Van Dusen Counseling

Hey, everyone! Take a look at my new video post.

Just a reminder that I'll be hosting a free, online information session for the new business tomorrow between 7-8PM. This is a drop-in event where I will answer questions about the new retreat program starting this fall in Chatham and address some common misconceptions about mindfulness and Christianity.

Have you seen the new logos courtesy of Graphic Bait? Head over to my new FaceBook page (Trails of Eden) to find out more, drop a ‘like’, and share with friends. Over the coming months, I’ll be transitioning away from using the Van Dusen Counseling page in favour of our new Trails of Eden account.

Things are back in full swing at the office and I can’t be more excited! COVID has given me lots of time to pray and reflect on this past year of business; Van Dusen Counseling will be growing over the next few months, and I can’t wait to reveal some updates In the meantime, new appointments are encouraged for both children and adults. Call 226-973-3138, send a Facebook message, or email [email protected] to book a new client appointment today!

In-office appointments now available on a limited basis with increased cleaning procedures in the office to facilitate this change. Looking forward to seeing you all again In-office appointments now available on a limited basis with increased cleaning procedures in the office to facilitate this change. Looking forward to seeing you all again

Just a friendly reminder that there’s so much more to health than just not being sick. I hope everyone is finding ways to enjoy this beautiful Spring, staying connected with friends and loved ones, and making modifications at home to support your mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Be kind to each other. People are being bombarded with messages from the media already begging them to stay inside, using messages of fear as motivation. What they’re probably not hearing half as much? Messages of love and support. Choose to be light bearers as we navigate this together. You never know what someone is going through or how hard this change is affecting them

In order to support mental health, we need to be mindful of the socioeconomic factors that contribute to it. Please consider signing this petition to reopen public transit in Windsor. While it is obvious that changes will need to be made (e.g. limiting the number of passengers, increasing cleaning protocol), closing transit is harming many individuals and families who are already feeling the strain of these times. Other communities have found ways to support public transitWhy not Windsor?

Not sure about video counseling? Check out this video I made about what you can expect during your first few sessions! Website: www.kodievandusen.wixsite.com/counseling Email: [email protected] Phone: 226-973-3138

Great article about some steps you can take at home to support your children's mental health during these times: 1. Take care of your own mental health, as a parent. Be honest and vulnerable with yourself about what you're feeling. Accurately naming our feelings is an important step towards handling them effectively; only after we've named them do we have the chance to model effective coping. (Be careful not to promote 'bottling up' as an effective way of handling fears, e.g.... repeatedly saying 'It's fine, it's fine' and 'We don't need to worry', or putting on a brave face. Children can often see when their parents are stressed, so it's important that we're honest with ourselves when we're feeling it, so that it can be addressed in a healthy way.) 2. Validate your children's concerns so that they have an opportunity to work through them. Do not dismiss their feelings. Acknowledge, empathize, and work together to find ways to make these times easier in your household (e.g. creating a new routine/structure together, engaging in exercise as a family, moments of gratitude, etc.). 3. Educate them about what's happening, in age appropriate ways. Use this as a chance to teach them critical thinking about online news sources/what can be trusted, limiting their access to 'doom and gloom' news sources. Stick to facts. -- I am continuing to see existing and new clients through remote sessions at this time. If you need additional support/resources, please don't hesitate to be in touch. I will be keeping all of your families in my prayers. https://www.cbc.ca//ed/children-anxiety-pandemic-1.5497338

UPDATE: In light of new cases of COVID-19 found in our area, I will be taking clients remotely for the rest of March. I know this is a time of high anxiety for many kiddos out there, so I want to make sure they still have access to their regular appointments. If you are an existing client, I will be sending out emails this week to set up video calls for existing appointments/intakes. For new clients, please contact me on Facebook or by email at [email protected] to set up a free, half hour consultation to find out if remote sessions are right for you. Thank you for your understanding.

Good morning, I am currently away from my office over the March break for some pre-planned rest and relaxation. I will be back Tuesday, March 24th, as usual. At the time, I have no plans for closure as a result of the COVID-19 scare. I am taking increased sanitary precautions around the office, but since it is a detached, single-use office, it seems there is little risk of continuing at this time, barring government closure. ... I do ask that at this time, payments for existing clients be done via etransfer to lessen the spread of germs through physical cash. If you or your child are ill or will be traveling overseas during March break, I am being more lenient with my rescheduling/cancellation policy and ask that you stay home. Thank you!

What a busy month February has been! Saw this video and, cute as it may be, it’s a poignant reminder of what kids observe! What do you think your kids would say? https://youtu.be/jLj2q2BhJF8