Mental health is just as important as physical health

Welcome

Benefits of Counselling

Counselling can be an integral step in working through issues you may be facing in your life. Having support through the most difficult and challenging times can help you move forward. It can provide you with insight, tools, and strategies to manage challenges, and understand more about yourself. Through counselling, there is an opportunity to gain understanding both emotionally and intellectually, allowing you to feel better and do better. Counselling can be beneficial to people in nearly all aspects of life. You do not need a formal mental health diagnosis to attend counselling.

How We Can Help

Areas of Support

Depression

Stress & Life Transitions

Perinatal/Post-Partum

Working Together

Collaborative Counselling

Counselling sessions are collaborative – meaning we work together on goals and solving problems. Expect to learn skills and tools from various modalities  such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational interviewing, among other techniques.

Services are provided by

Shally Lakshminarayan
BA (Hons. Psychology), MSW, Registered Social Worker, PMH-C

I started my private practice with a passion to share tools and skills that I know help clients feel better. I strive to provide a safe space for clients to work through any challenges they may face, and to support them as they work on their goals. Through the years, I have witnessed the transformative work that can take place in counselling. It is challenging and hard, but extremely rewarding and uplifting all at the same time.

My professional experiences through the years have found me working at not-for-profit organizations, teaching at the college and university levels, and being a lifelong enthusiast of learning. With experience working as a social worker within a hospital, and as a custody and access assessor through the court systems, I am well versed with various stressors and mental health issues that clients can face. With over ten years of experience in the field, I collaboratively work with you to effectively manage your feelings and thoughts. Life can be challenging at times, but it does not mean you have to deal with it on your own.

Education
 
Professional Registration and Membership

Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light

-Brene Brown

Start your Wellness Journey

What is Counselling?

Through counselling, you will gain insight and awareness, and begin to feel equipped to manage and cope with life’s situations. One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness (CAMH) each year. Counselling is a very effective way to learn how to manage and cope with your symptoms. By learning skills and tools which you can apply to your own life, you will feel empowered to help yourself. In your counselling appointments, you will have a safe confidential space to express your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Initial Consultation

As a new client, you’ll attend a free, thirty minute introductory consultation by telephone. It is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to work on in your counselling sessions. During the consultation, ask questions. It is an opportunity to determine what goals you would like to achieve.

Our Fees

Most extended health insurance plans cover Registered Social Worker services, such as Greenshield. You may have a designated amount per year for counselling services. Consult your insurance company to see if you have coverage for a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Counselling services are not covered through OHIP. If you do not have extended health insurance, Registered Social Worker services can be claimed as a medical expense for income tax purposes.

Get Started

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Get started on the road to well-being with a free 30-minute consultation

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Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can disrupt daily life and well-being. Anxiety manifests uniquely in every individual. We work together to explore the underlying causes of your anxiety, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate a renewed sense of control.

Depression

Depression can cast a shadow over every facet of life, making even the simplest joys feel distant. Depression can impact us in various ways. Together, we’ll explore the sources of your feelings and develop effective coping methods, by finding ways to rebuild a brighter outlook. Rediscovering joy by managing your symptoms of depression, can provide a  sense of empowerment.

Stress & Life Transitions

Life is a series of changes, some planned and others unexpected, that can lead to stress and uncertainty. Navigating life transitions, whether it’s a new job, a relationship change, or other significant shifts, can be daunting. Stress, if left unchecked, can take a toll on both your emotional and physical well-being. Having support during these times of change can be beneficial. Learning effective techniques to manage and reduce stress in your daily life can help guide you, and make you feel less overwhelmed.

Perinatal & Post-Partum Mental Health

The perinatal period, encompassing conception through the first year after delivery, is often portrayed as a time of pure joy. However, the reality is that it can also be a time of overwhelming challenges and vulnerability. Just like with all mental health disorders, Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) disorders do not discriminate. It can affect people from every culture, age group, income level, and race.

PMH can affect both women and men. Postpartum depression affects one in five women, and one in ten men. The journey to parenthood is a profound transition, one that can deeply impact the emotional well-being of all individuals involved.

PMH includes:

  • Perinatal Depression
  • Perinatal Anxiety
  • Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Bipolar Mood Disorders
  • Postpartum Psychosis