Life In Harmony at Vaughan Counselling Center
4550 Highway 7, Suite 120 L4L4Y7 Vaughan, ON, Canada

Whether or not you have stopped to think about it, COVID has changed your life! Find out how your nervous system may be responding to all the changes. READ ON to learn more about how you can enhance the quality of your life, even in the most difficult times. Number 4 and 9 have been life changing. Which ones do you already do? Which new habits can you adopt to make the best of these times? #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #COVID19 #therapy #onlinecounselling #polyvagalthe...ory #emotions #challenge #takechargeofyourhealth #mentalhealthtips #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #counselling #counsellingservice #psychology #therapygoals #lifeadvice #yorkregion #vaughan #vaughancounselling #covidblues #socialdistancing #socialisolation #lockdownlife #lockdown See more

Snow day! Days like today act as a reminder to pause and to take a mindful moment for yourself. Look outside and with every falling flake be reminded that nature is genius and divine.

Our friends, our partners, our family, our sweet pets - to love is to be deeply vulnerable. And that’s as brave as it gets.

Celebrate yourself today! The best gift you can give this Valentines Day is the gift of self-love! . There are many ways to practice self-love. Try engaging in some self-care activities today! That can include going for a walk or being outdoors in nature, watching your favorite movie or tv show, making yourself your favorite meal, listening to your favourite music, lighting a candle, buying yourself flowers or going to bed early! . Or practice self-appreciation! Try taking a... couple deep breaths and then think about one thing that you appreciate about yourself... Self-appreciation: Try taking a couple deep breaths and then think about one thing that you appreciate about your body. An example could be, I appreciate my smile, or I am thankful for my sense of humour. This practice helps remind us of things about ourselves that usually goes unnoticed. . Sending lots of love your way... Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Life In Harmony! See more

In the midst of darkness, light persists Gandhi

Often the stress of the holidays bring conflict to our families. The stress of the pandemic on top of that means these holidays are likely to be very difficult. Holiday conflicts might provide you an opportunity to teach your children how to deal with conflict! You can use this article from the Child Mind Institute to learn how. https://childmind.org//teaching-kids-how-to-deal-with-con/

Holidays are hard, so we’ve asked our therapists to share their tips on getting through the holidays. This is what Meri shared with us. This year like none other, we are being challenged to celebrate in different ways and each of us will find the way best suited to our particular situation. While we would like this year’s holidays to be celebrated as normally as possible, I believe that we bring part of ourselves to every decision so if you are seeking to connect with famil...y then use your creativity to find old and new ways. How have you been connecting with loved ones? Do you have any plans for the holiday so far? Get more tips from our Holiday Survival Guide, https://www.lifeinharmony.ca//holiday-survival-guide-7-way

Get crafty with your kids this weekend. Play helps us connect and build strong attachments with our children! https://www.savvymom.ca//holiday-activities-crafts-snacks/

Have you met Maya and T-Bear? I know no one will mind if we say they are our most adorable team members. T-bear (left) and Maya (right), show up with Johanna Gabel in her online sessions helping her provide a loving and safe space for her clients to process their trauma. #woodbridge #puppylove #therapy #mentalwellness #trauma

Many of us are worried about the holidays. While it's uncertain exactly what they will look like, we can expect that they will at least be different. If your child struggles with change, here are 10 phrases can help you build resilience in your child when discussing the changes this holiday season. https://www.mother.ly//how-to-help-kids-cope-with-holiday-

Is your child anxious? What do you say to them to help soothe them? #Repost @traumainformedparent Graphic credit @teenhealthdoc and @mamapsychologists #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyawareness #childhoodtraumaawareness #childhoodtrauma #traumaawareness #traumarecovery #traumainformed #childhoodanxiety #anxietysupport

"Parenting does not require perfection. In fact, it requires the acknowledgment of our imperfections, the daily practice of self-regulation and conscious-love, and a belief that we all grow in self-acceptance and resilience through belonging and restful relationships." https://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/with-love/

It is not my intent to shame anyone, but to simply offer what I have learned. It is painful to see the truth about ourselves, and if you are not in a place that this is possible, or you feel that this article is not for you, you have my blessing to stop reading. https://psiloveyou.xyz/this-is-what-your-estranged-child-wa

trying to calm down may not be the right approach at all. Instead, some experts recommend calming up: the idea that the best way to let go of stress isn’t to melt it, but to burn it up. https://forge.medium.com/to-calm-down-try-calming-up-instea

Holidays are coming! What are you most looking forward to? What are you concerned about? We’re working on a holiday ‘survival guide’ to help you get through the holidays! What would you ask a therapist about when it comes to the to managing the more difficult aspects of the holidays? If you think the upcoming holidays might be stressful, get ahead of the curve and connect with a therapist now. Therapy can support you through difficult times and is available online. Reach out today to learn more! https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/

When someone loses a loved one to suicide, it’s not rare for him/her/they to blame themselves or to wish they were dead. That wish does not mean that they will act on it, but it can exacerbate the depression, resulting in not eating or sleeping, which can be detrimental to their health. - Cynthia Catchings, therapist. Today is International Day for People Impacted by Suicide Loss (renamed from Survivor Day). Suicide has a devastating impact on those who are left behind. It... can be very isolating as there is still a lot of stigma surrounding suicide, and can still be a taboo topic socially. According to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - CASP, Survivor Day has three main goals (1) to EDUCATE, (2) to offer an opportunity for people to SHARE, and (3) to help those impacted by suicide loss to meaningfully COMMEMORATE their loved ones. If you are someone who has lost someone to suicide, take some time to reflect and process. If you know someone who has lost someone to suicide, reach out and ask how they are doing. Even if it's been years since the event, there may be unresolved trauma. You can also reach out to Life in Harmony @ Vaughan Counselling Centre if you think therapy might be helpful. You can find our contact information here: https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/contact Our thoughts and compassion go out to those who are struggling with this profound loss.

When she asked me, How are you? I paused. Do I provide the safe and brief answer? The real answer, which might cost me a fortune in additional service fees? The philosophical and nuanced answer, mysterious enough in its omissions but suggestive enough in its implications to save me from having to admit that I’m something other than okay? The oblique and abstruse answer: Well, I’m getting by https://humanparts.medium.com/how-are-you-and-other-existen

Make your partner your anchor. https://www.gottman.com/blog/turning-toward-partner-anchor/

Does your child(ren) frequently complain about stomach aches? But it’s important to understand that kids aren’t necessarily inventing their symptoms, and the danger may feel very real to them. Don’t assume a child who spends a lot of time in the nurse’s office at school is doing it intentionally to get out of class. Her acute anxiety may be causing her pain.. https://childmind.org//anxious-stomach-aches-and-headach/

How do you answer questions about uncertainty? We can still reassure our children by answering questions truthfully, when the future is uncertain. Loved this graphic by @lindsaybraman & posted by @amandaklonsky on Facebook! #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #psychotherapy

#Repost @selfcareisajourney See @foodtherapy_clinic for more posts like this one. The page has lots of posts to boost your confidence, tools to help boost your mental wellbeing and self-belief and to rebuild your relationship with food. #ad #therapy #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #therapist

How do you know it’s time to start therapy? One of the most frequent concerns we hear from individuals is a version of "I know what to do, but I just can't seem to do it." Chances are that you find this familiar too. Whether you are disoriented by a crisis, making a career choice, taking on a personal project, considering leaving a relationship, or entering a new relationship, some degree of reservation, anxiety, stress, confusion, and self-doubt is natural. Here are ten crit...ical signs it's time to get professional help, according to mental health experts: You're having difficulty regulating your emotions. You aren't performing as effectively at work or school. You're experiencing changes or disruptions in sleep or appetite. You're struggling to build and maintain relationships. You've experienced trauma. You no longer enjoy activities you typically did. You're grieving. Your physical health has taken a hit. You want to improve yourself but don't know where to start. You're using substance or sex to cope. https://www.forbes.com//10-sure-signs-you-need-to-see-a-/ Do any of these sound like you? We’re here to help! Reach out for a commitment free consultation call today at www.lifeinharmony.ca.

"We can all agree that life can feel unfair, that things should work out for us, and that we should get what we deserve. However, this is not always the case. As a psychologist, I have heard far too often, especially from adults, a belief that if they work hard, they should receive a justifiable reward. Truthfully, we expect that if we do good, good things should be returned to us. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I find that kids truly benefit from learning this lesson early. " https://www.gottman.com//how-to-talk-to-children-and-tee/

The 6 Healthy Habits of People Who Recover From Childhood Emotional Neglect https://blogs.psychcentral.com//6-healing-habits-of-adult/

#Repost @synergy.gentle.parenting --- There are as many neurons in the human brain as stars in the Milky Way. Isnt that incredible? Pathways in the brain are formed and reinforced through repetition. ... Dr. Donald Hebb said, Neurons that fire together, wire together. I understand this to mean that what I practice I strengthen. What I repeat I teach. We can rewire our brains and learn new ways to interact in relationships. Oftentimes, adults have to give themselves what they needed growing up. Becoming a parent is a typical transformation catalyst. Children highlight the light & dark areas. Our strengths & weaknesses. It is by accepting that we all have areas we need to strengthen that we feel safer, braver, and gentler. There are opposing strengths to each weakness. By learning what we need we are able to turn our weakness into a strength. It is possible to break the cycle of hurting people hurting and choose to be healing people healing. Only one generation of conscious parents & caregivers can change the roadmap for relationships & generations to come. It can begin with you. With Love, Lelia #strengthenedthroughgentleness #risingasweraisechildren Meme : @drdansiegel & @tinapaynebryson #interpersonalneurobiology #parentingforemotionalregulation #parentingformentalhealth #parentingforsocialchange #parentingforconnection #parentingforresilience #parentingforrelationalhealth #parentingforapeacefulworld #leliaschott #childrensbookwriter #childadvocate #mother #parenting #selfparenting #innerchildhealing #neuroplasticity #neuronurturing #peacefulparentcoach www.leliaschott.com #synergygentleparentingresources

Between the weather getting colder and the second wave, it’s easy to feel discouraged about getting outside. But #DYK that something as simple as a walk can help decrease stress and anxiety and lift your mental health? Walks do not have to be long! If you are feeling crunched for time, make it a short one 10 15 minutes can make a difference. You could also make it an activity to do with a loved one or the whole family! ... Discover a path near your home or maybe you can opt to walk during an errand you have to run! Change up your routine! Maybe on your work break or after dinner your usual break time can be spent going for a walk instead of what you usually do!

During [COVID-19], parent guilt is on the rise. We are trying to fulfill all our new roles with grace and efficiency, but truth of the matter is, we cant. We cant serve as parents, teachers, camp counselors and event planners. Its just not possible. https://themighty.com//covid-19-parenting-too-much-pressu/

"This model of strengthening, harming, and repairing can help you think about your own interactions. When a family relationship is already positive, there is a foundation of trust and a belief in the other’s good intentions, which helps everyone restore more easily from minor ruptures. For this reason, it helps to proactively tend the fabric of family relationships." https://greatergood.berkeley.edu//family_conflict_is_norma

A lovely reminder from @tinybuddhaofficial. We often avoid negative emotions because they are difficult. But they are part of our journey. It's important to embrace all of your feelings as you learn and grow. How to manage your difficult feelings? ... #psychotherapy #vaughan #vaughnmoms #therapt #mentalwellness #mentalhealth

What do you think?

You cant pour from an empty cup! Are you a parent? Feeling drained or irritable? Counselling can help you and your family through trying times. Fill your cup with family counselling and therapy. Explore your options today. https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/parenting-counselling

"With so many struggling, it's a vital time to offer support to teenagers in your life. Here's how to start, how to teach resilience and warning signs that might signal your teen needs extra help." https://www.ctvnews.ca//are-the-kids-all-right-supporting-

And with all the steps I was taking to bolster my body’s defenses against germs, it felt strange that I wasn’t doing the same for my psyche. I wondered: Is there a way to build up my emotional defenses against the devastation of this time, and what’s still to come? https://forge.medium.com/how-to-strengthen-your-emotional-i

An important #SelfCareSeptember reminder! Spending more time resting and less time actively engaged in work not only boosts creativity and happiness, it also makes the time spent on work more efficient. https://medium.com/better-h/rest-is-productive-1348b2b7eeb0... Its also okay to ok not to rest and to be nervous. You are not alone. We can help you regulate https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/

Are you struggling with working from home? While there are pros and cons to working from home or from this office, this writer has a list of things that he definitely DOESN’T miss about office life? What is something about office life that you do or don’t miss? https://level.medium.com/i-miss-everything-about-the-office

#Repost @synergy.gentle.parenting --- Children are not always able to articulate what they are feeling. Feeling disconnected, afraid, or inadequate are powerful feelings for even confident adults to deal with. ... Childrens unmet needs & feelings (insecurities, doubts, stress, disappointment, frustration, fear, confusion, etc.) manifest in their behavior. If we take the time to be present in those moments or look for the signs along the way we can help our children by listening, empathizing, and showing them that how they feel matters, THEY matter, they are worthy, appreciated, respected, loved, delighted in UNCONDITIONALLY. Everyone "falls apart" at times. Its a scary place to be alone in. So we look for someone to lean on. The freedom to sincerely express our hearts brings healing & peace again. If we want our children to share their inner-most feelings with us then our connection with them needs to be built on trust without any fear of shame, rejection, or punishment. Wholeness is a personal journey made easier when accepted & loved unconditionally by our parents. ~Lelia Schott. (2014) #strengthenedthroughgentleness #gentlereparenting #gentleparenting #peacefulparenting #consciousparenting #connectedparenting #attunedparenting #parentingformentalhealth #parentingforsocialchange #parentingforemotionalregulation #parentingforselfworth #parentingforrelationalhealth #interpersonalneurobiology #attachmenttheory #selfparenting #innerchildwork #parenting #childpsychology #parentpsychology #internaldialogue #connectedfamily #rewireyourbrain #leliaschott #peacefulparentcoach #parentconsulting

But just as younger adults seem to sometimes fare better against Covid-19, they may also be better equipped, mentally and emotionally, to weather this pandemic Here are four of our survival strategies. 1. Redefine healthy 2. Make your mental health a topic of conversation 3. Look to the pros, online and off... 4. Insist on optimism https://forge.medium.com/4-things-we-all-need-to-learn-abou

Are you feeling hindered by self-doubt, anxiety, or mental blocks? It takes great courage to even take the first step towards change. Pyschotherapy may be an option for you if: > You would like a support person outside your current network ... > Enjoy talking through your challenges/issues > Feel like you’ve ‘done everything you can’ to try and make changes and are not seeing ‘results’ > Recently experienced a traumatic life event > Can just sense something if off. If this sounds like you, pick up the phone and call us. We can further discuss if therapy is right for you. (905) 851-8515 or visit our website for more information. https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/

What questions should you ask about how your childs school is managing COVID-19 Safety? https://toronto.ctvnews.ca//is-your-child-going-back-to-sc

It has taken me nineteen years to realize that orchestrating someone else’s happiness is, in fact, an impossible task. https://medium.com//the-myth-of-the-good-mother-2a1c63eff9

Did you have a hard time saying goodbye for school this morning? Here are some tips from Dr. Deborah MacNamara

Oops. Ouch. Whoa. This tool from community activism can help you have difficult conversations with people in your life. Whether its with a partner, child, colleague, or family member Oops. Ouch. Whoa. helps you communicate feelings in a compassionate and forgiving way. https://forge.medium.com/three-words-you-need-for-your-next

Its #SelfCareSeptember! Therapy is a great way to take care of our mental health. Whether you are going through a crisis, or just feel as though something is off, were here to help you use challenging moments as a new lens for self-appreciation and as fuel for progress. Explore therapy today. ... https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/our-services See more

When there isnt anything we can do about a situation, sometimes acceptance is what can help get us through. https://www.psychologytoday.com//the-secret-mastering-acce

Love this reminder! Its also okay to not feel this way!

Dont confuse emotionality with fragility Parents can worry that an intensely upset teenager might be approaching some perilous psychological edge, and teenagers can even have the same concern about themselves. But in fact, theres a lot of cushion built into the system. Adolescent emotions tend to arrive in waves that rise, crest and recede on their own. Keeping this in mind, we can help our teenagers by responding to their distress in ways that are empathic and supportive, rather than anxious or minimizing. https://www.nytimes.com//coronavirus-teenagers-uncomfortab

Can you believe its already time for Back to School? This school year is going to look very different for teens and their families. While its unclear what the school year will look like, here are some tips to help your kids through: Acknowledge mixed feelings about what the new school year will be like ... Support a regular sleep and school schedule especially on virtual school days Connect with your childs teacher on what your teen needs to succeed, or if youre starting to see trouble Co-create an accountability plan when it comes to staying on top of homework and assignments. Make space for not having the best academic year, re-evaluate expectations together. If you think your child may need a little extra help coping this year, weve got you! Our team of experienced coaches and counsellours can help you and your family. https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/our-services

Communicating with our teens can be difficult. Identify common mistakes and use these suggestions to help improve how you communicated with your teen. https://grownandflown.com/research-study-ten-ways-to-commu/ Still struggling to connect? We offer teen and family counselling! ... https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/our-services

Submission creates resentment; cooperation fosters connection. https://www.psychologytoday.com//make-it-easy-your-partner Having challenges communicating with your partner? Couples counselling can help you break through barriers to communication and re-connect you! ... https://www.lifeinharmony.ca/couples-counselling

Did you know its #SelfCareSeptember? Check out this Self Care September Calendar from Action for Happiness https://www.actionforhappiness.org/self-care-september... What are some of your favourite self-care activities?

How can you support your teen with this new and uncertain school year? https://medium.com//self-motivated-learning-setting-our-te

The impact of trauma!

For those that are considering holding their kids back this September! Some good advice!!