Robyn Plane
Counselling & Therapy
Why do people seek counselling?
People find counselling helpful for all types of reasons. Below you will see some of the most common reasons people seek support.
Addiction & Relapse Prevention
Addiction can be experienced in many forms whether it is a substance abuse issue or a behaviour like gambling, shopping or eating. It can cause problems in all areas of a persons life, effecting relationships, finances, employment and self esteem.
Anger Management
Feelings of anger are a normal reaction to some situations beyond your control. They can also indicate that you are simply under too much stress, and it can be hard to know if you should just let your anger pass or work at getting rid of it.
All of us feel angry, at least occasionally. Most of the time when we get angry, we get over it quickly because, somehow, we resolve the situation and our feelings of anger pass. Anger becomes a problem, however, if we “bottle it up” or if we “blow up.” Both of these extremes cause problems for the angry people and for those around them.
- CMHA
Anxiety
We all feel nervous or worried at times. This anxiety can be a helpful feeling when it motivates us or warns us of danger. An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, causes unexpected or unhelpful anxiety that seriously impacts our lives, including how we think, feel, and act.
- CMHA
Depression
A major depressive disorder — usually just called “depression” — is different than the “blues”. Someone experiencing depression is grappling with feelings of severe despair over an extended period of time. Almost every aspect of their life can be affected, including their emotions, physical health, relationships and work. For people with depression, it does not feel like there is a “light at the end of the tunnel” — there is just a long, dark tunnel.
- CMHA
Grief & Loss
Loss is one of life’s most stressful events. It takes time to heal, and everyone responds differently. We may need help to cope with the changes in our lives. Grief is part of being human, but that doesn’t mean we have to go through the journey alone.
- CMHA
LGBTQ Health
Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer identified (LGBTQ) people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health. - CMHA
Counselling can provide a safe space to gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships as well as provide support during your time of transition or coming out.
Postpartum Depression
Bringing a new baby into the family can be challenging at the best of times, both physically and emotionally. It is natural for new parents to experience mood swings, feeling joyful one minute and depressed the next. These feelings are sometimes known as the “baby blues,” and often go away soon after birth. However, some parents may experience a deep and ongoing depression that lasts much longer. This is called postpartum depression.
- CMHA
Relationship/Communication Issues
Communication issues may potentially develop in any circumstance or social relationship. It can be easy for individuals to misunderstand or misinterpret others, and these misunderstandings may lead to arguments or tension in personal, platonic, or professional relationships. In some instances, conflicts may arise, and these conflicts can make communication even more challenging.
Self Harm/Cutting
Self-injury, also called self-harm and self-abuse, refers to deliberate acts that cause harm to one’s body, mind and spirit. Examples include cutting the skin with razor blades or pieces of glass; burning and hitting oneself; scratching or picking scabs or preventing wounds from healing; hair pulling; and inserting objects into one’s body. Cutting is the most common form of self-injury among today’s youth.
People who self-injure may not be trying to kill themselves. Usually, they are not trying to end all feeling; they are trying to feel better.
- CMHA
Spirituality
Faith or spirituality can be an important part of ones life and some poeople experience their faith as a positive support in their lives and as a means of getting through tough times. Others have felt harmed or experienced trauma within their faith. Spiritual counselling can allow for you to find healing from those negative experiences and learn new, more helpful means of incorporating your faith into your life again.