Counselling and Play Therapy Services of Oxford County
204 Huron street Woodstock, ON, Canada

"Unresolved TRAUMA has us confuse normal behaviours as sexual attraction." - Holistic Psychologist Many of us become highly emotionally activated when our childhood attachment wounding is triggered.... Attachment wounding comes from our relationships with parent-figures. When there’s mistrust, betrayal, or a consistent inability for a parent to meet our emotional needs as children we carry this wounding into adulthood. SO DOES OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM! This looks like being hyper vigilant in romantic relationships, having consistent fear of betrayal or abandonment, avoidance or inability to truly connect. We can begin to confuse our nervous system responses as sexual attraction. We can also mistake a lack of nervous system activation with a partner as a lack of sexual attraction. Especially if we grew up with homes with chaos, instability, or emotional abandonment. Healing involves the process of becoming consciously aware to how our mind + body are responding. A compassionate and knowledgeable psychotherapaist can help you become aware and be more mindful of your attachment style. Reflections: 1. When do I find myself most attracted to this person? 2. Am I becoming activated by fear of abandonment, or am I feeling true (consistent) connection? 3. Am I seeking to be seen + heard by this person or am I seeking to be chosen? 4. Does this relationship means betraying parts of myself in order to be loved? 5. Is there an emotional addiction involved in the relationship with highs and lows?

Happy Thursday! Can I ask a small favour? Updates have been made to my website and I was hoping folks could have a look and see if there is anything I am missing - or you would like to see? Have a look: www.counsellingandplaytherapy.ca

Did you know that today is World Mental Health Day? Recently someone shared this amazing rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence;" this is an amazing song, and perfect for today. Click on the link below to view the video. PLEASE reach out to someone if you are suffering or REACH IN if you know someone who may need it; we don't need to do this alone.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P16QFZjBfC0&t=184s See more

Our kiddos (and many adults) had to pivot the last 6 months to a new way of learning and now are pivoting again (whether we chose in school or on-line learning). The additional mental tasks are enormous; hence why we feel exhausted. For folks with brain based difficulties the tasks can be overwhelming. Feel free to reach out if you or your child are struggling

Are you seeking support for your children but don't want to meet in person? No worries, meeting on line in a "virtual" playroom has never been easier - AND its allergy free ;). Check this out :).

I am over the top excited to announce that Caitlin O'Keefe will be joining me at my Woodstock location! She will be offering in office appointments Tuesday and Saturdays - virtual appointments are always welcomed. Call 519-520-3080 or email [email protected] to book an appointment :). Caitlin O'Keefe Registered Social Worker ... Over the past 14 years I have been supporting children and their families as they work towards change. I have worked with a variety of diverse families who have had varying goals and have faced different challenges. Using the strengths, that every individual and family has, I have helped families move toward change that has created healing, built coping skills and supported them in achieving a new way forward. After having a child of my own and reflecting on what I wanted for my career and family, we decided to move to Oxford County. As I continued my education and my family starts building connections in our new community, I am excited about the opportunity to take on a new role with Counselling and Play Therapy Services. Professional Qualifications I have an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work from Niagara College. I completed my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Social Development Studies and my Bachelor of Social Work, both through Renison college at the University of Waterloo. I am currently completing my Masters of Social Work through Dalhousie University. Ongoing learning and development are important to my practice and I have continued to seek training opportunities to advance my skills. I have attended various trainings/workshops including; Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interviewing Children Family Violence Families dealing with sexual behaviour Mental Illness (parent and child) Narrative Therapy Play Therapy Mental Health Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Trauma Informed Practice Vicarious Trauma

What's your strategies for getting your kiddos ready for back to school? Each August, I start waking my kids up 15-30 mins earlier and then increase it as we get closer to the start of school. This week its 8:30, next week 8:00am. These sleepy heads need the dogs to help :)

Happy Pride!Happy Pride!

As Restrictions are starting to be lifted, that means I too will be able to offer more in person appointments. Family, Couples, and EAP referrals are still only virtual. Working together this is what we can do for face to face sessions to happen: What you can do:... 1. If you have any of the following let’s meet via Zoom instead: fever, persistent cough, OR have been in contact with someone who may have COVID 19. 2. Please arrive on time for appointment - not before. If you are early please wait outside the building. 3. Only the individual who has the appointment can come in. If you need me to come to the car to retrieve your child please text 519-520-3080. At this time couple and family appointments have been suspended. 4. Hand sanitizer or hand washing is a must before entering office . 5. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask please do so. What I am doing: 1. Adjusting appointment times to allow for more time for proper cleaning. 2. Chairs, banisters, door frames, knobs, tables (anything that is touched) will be cleaned with Lysol wipes/spray BEFORE EACH SESSION. 3. The office is large enough to maintain a 6-foot distance 4. New vinyl chairs are in place for client seating (easy to clean) 5. Hand washing/sanitizing between each session If I am sick, I will offer ZOOM sessions in place or reschedule

*UPDATED* May 15th, 2020. Good news was delivered today about the re opening of businesses! What does this mean for Counselling and Play Therapy Services? Moving back into the office will be done slowly to ensure that proper procedures can be followed to ensure safety for everyone. Starting the week of May 19th:... -Zoom and phone sessions are to be first choices OR for folks going through EAP plans. -Currently: In office appointments will only be available for sessions where EMDR is being facilitated OR if phone/online is not an option OR crisis/emergency -In office appointments will be available in Woodstock ONLY (there I can ensure that there will be a min 6 foot distance) - In office appointments will be: Mon 1:30-7:30pm, Wed-Friday 3:30-5:30pm - Zoom/phone can be booked during those times AND during Norwich hours (which will be Zoom or Phone ONLY): Tuesday 9am-5:30, Wed-Friday 9am-12pm. - WAITING ROOM will be closed. - Entrance will be locked. Text when you arrive and you will be let in. - Surfaces to be cleaned in between clients. If you have any questions - please do not hesitate to reach out [email protected]. I will continue to send my Sunday emails to update you on changes. Stay Well! Ann

A quick video to introduce myself and online counselling. I am missing seeing folks in person; for now online is a good option until face to face can happen.

During this time of Physical Distancing where are you finding the Good News? Planting seeds and watching them sprout? Finding birds nest with eggs, anticipation of the baby robins to come? Riding your bike? Writing letters to friends OR receiving cards in the mail? When this is over; when time has passed; when we are older and reflect back on 2020 remember the good news. Did you know that Classified is Canadian? Watch their video for some good news.... https://www.youtube.com/watch See more

Site Supervisor? Colleague? Still undetermined.... All I know is Remi has been great company while I conduct my online sessions with folks! Do you have a cat or dog at home? Here are some fun facts on the therapeutic benefits of animals: 1. Petting an animal can reduce pain and anxiety 2. Caring for an animal can ease depression... 3. Spending time with animals can increase social behaviour and skills 4. Reduce grief and isolation 5. Reduces blood pressure and risk of heart and stroke. 6. Greater sense of control. See more

I am so grateful for having the amazing use of technology so that I can continue to connect with my clients via video sessions. Although I am not able to be there in person with folks, I am still able to bear witness to my client’s vulnerabilities during this time of unsurety. I remain hopeful that when we get through this, we will view things so differently and will continue the momentum for healthy change. When meeting with my little clients I have been able to share thes...e stories with them. 2 amazing mentors have created these stories to shared with children to learn about and process the Coronavirus. With permission from the authors I am sharing them with you as well. Print them off and read them with your own kids. Share this post so that your friends and family can also have these amazing resources. Continue being Super Heroes, until we emerge again into something more beautiful! Keep well, Ann <3 https://drive.google.com//1qW15CSyDuQUnaI2VVvEpnV-W2/view

What’s all this fuss about music? Did you know that music aids in the release of that feel-good chemical called dopamine in your brain. So just by listening to music we feel better! Music can be shared in different forms, such as: vocal, instruments and movement; so for those of us that don’t always want to talk, music and movement means we don’t always have to use words as a form of expression! When feeling anxious or irritated a great song can help us to relax! And w...hen we are relaxed, we are more focused and ready to learn! If you haven’t seen this viral video yet of Italian youngsters playing Cold Play’s Vida La Vida, then this is a must! Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face .

Although we can not meet face to face right now, video or phone sessions are a great alternative. Call or email if you want to connect about how you are feeling or process changes. I am a skilled Registered Psychotherapist that specializes in child/parent relationships, grief, trauma, anxiety with children, teens and adults. My service is covered under many Company benefit plans; please check with your provider first. If you have a Native status card you may qualify for coverage.