Let’s work together, so YOU can take positive steps in the right direction.

Let’s work together, so YOU can take positive steps in the right direction.

How can I help?

All sessions are conducted in a professional setting where your privacy and comfort are respected and ensured.

Anxiety/Panic and Depression | Workplace Stress and Conflict | Relationships in Transition | Grief and Loss

Anxiety/Panic and Depression

All of us move through life with experiences that leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and in need of support. Sometimes as a result of these life challenges, we experience periods of time when we don’t feel like ourselves. Instead we experience symptoms of depression and feel deeply sad and lack motivation or, we experience symptoms of anxiety and feel distracted by fear and worry.

My role is to guide you to take steps toward positive life changes and learn tools and strategies to cope. Together we’ll work to better understand the situations and feelings that interfere with your health and happiness. I’m here to listen with compassion, and to support you to find the way forward that feels the best for you in your unique situation.

Depression is not simply a change in mood nor is it a sign of weakness. It is a real and common medical condition with a variety of symptoms that leave many people (1 in 10 Canadians) feeling ashamed, guilty and afraid to ask for help.

Symptoms can include:

Emotional: Feeling sad, overwhelmed, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy.

Physical: No energy, appetite or motivation, difficulty sleeping, weight loss/gain,

Cognitive: Forgetfulness, Indecision, difficulty concentrating.

Some people do their best to manage symptoms on their own and end up suffering in silence.  Depression is a real health problem and one that can be treated to allow you to progress with your life.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. We all experience anxiety at times and some anxiety can actually help to provide us with a bit of a boost in order to accomplish goals. For example, feeling some anxiety before a test or an interview can help motivate you to prepare for it. In some cases, however, worry becomes excessive or chronic and can cause sufferers to fear everyday situations and find it hard to get to school and work.

Anxiety feels different to each person but common symptoms include: increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, trouble concentrating and difficulty falling asleep.  Sometimes feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control, like there’s a disconnect between your mind and body. Other ways people experience anxiety include nightmares, panic attacks, and painful thoughts or memories that you can’t control.

Like depression, anxiety is common. Many people feel they should be able to just get over it and move on but Anxiety is a real condition that can impact your well being. We can work together to help you learn new ways to overcome symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.

I truly look forward to the time I spend with her and with the helpful, kind, gentle and easy-going attitude and spirit she has. Margot continues to help me work thru deep-rooted issues, as well as the day-to-day things of life. I cannot thank her enough and words don’t do it justice.

Margot’s thoughtful approach to resolving issues has enabled me to dig deep and finally attempt to address unresolved issues that no other therapist has been able to help me with.

It is very seldom you find a therapist who is professional, empathetic, compassionate and yet also inspiring. Margot is all of this and so much more. She has allowed me to work through trauma, supported my need for self care but most of all, she has changed the way I see myself. Undoubtedly, she is one the most skilled individuals I have had the privilege of working with.

Workplace Stress and Conflict

It’s no secret that people are feeling stressed. We all have days where we feel irritated and pressured and struggle to shake it off.  Sources of stress can be difficult to target because so many areas of life contribute to stress. But what if you can pinpoint that source of stress and it happens to be your workplace?

It could be your workload, issues with management and HR, struggles with colleagues or workplace bullying.  In any case, the heavy weight of a toxic workplace can have a long-term impact on physical health and symptoms can mimic those of anxiety and depression. Add workplace stress to family life, commuting, financial stressors and the unpredictable job market and soon enough it all feels like it’s spinning out of control and is all too much to handle.

Together we will discuss what is happening in your situation.  Learning how to deal with stress at work won’t always feel natural, it takes time to master and sometimes options aren’t clear.  With the right techniques and a different mindset, you can definitely gain the clarity to consider options to choose the path that works best for you.

I am so grateful to Margot for her kind, thoughtful and insightful approach with me. In the toughest of times she was able to help me think about things in different ways, provide insight for me that I would not otherwise have attained and provided the gentle, kind hand that led me through my toughest times.

Relationships in Transition

All relationships go through phases, there will be good times and there will be challenges. It doesn’t matter if it’s a romantic relationship, friendship or a member of your family, it’s normal to experience periods of disconnect and even frustration.  When you recognize that your relationship is in a rough spot, it’s helpful to remember that great relationships don’t happen by luck.

Relationships grow and flourish when we invest and nurture them.  When relationships are struggling, it’s often a sign that they are in need of some focus and attention. There are specific skills and actions that can help to strengthen a struggling relationship and you would be wise to make them a top priority of your time and energy.

In this role, I work closely with you to help identify and articulate your priorities, identify your preferences and find new and effective ways of communicating. My goal is to help you focus and manage your emotions and work toward understanding who you are, what matters to you and how you can regain value and strengthen your relationship.

Margot has been someone who has helped me thru, what I feel are, the toughest years of my life.

Margot came into my life two years ago and has helped me through the grieving process of divorce. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Grief and Loss

Sometimes grief is sharp, overwhelming, and disruptive. Sometimes it is dull, distant, and saps you of your energy. Often, it goes beyond words. If you are feeling the weight of grief, you know how disorienting it can be. Loss leaves us with unpredictable emotions, distressing memories, difficult decisions, and a domino effect of change that impacts all areas of life. Navigating these ups and downs can be hard and lonely. In that process, grief therapy provides relief, support, understanding, and guidance.  Individual therapy can be a powerful place to process overwhelming feelings and receive understanding, encouragement, and support.

Why Grief Therapy?

People often reach out for grief therapy when they want help navigating the shock, pain, changes, and meaning of their grief in a healthy way. This looks different for everyone. For example, maybe:

  • Grief is affecting your ability to function.
  • Few people understand and your relationships are suffering.
  • You are operating in hyper-productive mode, taking care of everyone else, and now you’re realizing you need help taking care of you.
  • You feel numb and want to know why you aren’t reacting like everyone else.
  • You’ve found yourself struggling with physical symptoms (e.g., problems with sleep, appetite, concentration, pain, lethargy, tension, or anxiety attacks).
  • You’re facing multiple losses or traumatic loss.
  • Pain from a past loss is impacting your daily life and you feel it’s time to talk about it.
  • Grief has stirred up existential questions you want to explore and work through.
  • You want to learn about yourself and grow from your experience of loss.
  • If you or a loved one can relate to any of these, I am here to help.

Contact Me

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