Counselling
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Ask A Counsellor Archives


I found out he's cheating and he told me he loves her. When I was leaving, he told me he's gonna break-up with her and he still loves me. Should I believe him?
When working with clients where there has been infidelity in the relationship, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed - there is much more involved than "should I stay or leave?"
What do counselling sessions cost?
All services at Mosaic have costs. Every effort is made to ensure that the costs are not barriers to receiving help.
Where might I go for grief counselling?
There are several organizations in the community who do grief counselling, including Mosaic Counselling and Family Services.
Do you offer specialized counselling to refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin?
Mosaic has counsellors who have a great deal of experience and extensive knowledge working with refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin.
Do you need a reason to make an appointment for couselling? I do not know what it is that is wrong with me. I know I hate myself. I know I am messed up. I do not know what caused it - maybe an alcoholic parent, maybe divorced parents, maybe childhood sexual abuse, maybe low self-esteem. I do not know. I know that I want to live better and I think if I could like myself it would help. What do I say my appointment is for?
Struggles with self-esteem and a desire to live a better life are certainly excellent reasons to seek counselling.
I was just wondering if it is normal to not want to be around the person you are having a baby with. I am 17 and pregnant right now, and can not stand the person I am with. I wanted to be around him constantly before we found out I was having a baby. Is there anything I can do to get things back to the way they used to be?
Being pregnant, especially when young, can certainly be a challenging time.
Do you offer specialized counselling to refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin?
We have a number of counsellors who have extensive experience dealing with trauma and in particular for people from countries where war and oppression is common place. Some of our counsellors work with refugees recently arrived in Canada. Please call our intake if we can be of any help at 743-6333 x323.
Do you provide counselling free of charge for seniors?
Thank you so much for your question.  We have a sliding fee scale and are able to waive our fee for people on a limited fixed income.  Please feel free to contact our intake department who can help you with this.  They are at 519-743-6333 ext 323.
Will you counsel people who have had abortions and need counselling?
Thank you so much for asking this question. We certainly do provide counselling to people who have had abortions. In fact, several of our counsellors have received special training to do this kind of counselling. The process is to contact one of our intake counsellors who can match the person with a counsellor.
I am sure I'm being controlled and at times abused. I love him and want to help him and us. What do I do?
Please contact us for personal counselling at 519-743-6333. We will begin by booking an individual appointment with you to discuss your relationship and assess safety and then make recommendations as to the best way to proceed. 
What steps should be taken to deal with drug addiction...spouse is an addict, and has made it difficult to live with...What steps to take to protect myself before I lose it...and steps to be a rescuer?
I am sorry to read that your spouse has an active drug addiction and that you are, as a result, under enormous stress.
If I suspect someone is depressed, how can I help them?
Depression is a genuine and serious illness that can be treated.
Do you offer groups for depression?
Mosaic has a wonderful program called 10 Days to Self Esteem for people with depression. The group runs for 10 weeks on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. The next session for this group program starts in September. To register or for more information, call us at 519-743-6333 and ask to speak with an intake worker.
Do you have any anger management courses?
Yes. We have an Anger Management Group for Men and a group program that helps children manage their anger called "Mad Isn't Bad."  Visit our Group page under Counselling for more information.
I get very angry at times where I want to throw things and I yell and I become controlling and obsessive.
It sounds like you are struggling with anger management issues.
I need someone to talk to. My life is falling apart and I am not sure what to do. I am stressed and have let my anger affect my relationship with my wife and I think it may be too late now. I think she hates the thought of me.
I am sorry to hear your concerns.  However, clearly this is an opportunity to make changes in your life for the better for yourself.
Do you treat social anxiety disorders?
Social Anxiety Disorder is one of many anxiety disorders often treated with a combination of medication and therapy.
I recently found out my mother is cheating on my father. It's really messing with my head and I don't know how to handle it. I don't want to be the one responsible for "breaking up the family" yet I can't let my father continue to be played like a fool. What can I do? I need help but can't afford it.
First of all you can never be responsible for the behaviour of another adult.
Would Mosaic be the place to go for counselling to deal with past issues from childhood (abuse, domestic violence est..) ? Thanks
We have a number of highly skilled counsellors who have substantial training and experience in providing counselling in the areas of historical and current issues of sexual abuse, childhood trauma and domestic violence for females and males. 
Do you provide counselling for those in the process of coming out?
We have wonderful counsellors who can offer support but this is an issue where, if you are a youth, you might be best served by K-W Counselling's OK2BMe program which is especially designed for LGBTQQT Youth.  Brooke Young heads up that program and is an amazing resource. Their phone number is 884-0000.
How much does it cost?
The fees for counselling services are based upon individual circumstances. No one is ever denied service because of inability to pay.
Who does the counselling?
All counsellors at Mosaic have a Master's degree and are members of professional disciplines, most frequently, social work.
Do you support/counsel and teach couples who are experiencing issues, such as how to cope with disagreements and be able to communicate properly?
Yes, we provide couple counselling on a regular basis.
I am looking for the phone number for mobile crisis.
The mobile crisis phone number is 519-744-1813.
Do you provide exit counselling for individuals leaving a cult?
In response to your question about exit counselling from a cult, this is very specialized work and, at this time, is not a service we would provide in our range of counsellors experience. In my experience, this is highly intensive work which requires specific training in this area.
My soon to be 18 daughter is struggling in school and has low self esteem and I am not much help to her as I am always frustrated and disappointed. What would be the best course of action be for the both of us?
Often when people are dealing with low self esteem they feel depressed and have a difficult time following through with tasks and activities including the things that they want to do and/or know is good for them.
What is the difference between depression and feeling blue?
The answer to this question is not always black and white.
I am severly depressed and have been for years. Recently I have been getting worse I sleep for days and then when I do get out of bed I make terrible decisions like drinking drugs and recently I shoplifted for something I didn't need or want. I got caught and I feel like my life is over- I need to talk to someone. I feel like I can't think. sleep, function or even have a conversation. Can somebody there help me?
Depression is a genuine and serious illness that can be helped and treated: your symptoms do suggest medical help will be an important part of your recovery.
I am currently depressed over a relationship that has recently ended. Is this the right place for me?
When people are depressed or dealing with the grief of ending a relationship, counselling is often very helpful. As a Family Service agency we do provide individual and group programs for depressed people. If you contact our Intake Service at 519 743-6333 x323 they will help sort out how best we might help you.
I suffered for years from non-physical domestic violence, but have now been separated for 2 1/2 years. I'm still trying to settle legal issues and no one respects my need to stay away from my ex-partner. Legal people, parenting coordinators, etc., feel I should be able to "joint parent" with my ex even though he still demonstrates a lot of the behaviours he has for years. How can I get it across to people that non-physical abuse is as damaging as physical?
I am so sorry about the past abuse and the sense of not being heard regarding ongoing issues of power, control and fear.
My 17 year old son is smoking pot and lacks any motivation to do anything else. He's falling behind in his studies and we're extremely worried about his mental state. He's confided that he's overwhelmed and anxious...what can we do to help him get back on track?
I would highly recommend that you seek out counselling for your son if he is willing to get help. Using drugs will directly affect his mood and motivation. If you are from this area, St Mary's Counselling (519.745.2585) specializes in this field and would be an excellent option.
I'm having a problem dealing with family issues; can you help me?
Thank you for your message. I am glad you contacted us. We would be pleased to help you.  Please call our intake department and one of our intake counsellors can talk with you about the situation and how we can help. They can be reached at 519-743-6333 ext 323.
My parents and I are having a lot of conflict. I am in university and have enough stress with school and work. Our family has issues of control and conflict and unfortunately my dad is not open to discussion. I don't have money to move out and now feel trapped. What should I do?
My first concern is physical safety.
Is counselling free?
All services at Mosaic have costs.
I need to see a counsellor for help with my relationship with my spouse, I am wondering if this is free service or what your fee is. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your message.
My friend's wife approached me for help as my friend has a drinking problem. We know that he is still grieving over a death in the family. How do we approach him about his drinking and how do we get him help?
In the normal process of grieving, people often numb their pain and grief with alcohol.
I need some grief therapy. Do you offer this?
I am sorry about your loss. Yes, we do offer grief counselling. There are also several other organizations in our community who specialize in grief counselling for specific circumstances. Please contact me at scoulter@mosaiconline.ca with more information and I can assist in making an appropriate connection for you.
I lost my job, my money, my car insurance and my husband of 9 years due to infidelity and I cannot see a way out. Is there anyone who can help?
We are so sorry to hear of all your losses and difficulties. This must be an very difficult time for you. It is usually at this time that having support from a counsellor can help and often provide a sense of hope and direction for you. Please call us at 519-743-6333 to seek counselling.
My friend just got layed-off from work. How can I help her through this?
Having supportive friends and family through this difficult time can be a huge support to an individual who has lossed his or her job.
I have often asked my husband to go for counselling to help our marriage; he says it is always work stress related. When an incident happened recently, I asked him to move out. He immediately did so and I haven't heard from him for a week. He never wants to talk.
This is an important moment for the future of your marital relationship, as well as a difficult and troubling time as you and your husband are at the point of a crisis.
I have missed the first three sessions of the group I was thinking about attending. Can I still sign up after missing three nights?
As you have missed the first 3 sessions for the group we would recommend that you sign up for the next series. Usually people do not join a group after the 2nd session is completed. Thank-you.
How can I help my mother-in-law move on and give us some more space? Or at least communicate to her that her actions are causing me stress and hurting the new marriage I have with her only son?
Congratulations on your new marriage.  You are describing a challenge that faces many couples particularly at the early stages of their lives together.
Could you provide me with information about parenting courses?
Thank you so much for your message. Since I do not know specifically what you are looking for, I will list programs I am aware of.
If a priest assualted me and touched me places I did not want to be touched, and made me do things to him, if I tell someone this will I be punished from God? I feel dirty and hurt.
I am so sorry to hear what you have experienced.
Are there permanently certified psychologists on staff?
No, we have no registered psychologists on staff at present.
My son is 16 and he is falling behind in school. He cannot seem to manage emotions, will have anger fits when things don't go his way (punches walls etc..), is unwilling to accept consequences for his actions (example skipped school and is now refusing to come home after he was told he would be grounded). There has been some drinking and I found some marijuana in his jacket. Cannot seem to reason with him, he wants everything his way. What can I do?
I am sorry to hear about the many challenges that you are dealing with related to your son.
I married 6 months ago and my husband has a teenage son who lives with us. I find that I'm always the "third party" and am struggling with with this. I get along great with each, individually, but when they are together, I feel like the outsider. Neither one of them understands it. Is there any advice you can share?
Congratulations on your recent marriage. I was pleased to read the many positives that you noted but also recognized your concerns.
Will you counsel a teenage gril who fell in love for her first time, and now that the relationship has just ended, feels like there's nothing left?
I am sorry to hear that your daughter's heart is breaking.
My teenage daughter is going down a dangerous path. I am not sure how to help her.
As a parent of a teenager you can no longer choose her friends and control her environment like you did when she was younger.
My 8-year-old is always wanting to watch television or play video games. How much is enough?
Whatever you decide for your children’s viewing, it’s important that both parents are on board with establishing their children’s viewing habits.
I have been diagnosed with a mental illness, currently on medications. I took the 10 days course earlier this year but I still struggle with with cognitive, would I benefit from individual counselling?
If you found the 10 Days to Self Esteem course helpful, you should consider either another Cognitive Behaviour Therapy course like Finding the Calm in the Storm or individual counselling. To learn more about our group programs,  visit our Group page under Counselling.. To arrange for individual counselling, call us at 519-743-6333. 
I need some time management help.
Changing time management habits takes time and effort, and it is always much easier when you have a simple system of practical rules and hints that are easy to keep in mind.
When does the next "Weaving our Voices" group program start?
The next one starts on February 8, 2010. To find out about our group program dates:  Visit our Group page under Counselling for more information.
Will I die if I smoke weed?
You are not likely to die of smoking pot, but studies have attributed this behaviour to other health-related illness.