Psychotherapy

At times, we all feel over whelmed by life's challenges. At Stepping Stones, we want to provide you with the support your need and to teach you the skills you need to help deal with what life sends your way.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most widely practiced and most intensely researched forms of psychotherapy in the world.

Scientific research supports its effectiveness for those suffering from depression, anxiety and many other medical ills a patient may be suffering from. Cognitive therapy appears in some cases to be at least as effective as the best anti-depressant medications. Cognitive therapy is down to earth and easily grasped by any age group, regardless of education level.

The premise or theory behind cognitive therapy is not new and is actually relatively simple. Your moods follow your thoughts and beliefs. Often by restructuring our thoughts and the assumptions beneath our beliefs, we can learn to manage our moods.

Stepping Stones provides solution focused, short term therapy. Our therapists are Registered with the College of Psychotherapists and have several years experience. We also have a Clinical Psychologist that provides us with diagnostics.

Trauma Care & Recovery

Trauma may affect a person suddenly, or it can manifest over time.

It is important to be mindful of the symptoms of Trauma. If you are experiencing any of the syptoms listed, you may be suffering from PTSD.

Signs and Symptoms

A brief period of difficulty adjusting and coping to such trauma is common but if you have symptoms for longer than one month and cannot function as well as you did before the traumatic event, you may have PTSD. Symptoms typically appear within three months of the traumatic experience but sometimes occur months or even years later. They are usually grouped into the following three categories:

Re-experiencing:

Recurrent and intense memories or flashbacks or upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Great psychological or physiological distress when certain things (such as objects or situations) remind them of the event

Avoidance or emotional numbing:

Trying to avoid thinking or talking about things that remind them of the traumatic event
Limited range of emotion
Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed
Feelings of hopelessness about the future
Memory problems
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Anxiety and increased emotional arousal:

Trouble sleeping
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Being easily startled or frightened
Overwhelming guilt or shame
Self-destructive behaviour, such as substance abuse

If you are encountering any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing PTSD. As a trained Clinical Traumatologist, can discuss what the best course of action for you to take depending on how the symptoms are impacting your life.

Face to Face Counselling

One-on-One counselling services offering you the security and comfort to be able to discuss your concerns with a qualified therapist.

Telephone Counselling Services

If you are unable to make your appointment, we would be able to provide you with services

over the telephone. We all know that sometimes we just cannot make it to our appointments due to changes in our schedule, so by offering this service, we will be able to keep up the consistency and progress for you.

Video Couselling

With the use of the Internet, it is now possible for you to have a therapist help you without the need of travel.

Disclaimer:

If you are suffering from suicidal-homicidal thoughts or under psychiatric care, distance counselling is NOT a method of counselling for you. We will not be able to help you. Please take care of yourself and see your local doctor or go to the local emergency hospital.

Counselling and therapy provides an opportunity to make a change for the better

All you need to do is take the first steps.