medical trauma, or health-related anxiety or depression. Limitations in resources and energy can make self-advocacy a daunting task. Living with a daily reality that is different from your peers can feel socially isolating. 

At With Counselling, our counsellors are aware of the complex mental health needs that come with living with chronic illness and will work closely with you to understand your unique journey. Victoria brings 15 years of experience working within healthcare, a Master’s in Rehabilitation Science, as well as her lived experience with chronic illness into her conversations with you as she seeks to understand your story. Victoria brings an integrative approach that draws from various therapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to your unique needs at this time. Working together, it is possible to get to a space where managing life with a chronic illness feels more manageable and you are able to engage in more of the parts of life that are important to you. 

Participation within a faith community can be a source of encouragement, community, and support in growing in faith. However, when churches or religious communities are unhealthy, people may experience manipulation, coercion, abuse of power, victim blaming, gender bias, isolation, discrimination, violation of trust, or spiritual bullying. Abuse within spiritual communities can be uniquely damaging as it cuts to the core of who we are. These experiences of spiritual abuse or religious trauma may result in a negative perception of self, anxiety, and symptoms of trauma such as difficulty sleeping and ruminating thoughts. Participating in a community of faith may become difficult due to reminders of traumatic experiences. Feelings of shame and guilt may become pervasive and overwhelming. 

At With Counselling, we desire to give you a safe place to tell your story and process the emotions that have come with this experience. At a pace that feels comfortable for you, we will explore the impact of your experience, and address symptoms of trauma which may be present. If you are wrestling with an experience that has deeply affected your perception of self, others, and/or faith, we would be honoured to walk with you.