What is individual counselling?

When you begin to experience personal issues that affect your day-to-day enjoyment of life, it may be time to consider counselling. Counselling allows you to dig deeper into the source of pain in your life. 

At Next Step, we understand that life can bring many challenges. There is hope. Through a meaningful connection between you and your counsellor, and well-researched treatment therapies, we can help alleviate daily stressors. 

Counselling offers the chance to make changes so you can get back to living life on your terms. 

Specialties

We can offer support in the following areas, among others:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma
  • Brain injury
  • Addiction
  • Self esteem
  • Identity
  • Cultural issues
  • Health concerns
  • Cognitive disabilities
  • Life coaching
  • Substance abuse
  • PTSD
  • Relationships
  • Marital
  • Life transitions

Clients

Teens

Typical issues: At Next Step, we often work with teens who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem and identity issues. Some of our teen clients had to take time away from school due to bullying, for example. Others were acting out at school due to anger issues. A common theme is the sense of cracking under pressure.

How we help: Together, we create a plan that allows teens to tackle their stressors head-on. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), we help teenage clients rewrite their story and gain confidence. 

Results: With the help of our counsellors, these teens have been able to get back to school and make lasting friendships. Clients have shared that they found our counsellors very easy to talk to, and that they ultimately enjoyed forming an authentic, trusting connection here. 

Young adults

Typical issues: As a young adult, you may be experiencing a turbulent transition period in your life. You may come to us because you feel lost, especially when facing questions like “Who am I?” and “What should I do with my life?”

How we help: Our counsellors create a safe space where, free from the burdens of other people’s expectations, you can sort out what you really want from life—and feel empowered to go after it.

Results: One of our young-adult clients had a bad experience with a different counsellor, which left him feeling judged. Fortunately, he found a better connection with a counsellor at Next Step, who helped him sort through his options in life and separate what his parents wanted from what he wanted. He learned healthier strategies for coping with difficult moments, and successfully transitioned out of university and into his ideal job.

Adults

Note: The information below focuses on grief and trauma, although we help adults with all the concerns listed under “Specialties” above, and more.

Typical issues: Suffering a loss can leave us feeling stuck or empty inside. So, too, can the aftermath of trauma. You may be seeking counselling because the pain is affecting your day-to-day functioning and you don’t know where else to turn.

How we help: A skilled counsellor can help you heal from trauma. We offer EMDR to bring hidden issues to light and unblock the emotions surrounding your distress. 

Results: Some of our clients came to us feeling they were at the lowest point in their lives. One had been in a traumatic car accident. He was unable to go to work, had no desire to see friends, and could barely leave his apartment. He started EMDR with a counsellor at Next Step and reported feeling calmer and more positive after each session. Ultimately, he was able to heal, return to work, and find enjoyment in life again.