Online Counselling for Vaughan

I share a common human experience with my clients and appreciate our journeys. Maybe you're considering therapy to connect with someone non-judgmental and outside your personal support system; you're feeling uneasy or worrying about life; you're withdrawing from others and no longer find joy and pleasure; substance use or a habitual behaviour is getting in the way of meaningful relationships and meeting life’s challenges; or you experienced a major event in your life and you're feeling overwhelmed. We will endeavour to understand these challenges and I will support you in taking steps that would benefit you.

Hi I'm Judy, Director at Your Story Counselling (YSC). At YSC, we understand that life can be stressful, it's easy to become disconnected from ourselves and those we love. Our goal is to help you find what you need in order to create the pathways towards your own desired journey in life. When we open ourselves up to our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves up to our full potential. We believe that all of us have the strength within ourselves to overcome and forge ahead with our own preferred way of life, love, and happiness. We all can use some help and support from time to time.

I always approach my clients in with an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. What does that mean? It means that I will always ask "what happened to you?" instead of asking "what's wrong with you?". It also means that I will always respect you as the expert in your own life. Finally, it means that I believe that everyone does their very best to survive and thrive each day–even on the days that we can't see any hope. I am here to be with you, even through the darkest of days, and help you find inspiration and hope within yourself.

***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.

My goal is to support and guide you back to wellness no matter the trials and tribulations that life presents. I have a keen interest in supporting anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. Above all, I take pride in building genuine therapeutic relationships with my clients while helping them become the best versions of themselves. Having started my own therapeutic journey as a client myself, I can more deeply appreciate the importance of this client-therapist relationship. The therapeutic journey is not always easy, but I believe that we are stronger together.

Working alongside my clients, my mission is to create and nurture trusting relationships so we can uncover, understand, and heal the concerns and pains that have led to difficulty and dissatisfaction in their lives. Using an integrative, emotionally-focused, client-centred approach, my goal is to ensure that each person who comes into my office is treated as an individual with a story and history as unique as their fingerprint.

We all have a story to tell that is uniquely ours. These stories can include our positive experiences but also times when we're faced with challenges that can make us feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. As a therapist, I'm committed to providing you with a non-judgmental and safe space to tell your story. Whether you're facing a life transition, the effects of trauma, or challenges in your relationships—I want to help you to discover your strengths, embrace self-compassion, and take manageable steps towards your goals. I work holistically and collaboratively to tailor to the specific needs, values, and goals of each client.

I understand that life can be overwhelming at times. I can help you navigate through life’s difficulties. My goal is to provide a safe ,confidential and supportive environment where you can gain self-awareness and take control of your life and make positive changes. I am specialized in a range of therapeutic approaches and my 30 years of experience of working with individuals, couples, families and teenagers has given me knowledge and skills to customize a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I am committed to helping you reach your goals and develop a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

I hold the belief that inherent goodness resides within every individual and that hope can be found in even the most challenging circumstances. Therapy offers a special opportunity to explore this goodness and hope. In my experience as a therapist, I have had the privilege of supporting and empowering individuals, couples, and families on their journey towards healing, growth, and connection. I approach all my clients with a deep appreciation for their unique identities, shaped by their personal narratives and perspectives. I am attuned to working with individual strengths while fostering a capacity of hope.

I believe that each person carries the ability to grow, and when given the right tools and support, can thrive under any environment. As a psychotherapist, it is my job to help clients foster this change by using my educational background, experience, and insight. I work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families and understand the importance of relationships, and how at our core, everyone wants to be heard. I see therapy as a resource that can be used to see strengths, create confidence, and develop skills that will last a lifetime. I look forward to building up my clients and find joy in helping them find their voice.

If you or someone you know is grappling with various challenges, be it related to stress, mental health, or issues within your relationship, I hope this page offers you guidance and is the 'right' fit to meet your needs. Regardless of your background or struggle, I am here to provide you with a safe and empathetic space where there is understanding, respect and support in navigating your concerns.

Is your family environment off balance? Is parenting more difficult than you imagined? Have you lost control of yourself or your relationships? Are you are looking for a different feeling or ready to make a change? It takes one conversation to start change. What is standing in your way of starting? Book now and explore the simple steps to feeling okay every day. Start the journey of self-discovery. If you are looking to RESET, start here and make yourself a priority. If not now, when? We focus on skills and strategies for making better choices for yourself with experience In ADHD, ASD, Neurotypical, Anxiety, Family Dynamics.

***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** When our thoughts get the better of us and we feel overwhelmed, I believe there is always hope to reach the peace for which we all yearn. Through psychotherapy, I support clients struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, identity, and relationships. We all have times when we aren’t sure where we stand in our lives and with others, so I offer a safe and welcoming space where clients can express and find themselves. We are complex individuals with our own unique stories made up of our experiences. Therapy is an empowering space where we can explore these without judgment.

I believe that each individual has the capacity for growth through self-awareness and acceptance. I have supported individuals to recognize their optimal potential, develop and maintain healthy meaningful relationships, while making choices that are in the interest of oneself and others. I help my clients free themselves from disabling assumptions and attitudes so they can live fuller lives. As a trauma-informed therapist, I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental environment to facilitate growth and change.

I believe that when we come to therapy, we have the potential to heal ourselves. We are the masters of our own paths in life. It’s the circumstances in our lives—such as our social environment and various other factors—which can prevent us from living up to our full potential. I believe that through therapy, these hidden potentials can be realized. As a therapist, I act as a facilitator to help my clients see what they already have inside of them, foster self-acceptance, and help them reach their life goals through discovery of the self and of one’s own strengths.

I believe that we all have the capacity to grow and achieve a better state of being. I am deeply committed to helping individuals who feel stuck or unhappy in their lives. I understand that feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled, or depressed can be incredibly challenging. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Through a caring and collaborative approach, I guide individuals in harnessing their inner resources to achieve personal growth and well-being. I see unlimited hope and potential in all individuals and aim to help others discover it for themselves.

Life happens to all of us, and it can be unfair, traumatic, disappointing, and stressful. It can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, hurt, and exhausted. Know that no matter the situation, you have what it takes; you are enough to overcome the problems that pose as barriers to your authentic connection to yourself and others. I have supported and equipped individuals, couples, and families to live a relational life of authentic connection to themselves and others regardless of the circumstances they encounter. There is hope in every situation! Remember, through the metamorphosis comes a beautiful butterfly!

I am fascinated by the beautiful interconnection between the mind and body. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) my vision is to promote mental wellness and reduce the stigma around it. I am passionate about improving the mental wellness of individuals along with facilitating personal growth and effective change. As my client, I will meet you where you are. I see you as a unique individual with your own strengths. Respecting your perspective, culture, and individuality is a key aspect of how we will build a therapeutic relationship. I am also constantly working towards providing a safe and inclusive space for you.

It's not just you, life HAS gotten harder in the last few years. If you've been powering through, staying strong and carrying on, but now you're barely getting by and you're tired of feeling like you're not really living your life, it might be time for outside support. The benefit of therapy is that it's a time where you get to focus on yourself, to look at your life, and to get an outside perspective on how it could be different. You don't have to just endure, with the right support, you can heal from the past, and move forward towards a better future.