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 or 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, panic attacks, 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 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. 

If you are feeling stressed concerning a relationship, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of our counsellors. 

For couples: Andrew has additional training in the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy for those seeking couples counselling. He brings a compassionate, relational approach to counselling which helps set his clients at ease. He also has completed training in Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy and the Neuro Change Strategy for individual counselling. 

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. 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, churches and faith communities may also be places where we have experienced significant pain. Harm experienced within spiritual communities is uniquely damaging as it cuts to the core of who we are.  If we have been hurt by a pastor, leader, or others in a community of faith, we may be left with pain, confusion, and disillusionment. Participating in a community of faith may become difficult or frightening due to the reminders of past experiences. It may become difficult to engage in personal faith.  It may leave us feeling lost as to how we want to move forward in our lives. In some cases positions of authority or Scripture may have been used to belittle or control, leaving a person with strong feelings of confusion or shame. Others may experience symptoms of trauma, such as reliving past events, difficulty sleeping, ruminating thoughts, persistent negative thoughts, low mood or feeling emotionally numb. 

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 any symptoms of trauma which may be present. We desire to be a journeying companion as you process what life looks like moving forward. If you are wrestling with an experience that has deeply affected your perception of self, others, God, and/or faith, we would be honoured to walk with you. 

For many, personal faith is a key part of how they orient their lives. With this may come the desire to bring a faith perspective in working with a counsellor on the issues they are facing. Some may want to explore more of what psychology and counselling have to offer in a way that honours their faith. We believe each person and each life is complex which means that often the solutions we seek will be multifaceted. Exploring how the spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of our lives are all at play can be a helpful place to begin the process of working through challenges.

At With Counselling, our counsellors have background and training in the integration of Christian faith and psychology. We seek to provide a safe, respectful, environment where you can work through life’s challenges in a way that is consistent with your faith.  Speak to your counsellor if you would like to incorporate discussion of faith in your counselling sessions.