Our Counselling Approach
Helping You Realize Your Authentic Self
The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves. - Elvin Semrad
One of our greatest abilities as human beings is our adaptability. This skill enables us to persevere and exist through conditions that defy belief. The other side of this coin is that we can adapt so well, we convince ourselves whatever condition we exist within must be all there is to life. This may make our life circumstances more tolerable but can also leave us feeling trapped, leading us to be skeptical when people tell us “there is more to life.”
Well… we are those people! A key difference is that we intend to work with you to prove that there is so much more to this life. We are firm believers that the same adaptability and resilience that supported you through the toughest moments of your life can be channelled to elevate you toward the life that you want to live.
Our counsellors in both Kitchener and Windsor are trained in therapeutic methods that have been proven to support clients in improving their lives. However, we defer to you to gain insight into your life and for your personal expertise. We believe resolutely that you are the expert of your life. Our client-centred approach allows us to collaborate with you to tailor our practice to one that best suits your therapeutic goals.
Lastly, this agency was built on the foundation that the relationship between a client and their counsellor is essential for effective treatment. We actively encourage our clients to search for the right counsellor with whom they are able to feel heard and respected.
We also openly welcome feedback as we strive toward improving our practice and your perspective is valuable beyond words.
This almost feels like a trick question. Almost. A counsellor is only as helpful as the client feels able to trust their counsellor. If you don’t feel comfortable with your counsellor, then trust becomes a pipe-dream. Rest assured, this is not your fault. It’s the counsellor’s responsibility to create a secure, empathetic, and trustworthy dynamic where you feel comfortable letting the counsellor into your life. If the fit isn’t right, it’s best practice for the counsellor to refer you to someone who will likely be a better fit for you.
Once this connection is established, your counsellor can help you to navigate your issue by providing an unbiased perspective on your challenge. Your counsellor can also recommend research-informed interventions that are tailored to support you in managing your struggle.
Most of all, counsellors work toward supporting you in recognizing that you have the ability to care for yourself, despite your struggle, whether that involves asking for further help or practicing healthy lifestyle habits. This whole project is to reveal the person you know yourself to be.
How Can Our Counsellors Help You?
This answer will be different for each person who asks this question. It’s important to get clear around what you appreciate in a counsellor. Do you want a counsellor who is more stern and will hold you accountable? A counsellor who will talk less and listen more? An experienced counsellor over one who is able to relate to you better? Checking-in with yourself about what you prefer will go a long way in guiding you to a counsellor who best fits your needs.
There are a few things that you should look for in every counsellor regardless of how you answer the questions above:
What Should You Look For in a Counsellor?
A counsellor who values and upholds confidentiality, respects your privacy, and doesn’t cross professional boundaries (i.e. adding you on social media, etc.)
A counsellor who supports you in pursuit of your clinical goals/helps you to create clinical goals and incorporates your input into your treatment plan.
A counsellor who respects your time, communicates promptly/clearly, and is reasonably accommodating.
Someone who you can trust and who is accepting of your whole self.
A counsellor who is open to your questions and feedback, especially when it’s critical of them.