Online Counselling for N2L

So many parents feel blindsided by how differently parenting feels than what they expected - we are told that we will be exhausted, but filled with joy. And while there may be joy, we also often experience feelings of grief, resentment, helplessness and rage. We are confronted by the limits of our control in so many ways, and are more consumed with worry for our child and getting everything just right than we could have ever imagined. Our relationship with our partner may feel foreign and hard, and the ways that we would normally care for ourselves feel out of reach. Perhaps we think, should it be this hard?

While becoming a parent can bring joy and fulfillment, the changes and stressors that accompany the perinatal period (prenatal and postpartum) can also have substantial impacts on a parent’s mental health. Nothing can easily prepare a parent for this significant new role. New parents are often overwhelmed with how how all consuming caring for a baby can be, may experience challenging shifts in their important relationships, and my not yet know how to cope or access the support they need. As a queer parent, I have a keen desire to support queer families, who deserve a space that feels affirming of their family - all are welcome!

“Child and Youth Specialists” You’ve noticed that your child isn’t quite themselves lately, that they are withdrawn, and isolated, or struggling with severe anxiety. Maybe they are experiencing intense mood swings, anger outbursts, or even destructive behaviours such as self-harm or substance use. You are worried because your child won’t open up and share with you. You want to help your child, but you don't know how to. It is so scary to feel helpless when it comes to your child and to not know exactly what they need.

Do you find yourself surrounded by big personalities; perhaps within your family, friends or co-workers, that you often feel your voice is overshadowed? Are you the therapist, the mediator, or the advice giver for your friends and family? Do you often find yourself being the one that people rely on but you don’t quite feel the same support is reciprocated for yourself leaving you wondering “when will it ever be my turn?” Do you ever have moments where you’re by yourself driving and you notice how tight your jaw is, or maybe you wonder to yourself “how long have I been holding my breath for”

The early years of parenting are wild - the intensity of our emotional experience catches most off guard - we desperately want to get it right with our little people; so the stakes feel high. Conflicts arise as we try to negotiate shifting roles and responsibilities while exhausted, under-supported, and lacking in time to ourselves. So many of us feel incredibly overwhelmed with decision making and day to day life with new babies, and disconnected from our partner because we don't have time, energy or the desire to connect in the ways we used to. It can feel like we are in the deep end, treading water with no end in sight.

Society tells us becoming a parent should to be natural, joyful, and will happen within our desired timeline. For some there is truth to this, but many parents are left disoriented with the gap between their expectations and reality. We are urged to pour into our children, give them all of our attention, but also find time for ourselves and our relationship. The challenges of this stage of life can leave parents feeling lonely, overwhelmed and with a sense of personal failure. You might wonder who you even are anymore and if things will ever change - If you are struggling, you are not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

I know first hand how becoming a parent changes you. For some, experiences of grief, loss and trauma shape our early parenting journey, and we might feel isolated, afraid, or even ashamed about the thoughts and feelings we are having. Parenting standards today encourage us to sacrifice everything for our children, and to do it all with a smile - so we suffer silently. My own struggles in parenting, including my lived reality of grief and traumatic loss bring me to this work - and allow me to deeply connect with other parents who are craving a place to bring all of their parenting experiences - the joyful, and the excruciating.

In life there are many paths to take; some are laid out for us, others we opt out of, and some come at a crossroads. Knowing what to do can become challenging and giving ourselves the space to explore where we are going or how we got there, can be a difficult process to undertake. Whether you find yourself lost, tired, and or uncertain, know that you do not have to come to these places alone. As someone on their own journey I understand the value of making sense and meaning of the stories we tell about ourselves, as these are the stories that will speak to how we view ourselves, others, and or communicate with the people we love.

Life is full of challenges. We don't always have a choice what challenges we face. But we can choose how we view or overcome these challenges. I believe that we each have our own reserve of resilience waiting to be tapped into. Most of the time we have the strength to face these challenges. Sometimes we reach out to our friends and family for support and that is all we need. At other times, these challenges can overwhelm us and our system of support. We feel alone and helpless. When you are ready for change, let me support you in embracing your challenges and turn them into opportunities to learn something new about yourself.

When you begin to consider seeking assistance, the work begins to minimize your problem. As a certified Counselor with more than ten years of experience providing services to diverse populations on various mental health issues including family issues, I am here to assist you. I take pride in my clients' healing. I look forward to assisting many more people.

Accepting new clients - Experience has taught me that the first step toward feeling better is simply reaching out for help. I provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to identify your best self. You are the expert in your own life, and I will walk beside you on your journey as we discover together the tools and solutions that you need. We aren't meant to deal with life's hardships alone!

I am a clinical social worker providing individual, couple and family counselling for a wide array of concerns. The foundation of my practice is client-centred and relational. I firmly believe that for therapy to be most effective, a relationship must be established between the client and counsellor. I have 18 years of experience working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting skills, aging, and health concerns

Book directly in my schedule: marinelabraunstein.setmore.com Hello, my name is Marinela. My extensive training in individual, couple & family therapy and over 20 years of practice has helped many individuals and couples get a better understanding of the origin of the concerning issue, as well as make positive choices about their present and future. I have also been working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, boundaries, work stress, relationship/family issues, separation/divorce, and Postpartum struggles...Life transitions can be hard and painful at times, but you do not need to go through it alone.

Accepting new clients: Over 20 years of experience guides my work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. I work to be easy to talk to and non-judgmental. Each person is different and together we'll find what works for you.

Starting counselling can be difficult, if you're reading this, that means you are taking the first step towards finding support for yourself, or your child. Congratulations on being brave enough to look and see what is out there! Whether you or your child are struggling with home life, the impacts of past trauma, anxiety, depression, symptoms of a mental health diagnosis, family conflict, or not feeling like yourself, I am here to support you on your journey. We are all unique beings who each need something a little different to succeed, together we can work to discover the best version of you and navigate through your life journey.

I understand how stressful life can sometimes be. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families reach their full potential. I work with individuals and families that are struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, stress, life transitions, parent/teen conflict, separation and divorce. I am able to assist with parenting plans, separation agreements and provide Voice of the Child Reports. I am a Registered Social Worker, a certified Family Mediator, a Voice of the Child Practitioner and I have over 28 years experience working with families experiencing family separation, conflict and trauma.

Are you a queer, trans, or neurodivergent person dealing with the hurt of discrimination, rejection, or the feeling that folks around you just don’t understand? Maybe you struggle with trauma symptoms, dissociation, anxiety, depression, self-blame, or low self-worth. It can be hard to get up the courage to come to therapy only to feel like you have to explain the basics of your identity to your therapist. Worse yet, it can be scary to seek therapy when the field of psychology has historically tried to keep us from being our authentic selves.

The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre is a multi-faith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. We are rooted in the belief that faith and spirituality are important resources for healing and change. We embrace diversity and cultural inclusivity and offer counselling to all individuals. We provide trained therapists who qualify for membership in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Living with a dark, stormy cloud over your head is no way to live. If your cloud is taking away from your personal life or career, you may feel burdened, alone or misunderstood. It doesn't have to be that way. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Interventions relieve anxiety, depression & stress, restore confidence, develop effective family relationships, and unlock personal potential. The solutions to your problems might be closer than you think. Why wait? (Midtown Counselling offers immediate bookings to new clients).