Haley Veronyak Counselling and Psychotherapy

10/10/2025

⚡ Your stress responses: Fight or Flight

When your nervous system senses danger, it shifts into survival mode. For some, that looks like fight: arguing, becoming defensive, or feeling anger rise quickly. For others, it looks like flight: avoiding conflict, leaving situations, or feeling the need to escape.

These reactions are not flaws. They are protective responses your body learned to keep you safe. The challenge comes when your body stays in survival mode and reacts to everyday stress as if it were life-threatening.

Therapy can help you notice which response shows up most often for you, understand why it makes sense in the context of your story, and guide your nervous system back toward safety.

💬 Which response do you notice in yourself most often?

06/05/2025

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and it’s common to have questions or misconceptions at the beginning of your journey. I’m here to help by answering some of the frequently asked questions I receive 💬 so you can feel more comfortable and informed. Because comfort and knowledge are the first essential steps toward healing and growth 🌱.

If you’re ready to take that next step, feel free to book a session with me — I’m here to support you every step of the way 🤝.

03/08/2025

In honour of International Women’s Day, I’m sharing some of my favorite quotes that empower, uplift, and remind us of the incredible force that is women supporting women. 💪

Credits


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12/25/2024

The holiday season is a time for connection, joy, and celebration—but it can also bring stress, overwhelm, and the pressure to do it all. 🎄💆‍♀️ As a therapist, I encourage you to prioritize your mental health during this busy season.

Take moments to breathe, set boundaries, and remember: it's okay to say no. Your well-being matters, and sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is peace. 🌟

Wishing you a season filled with love, mindfulness, and care. Happy Holidays! 🎁

✨ "

12/16/2024

My latest blog post is live: Setting Boundaries with Family: How to Protect Your Mental Health. Family dynamics can be complex, and knowing how to establish healthy boundaries is crucial for our well-being, especially around the holidays. In this post, I share practical tips and insights to help you navigate these conversations with confidence. Check it out now! 💖

10/22/2024

Ever wonder why Halloween thrills resonate so deeply? The haunted houses, ghosts, and shadows are more than just spooky fun—they mirror the fears we face in everyday life. In my latest blog post, I explore how Halloween’s chilling themes can help us better understand anxiety and phobias. Dive into the psychology behind what gives us the creeps and how facing our fears, even symbolically, can lead to healing. 💭✨

Read here: https://haleyveronyak.ca/blog/iy9cf49lwize81fsckag7l9w0mmnke

Ever wonder why Halloween thrills resonate so deeply? The haunted houses, ghosts, and shadows are more than just spooky fun—they mirror the fears we face in everyday life. In my latest blog post, I explore how Halloween’s chilling themes can help us better understand anxiety and phobias. Dive in...

08/30/2024

The summer sun is setting earlier, and a new school year is on the horizon. 🌅

As a psychotherapist, I know the transition from summer to the classroom can be both exciting and overwhelming for teachers. In my latest blog, I share strategies to help you start the year feeling balanced, refreshed, and ready to take on new challenges.

From reflecting on your summer break to setting intentions for the year ahead, these tips are designed to help you ease back into your routine with purpose and self-care at the forefront. ✨

Read more and discover how to make this transition smoother and more fulfilling. 📚

https://haleyveronyak.ca/blog/recharging-and-returning-a-psychotherapists-guide-for-teachers-heading-back-after-summer-break

07/24/2024

NEW BLOG POST

Unlock the incredible power of self-talk! Discover how changing the way you speak to yourself can transform your mindset and improve your mental health. 🧠✨

Read Now: https://haleyveronyak.ca/blog/harnessthepowerofselftalk

05/17/2024

As children, we often carry the weight of the world on our small shoulders, striving for perfection and internalizing every criticism.

Influenced by the people, places, and environments surrounding us, we absorb their expectations and judgments. Yet, within us, there exists an innocent, playful, and endlessly creative inner child 🎨

As we grow older, we often lose touch with this precious part of ourselves, consumed by the demands of adulthood. But it’s vital to reconnect with our inner child, to nurture that spark of joy, curiosity, and imagination that once lit up our world ✨💕

Take a moment to pause, to remember the dreams you had, the games you played, the wonders you discovered. Allow yourself to embrace that childlike wonder once more, to laugh freely, to explore without inhibition, to create without fear of judgment 👏🙏

How can you get in touch with your inner child today? 👶

🧘🏾‍♀️

05/07/2024

Identifying trauma bonds allows us to understand the complex web of emotions and behaviors that may have been unconsciously woven into our relationships with others and ourselves. By shedding light on these dynamics, we gain insight into our patterns of attachment and coping mechanisms that have developed as a result of past trauma.

By acknowledging and addressing the impact of trauma bonds, you’ll start to empower yourself to cultivate healthier, more authentic connections. You’ll also learn to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and navigate relationships with greater awareness and compassion.

In embracing the journey of self-discovery and healing, we not only break free from the grip of trauma bonds but also emerge stronger and more resilient than before. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, guided by empathy, courage, and a commitment to our own well-being.

Ready to explore further and begin your healing journey? Schedule a session with me today and take the first step towards breaking free and fostering meaningful growth and resilience. 💫

05/02/2024

Grief is a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual. It ebbs and flows like the tides, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes gentle, but always a testament to the love and connection shared ❤️🌊

As a psychotherapist, I stand in solidarity with all those navigating the complex journey of grief. I was inspired to make this post since Sunday was National Mourning Day. So let’s take a moment to honor and remember the cherished individuals who have left indelible imprints on our lives 💕

In my own journey, I’ve faced the profound pain of losing dear ones, each loss carving a space in my heart. Through my personal experiences and professional practice, I’ve come to understand that grief knows no timeline and respects no boundaries. It’s a process of healing, of remembering, and of finding new ways to carry the love we hold for those no longer with us ✨

Remember, your feelings of grief are valid, no matter their intensity or duration. Allow yourself the space to mourn, to reminisce, and to find solace in the memories that continue to bind us to those we’ve lost. If you’re struggling to navigate the hardship of a sudden loss, know that support is available.

Book a free consultation with me today, and let’s embark on this journey of healing together.