7845 Kipling Ave, Vaughan, ON L4L 1Z4
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Counselling Services in Vaughan · York Region Therapy

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Professional Psychological Services in Vaughan

We’re here to support you in creating a healthier and more fulfilling life. By coming to our clinic, you’ve already made an important step toward understanding and improving your mental health. Together, we will create a personalized plan that begins with thorough assessments and evidence-based counselling designed just for you. Our focus is on providing compassionate, individualized care that strengthens mental health services in our community.

Our clinic combines expert counselling with advanced treatments, using the latest techniques and technologies in behavioral health. With a focus on data-driven insights and personalized approaches, we offer effective, efficient care tailored to your unique needs. Whether through cognitive behavioral therapy or neuromodulation, our innovative methods will help you improve your mental health. With precise assessments and customized treatment plans, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone—our dedicated team is here to help.
Couples & Marriage Counselling in Vaughn
Individual Therapy in Vaughn
Child & Youth Therapy in Vaughn

 

Emotions and thoughts both play a big role in relationships, especially when it comes to attachment. Psychologists have identified certain deep-seated beliefs, known as schemas, that shape how people connect with others. One of the most common is the abandonment schema, where a person constantly fears losing those closest to them (Dattillio 2010).

People with this mindset worry that their loved ones will leave—whether through illness, death, or choosing someone else. This fear creates ongoing anxiety and emotional distress, sometimes leading to sadness or depression. If an actual loss occurs, the grief can feel overwhelming and may even turn into anger.

These fears often influence behaviour in relationships. Some individuals become clingy, jealous, or controlling, trying to prevent abandonment. Others take the opposite approach, avoiding close relationships altogether to protect themselves from the pain of potential loss.

When I work with clients who experience difficulties with abandonment, I help them understand that their abandonment fear is actually influenced by a deeper core fear.The deeper core fear may be a belief that they won't be able to manage with the feelings that come with being abandoned such as failure, depression, or being alone (just to name a few).try tohelp my clients better understand that nothing truly can protect us from situations like this. Life is uncertain, and we have to manage with situations as they come. Most importantly, anything you imagine can happen, and we have to believe in ourselves to figure it out and move on. Much of the counselling work we focus on is trying to better understand how to live with the uncertainty of all that would come if they were to become abandoned. This may include helping them understand that if they are to choose unhealthy coping to manage being abandoned, then the anxiety will remain as it is serving as protection from the unhealthy behaviour. Choosing healthy behaviours to manage is what we strive for. 

Dattilio, F. M. (2010).Cognitive-behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians.The Guilford Press.

Every person has their own opinion. The individual self not only holds an opinion, but that opinion is influenced by values, intergenerational beliefs, past learning, and personality quirks. Most marriages will come to a point where conflict needs to be resolved. Happy marriages have conflict- it’s not to conflict with someone. There are varying degrees of conflict in a relationship; some can be small in nature, and others can be overwhelming and intense. There are generally two types of conflicts that we explore in session: problems that happen repeatedly and those that can be resolved.

Problems that Happen Over and Over Again:

I like to believe that if you are arguing over the same issue over and over again, then negative emotions will continue to build around the topic/issue. Sometimes these problems are managed in different ways by couples. Some joke, ignore, rationalize, or even placate to just move past it. However, this doesn’t always work, and it only further contributes to the stress that is put on the relationship and could stunt its growth and maturity. Coping is undoubtedly part of managing with perpetual problems and we want to help couples cope with and not ignore perpetual problems. This means making a decision about perpetual problems or at least coming to terms that perhaps it’s unsolvable, and acceptance may have to come in doing so. Choosing coping in a healthy way is what we work on in counselling. I like what is stated in the text The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work by Jon Gottman, “Marriages are successful to the degree that the problems you choose are the ones you can cope with.”

When no headway can be made, and a couple continues to have the same argument over and over again, it could hinder the foundation of the relationship and could potentially influence the relationship to become unstable. Feelings of resentment, anger, and frustration may brew and further push the couple apart. Understanding when this happens can help a couple better understand that help is needed. Some of the symptoms include (just to name a few): you feel rejected by your partner when you are unable to solve the conflict, you get nowhere with your exchanges about the topic, no one is willing to budge when you talk about the subject you both feel more upset and hurt.

How Can I Help?

The good news is that you have all you need to help solve a problem: motivation and willingness. Some of the skills taught in my program include the importance of monitoring your tone (your tone will ultimately determine how the conversation will go), practicing repair attempts when conversations derail, monitoring how you feel so you know when you are getting tense and overarouse from the conversation, learning to compromise, and lastly, accepting a lack of skills and imperfections.

If you need support, please feel free to contact me. I support connection with any Clinical Psychologist. I provide psychological counselling and psychotherapy services. My office is located in Vaughan, Ontario.
Dealing with Flashbacks of the Affair Contents

There are many ways to manage flashbacks when they come. They, at times, maybe overwhelming and triggering. The flashbacks sometimes bring on uncomfortable feelings, which may take you away from your day. Here are some suggestions that I have for managing with flashbacks of the affair:

  1. I don’t believe ignoring the flashbacks is the best way to manage them. Part of managing with the flashback may be just allowing the thoughts to be there and redirecting yourself to do what you intended to do in that moment. In other words, take a more mindful approach to what you are doing throughout the day. Ignoring is not the same thing as allowing thoughts to pass and continue. Ignoring and suppressing the thoughts will only bring up the thoughts more. You’ll continue to see the thoughts as a threat if they are ignored or suppressed, and this may increase the intrusiveness of the flashback imagery or thoughts.
  2. Let some trusted people who know of the affair know that you are having a flashback. Perhaps you can ask your partner or your support network for support during this time. Voicing the flashback may reduce its intensity.
  3. Consider choosing activities to help minimize the duration and intensity of the flashback. Remember the flashbacks won’t stay forever, eventually you will return to your normal baseline. Until then, we will need activities to help you stay grounded. Finding a good comedy show (perhaps something you have seen before) could be very helpful. Playing video games that require a cognitive element have also been demonstrated to be helpful.



If you need support, please feel free to contact me. I support connection with any Clinical Psychologist. I provide counselling and psychotherapy services. My office is located in Vaughan, Ontario.
There are many ways that people choose to continue when they come to discover that their partner has had an affair. Some people decide to separate until they are less angry and can engage. Others increase their passion and attempt to become closer because they believe the affair threatens the relationship and want to keep it intact. Another way that people cope with affairs is by ignoring the affair that even happened and going back to their everyday lives. What I recommend people do during these times is:

  1. Don’t do anything that will make the situation worse. Focus on setting healthy boundaries. Boundaries need to be set with your partner, the person involved in the affair, and the people who may now know about the affair. Setting healthier boundaries with your partner is essential for recovery. There will be many conversations about the affair, but if they become too heated, it is likely best to step away and let things cool before continuing the discussion. I do want to say that talking about the affair is essential. It’s the only way for your partner to fully understand what happened and how the affair has come about. Many people are afraid to share information because they fear the unknown, how their partner will react, and what difficulties will come in the long run.
  2. Consider speaking about what happened. This may mean asking how the affair began, how long it lasted, and if it has ended. Some people may need to know information about the affair partner, including how it came to be and how it led to an affair. This could help your partner understand the affair partner’s role in initiating or maintaining the affair.
  3. Provide insight into how much of a threat this is for your partner. Will their social circle become aware of the affair, and will they lose friendships? Helping them understand how the affair will affect their life outside of the relationship between you two is particularly important.
  4. Do you need to consider getting tested for an STD?
  5. Avoid discussing the details that don’t need to be addressed, such as specific sexual acts.
  6. Do not look for conclusive answers as to why they choose to have the affair. Most people don’t know why they had the affair. Commonly, most people attend counselling attempting to figure it out. Pushing for answers such as this may influence the person to give an incomplete or inaccurate explanation.
  7. Avoid spending time asking the same question over and over again.
  8. Try not to make a rash decision about the relationship's current status. It is best to make decisions about divorce and separation when you are in a much better place to do so, and that may come much later on.
  9. Focus on re-establishing a sense of security in the relationship. Separating may make this more difficult, especially if you have children. However, separating may be a consideration if you are certain of your decision to pursue a divorce when discussions about the affair are becoming toxic and separating for now may be the only option to allow you two to process what has happened and when physical abuse and aggression are involved.
  10. Consider the possibility of making it work despite what has happened. Discuss what that would look like and how each of you can prepare to commit to working through this. This could include discussions about how to keep the family tasks moving along (i.e., responsibilities and bills) or how we can continue nourishing the relationship as we did before (i.e., continuing small acts of kindness). Separation may erode the foundation of the relationship.
  11. Continue to be thoughtful and considerate despite what has happened. You will have emotionally charged conversations to balance this out you need to continue to do things that will help create a moment for the two of you that breaks the tension. This could mean going out for ice cream and choosing not to chat about the affair- just be mindful. You can attend a theater event or a sporting event. It may feel awkward but making an effort will certainly make it easier to cope with the trauma.
  12. Decide on how to handle intimate exchanges, including if small touches or sex are permissible. The best way to understand what your partner wants is to ask.

If you need support, please feel free to contact me. I support connection with any Clinical Psychologist. They must practice psychological counselling or provide psychotherapy services. My office is located in Vaughan, Ontario.

Reference:
Adapted from the text Getting Past the Affair by Douglas Snyder and Donald Baucom.

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Empowering You to Live a Healthier, Happier Life.

Our counselling services in Vaughan, Ontario, provide expert support to help individuals and groups address a wide range of mental health concerns. Using evidence-based approaches, our licensed psychologists are committed to helping you achieve greater emotional well-being. Start your journey to improved mental health with professional guidance you can trust.
Adult Counselling

At Counselling Services of York Region in Vaughan, Ontario, our adult counselling services are designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with the support of trained psychologists. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions, our compassionate team offers evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs.

Using approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and personalized treatment plans, we empower individuals to develop coping strategies, enhance resilience, and achieve emotional well-being. With a focus on creating a safe and non-judgmental space, our psychologists are here to guide you toward personal growth and a more fulfilling life. Take the first step today—your journey to improved mental health starts here.

Child & Youth Counselling

Our child / youth counselling services are dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals. Our trained psychologists specialize in working with children and teens, providing a safe, compassionate environment where they can explore their emotions and overcome challenges.

Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying, emotional regulation, or family changes, we use evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy to help young minds thrive. Our personalized approach empowers children and youth to build resilience, improve self-confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Let us support your child on their journey to a brighter future.

Couples / Marriage Counselling

Our couples and marriage counselling services are designed to help partners strengthen their relationships and overcome challenges together. Led by trained psychologists, these sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where couples can explore their concerns, improve communication, and develop healthier patterns of interaction.

Whether you're dealing with conflict, trust issues, or simply want to enhance your connection, our evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other relationship-focused techniques, are tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you and your partner build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship by addressing underlying issues and creating practical solutions for lasting change. Take the first step toward a more connected future with the support of our compassionate team.

Group Counselling

Our group counselling services offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. Led by trained psychologists, these group sessions provide a safe and confidential space to explore emotions, share experiences, and learn coping strategies together.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, grief, or relationship issues, group counselling allows you to gain insights and support from both the psychologist and fellow participants. Our approach is based on evidence-backed therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helping you build resilience, improve communication skills, and create lasting positive change. Join a group that fosters mutual support, encouragement, and personal growth on your journey to better mental health.

Phone & Online Counselling

We offer convenient phone and online counselling services with trained psychologists to ensure you have access to professional support, no matter where you are. These remote counselling options allow you to receive high-quality mental health care from the comfort of your home, making it easier to prioritize your well-being on your own schedule.

Whether you're managing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, our licensed psychologists use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy, to provide personalized care. Our online and phone services maintain the same high standards of confidentiality, empathy, and support as in-person sessions, making it a flexible option for those seeking professional help. Start your journey to better mental health today, wherever you feel most comfortable.

Academic Tutoring

We provide academic tutoring by Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT) who are actively employed with a District School Board. Our tutors collaborate with your child's home room teacher to create a personalized learning plan for success. Parents will receive progress updates after each session. We offer tutoring for students in elementary, middle, and high school, as well as college and university (depending on the subject).

mental health issues treatments in vaughn ontario

How We Can Help

Anxiety Disorders
Anger Management Issues
Body Image Issues
Depressive Disorders
Eating Disorders
Grief and Loss
Identity and Self-Esteem Issue
Obsessive-Compulsive & Related
Phobia Issues
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Relationship Issues
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Social Anxiety & Communications
Stress Management
Substance Use and Addictions
Trauma and Abuse Recovery

What Makes Us Different

01Recognized Excellence
Counselling Services of York Region is known for delivering effective treatments and compassionate care, earning trust and respect for our consistent results and dedication to client well-being.
02Research-Informed
Our therapists are also researchers who stay current with the latest treatment advancements, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.
03Professional Expertise
Our team is composed of highly qualified, experienced professionals committed to maintaining the highest ethical and clinical standards, providing dependable and top-tier services to all.
04Client-Centered Approach
Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client (or group), ensuring a personalized experience in a supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment.
05Compassionate Care
Every interaction is grounded in empathy and understanding, ensuring that clients feel supported, valued, and respected throughout their therapeutic journey with Counselling Services of York Region.
06Community Impact
As an integral part of the York Region community, we actively contribute to improving local mental health awareness and support systems, reinforcing our role as a trusted resource for everyone.
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Our mission is to provide innovative, effective, and empirically supported psychologist-led counselling and educational services to individuals, couples, and families who experience mental or physical health challenges and those seeking personal growth and development. We are dedicated to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful change.
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