At Real Life Counselling Services we offer help with a variety of issues…
THE MANY FACES OF ANGER: HEALTHY OR HURTFUL
Most people assume that anger is an emotion to be properly managed. However anger is like water in a glass. If the glass is full it spills over when it is jostled. Likewise if anger accumulates inside of us it spills over onto others when we’re jostled. It’s normal to be angry when we are hurt or disappointed in life, but the reality is we are almost never angry for the reasons we think.
ANXIETY AND WORRY – YOU KNOW IT WELL!
Anxiety can be shifty. It can appear as a constant worry in your mind, a full-blown panic attack or anything in between. Anxiety can be an occasional visitor or a constant companion that borrows trouble. It can be an annoyance keeping you awake a few nights a week or it can keep you from applying for a new job, getting on a plane or socializing.
SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION?
Unless you have been there, it’s hard for people to understand. Depression isn’t just about feeling sad. For some, depression is when you can’t feel hope or see a way out of your problems, leaving you in true despair. It effects your relationships, work and physical health.
AM I DISILLUSIONED?
It is difficult to face the day when we awake with the sinking feeling that your life has been a disappointment. No matter what you try you can’t obtain your dreams or life goals. You may feel haunted by the possibility of repeating past mistakes or feel “stuck” unable to find the clarity, confidence or courage to make a next step. You are a smart, hardworking person! What’s wrong?
FAITH-BASED COUNSELLING
Allow me to clarify how faith may, or may not, come into our work together. I allow my clients to set the spiritual tone for our sessions together. If you wish to discuss spirituality in general we will. If you would like to pray together we will, but I leave this choice to my clients.
ARE YOU GRIEVING?
The most predictable thing about life is that it’s unpredictable. Change happens. Sometimes we plan our life changes; more often they are thrust upon us by people or forces beyond our control. Someone we loves dies. Our marriage ends despite all our best efforts. We lose our job. Our health declines suddenly. Loved ones make life choices we can’t understand.
DID YOUR CHILDHOOD HOME SEEM NORMAL TO EVERYONE BUT YOU?
In childhood you sensed that something was just not right. On the outside your family looked fine but inside your home you realized they were not. You may wonder if emotional or physical neglect or emotional, physical or sexual abuse in the past has affected your ability to enjoy your life now. You realize you have no idea what “normal” relationship patterns and behaviour look like now.
WE ARE WIRED TO BE IN RELATIONSHIPS
In relationships we receive love, encouragement and hope but we also may experience shame, rejection, betrayal, disappointment and conflict. Our relational struggles can be with a spouse or life partner, friend, or our boss. Broken trust can leave us feeling isolated and angry. Shame and rejection can shut us down. Disappointment can spiral into debilitating depression.
IS STRESS OR BURNOUT OVERSHADOWING YOUR HAPPINESS?
Stress and burnout negatively impact business productivity and personal happiness. Many workplaces work against themselves by creating stressful workplaces. Poor communication, constant change and a “do more with less attitude” can lead to overwhelming stress and ultimately burnout.
TRAUMATIC LIVE EVENTS YOU CAN’T GET OVER
A Traumatic Life Event is any deeply distressing or disturbing experience or situation that is emotionally overwhelming and leaves us feeling powerless and unable to cope. Most people experience one or more traumatic events in their life time. You may be a victim of or witness to a car accident or violent crime.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
As a Qualified Clinical Supervisor (MPCC-S) I can work with you to provide the best care for your clients.
Individual and Group Supervision options are available.
I am registered with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (#3020)
WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS & PROGRAM SUPPORT
I can develop psychoeducational workshops for your company, non-profit or group. Rates vary based on the program. Currently, I provide counselling and psychoeducation seminars with two programs. Lives in Transition is a return-to-work program for women who have left a domestic violence situation. Rebrand is an employment readiness program for young adults.