News & Articles

Published: 28 January 2015

We all experience difficulties adjusting to change from time to time. Some of us experience more difficulties than others. Our program well help individuals develop the appropriate coping strategies to help our clients challenge or effectively deal with obstacle(s) in their life.

Our goal is to empower our clients with the necessary skills and resources to challenge habits, attitudes, emotional responses, and behavioural patterns that play a part in adjusting appropriately.

What we know from psychological research focused on adjustment is that those who are willing to conform, adapt and possibly accept will likely find it easier to accept change. Our therapy program helps individuals recognize that change is an opportunity for growth that requires constant conscious evaluation and habitual behaviour modification. Ineffective habits should be examined and possibly discarded for the facilitation of new or more effective established behaviours.

Our goal at Counselling Services for York Region is to see that you succeed in reaching your therapeutic goals. If you have any questions about our counselling program specific to adjustment issues, please feel free to contact us (416-999-3437 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

Published: 20 November 2014

As you may have heard before, stress is an unavoidable part of life. Throughout the years, studies have observed the effects of stress on our physical wellbeing. Many studies suggest that long-term stress increases the likelihood of individuals developing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reproductive disorders.  Clinical research has offered a number of approaches or theories that could help individuals better cope with day-to-day stress/anxiety.

Our approach to stress management is to help individuals better understand each variable that may be influencing their difficulties. This includes an evaluation of their environment, thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms. Together, we work on developing a treatment plan that will help our clients find balance and ease.  Our approach uses new techniques and theories from psychological and biological research, which includes (mindfulness, narrative, and cognitive behavioural therapy).

For more information on our program, please feel free to contact us at 416-999-3437 or fill out an appointment request form. 

Published: 16 November 2014

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or what is now called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (MADS), is a type of depressive episode that individuals describe experiencing during certain times of the year (majority of the cases occur during the fall or winter).

Individuals who report difficulties with SAD/MADS often describe feeling excessively tired, depressed, and irritable. Some other symptoms that individuals experience include difficulties concentrating, trouble sleeping, and muscle aches/pains. 

According to Fiona Marschall and Peter Cheevers’ text, Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder, light therapy combined with counselling is considered to be the most effective method for treating SAD/MADS symptoms. Marchall and Cheever’s suggest that SAD/MADS symptoms are thought to be caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain (lack of serotonin).  Research suggests that emotional stress during the winter months may trigger the depression associated with SAD/MAD.

If you’d like to find out more information about how our Vaughan or Maple counselling centre can help, please feel free to give us a call at 416-999-343 or fill out the appointment request form.