Acorn Counselling

Acorn Counselling Dedicated group of Child & Family Therapists & Counsellors serving children, youth, adults & families

World Mental Health Day 2025 ๐ŸŒฟWorld Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without ment...
10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day 2025 ๐ŸŒฟ

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. Life can bring crises - whether personal challenges, unexpected events, or larger emergencies - and these experiences can deeply impact emotional well-being.

At Acorn Counselling, we support children, youth, families, and individuals who are facing difficult circumstances. We provide compassionate, evidence-based counselling, safe spaces to be heard, and guidance to help navigate difficult experiences. Supporting mental health in challenging times isnโ€™t just important - it helps people cope, heal, and rebuild, both as individuals and as families.

Mental health thrives when communities come together. Families, schools, community groups, and professionals all play a role in creating environments where support is accessible and resilience is nurtured. By working together, we can ensure that everyone, specially the most vulnerable, has the help they need to thrive.

On this World Mental Health Day, we honour the courage of those facing challenges, the strength of families supporting one another, and the power of communities fostering well-being. ๐Ÿ’š

Today in our staff meeting, we reflected as therapists on the importance of self-care - not just as something we encoura...
10/08/2025

Today in our staff meeting, we reflected as therapists on the importance of self-care - not just as something we encourage in our clients, but as a practice we intentionally nurture ourselves. It reminded us how vital it is to care for our own well-being, even in a culture that moves fast.

We live in a culture that thrives on speed, productivity, and constant results. Itโ€™s easy to get swept up in doing more, giving more, achieving moreโ€ฆ and forget that our own roots need care too.

As a team, we reminded each other: like an oak tree, we grow strongest when we are deeply grounded. Self-care is what keeps us steady, resilient, and able to show up fully - for our clients, our loved ones, and ourselves.

โœจ Let your care be as rooted as an oak - steady, intentional, and unwavering, even in a world that moves fast.

We would love to hear from you. Whatโ€™s one intentional act of self-care youโ€™re rooting into your week?

Why are social skills so important in early childhood?Between ages 5โ€“8, kids are learning how to:๐Ÿค Take turns๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Express ...
10/07/2025

Why are social skills so important in early childhood?

Between ages 5โ€“8, kids are learning how to:
๐Ÿค Take turns
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Express ideas and feelings
๐ŸŒฑ Cooperate in group play
โค๏ธ Handle conflict and repair friendships

But for many children, these skills donโ€™t come easily. Shyness, frustration, or trouble joining in can make peer connections feel tricky.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Without support, kids may withdraw, feel left out, or develop lower confidence in social settings.
๐Ÿ‘‰ With gentle practice, children can learn to share, negotiate, and connect in ways that help them feel included and valued.

โœจ Thatโ€™s why we createdย Big Feelings, Brave Hearts, an 8-week group where children ages 5โ€“8 get to:
โœ”๏ธ Practice sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation
โœ”๏ธ Learn communication and problem-solving through games
โœ”๏ธ Build confidence in social settings
โœ”๏ธ Try new friendship skills in a supportive space

๐Ÿค Friendships in pre-teen years can beย wonderfulโ€”but alsoย overwhelming.Many girls ages 9โ€“12 face challenges like:๐Ÿ’” Feeli...
10/01/2025

๐Ÿค Friendships in pre-teen years can beย wonderfulโ€”but alsoย overwhelming.

Many girls ages 9โ€“12 face challenges like:
๐Ÿ’” Feeling left out
โšก Conflict or drama with peers
๐Ÿ˜Ÿ Worrying about fitting in
๐Ÿšช Withdrawing or shutting down when things get tough

Without guidance, these struggles can increase anxiety and self-doubt. But with support, girls can learn to:
๐Ÿ’ฌ Communicate their needs and feelings
๐Ÿ”‘ Set healthy boundaries
๐ŸŒˆ Choose friendships that uplift them
๐Ÿ’ช Navigate conflict with courage and kindness

โœจ Thatโ€™s the heart ofย The Power of Meโ€”an 8-week empowerment group for pre-teen girls.

Through art, storytelling, and guided conversations, girls practice:
โœ”๏ธ Building healthy, supportive friendships
โœ”๏ธ Trusting their own voice
โœ”๏ธ Feeling seen, heard, and valued in a safe space

Fall Registration Now Open! Visit our website to register - www.acorncounselling.org/groups

Discover techniques for pr***en girls empowerment in a supportive environment focused on self-worth and emotional resilience.

We are so excited to share that Acorn Counselling has been nominated in The Best of Hamilton Readers' Choice Awards for:...
09/29/2025

We are so excited to share that Acorn Counselling has been nominated in The Best of Hamilton Readers' Choice Awards for:

โœจ Services โ€“ Best Marriage, Family & Individual Counselling

We are truly honoured to be recognized alongside inspiring organizations and difference-makers in our community. This nomination reflects the passion, care, and dedication our team pours into supporting children, youth, families, and individuals every day.

None of this would be possible without our incredible team and the ongoing trust and encouragement from our community - thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you.

We would be grateful to have your vote! Voting is open now until October 17th, 2025. Link โฌ‡๏ธ

https://best-businesses.thereaderschoice.ca/o/hamilton/readers-choice-2025-voting/services/best-marriage-family-and-individual-counselling

๐Ÿ’– Big Feelings, Brave Hearts: 8-Week Emotional & Social Skills Group for Kids (Ages 5-8)Does your child everโ€ฆ- get overw...
09/24/2025

๐Ÿ’– Big Feelings, Brave Hearts: 8-Week Emotional & Social Skills Group for Kids (Ages 5-8)

Does your child everโ€ฆ

- get overwhelmed by big feelings?
- struggle to connect with peers, share, take turns, or resolve conflict?
- feel shy, anxious, or uncertain in social settings?

Theyโ€™re not alone - and with support, they can learn tools to navigate emotions, grow confidence, and build stronger connections.

In our group, we use games, stories, art, and movement to help children:

๐ŸŒŸ notice & name their emotions
๐ŸŒฟ try calming strategies when things feel intense
๐Ÿค practice sharing, turn-taking, cooperation
๐Ÿง  build confidence for new or tricky situations

๐Ÿ“… When: Tuesdays, October 7 โ€“ November 25, 2025
๐Ÿ“ Where: Acorn Counselling, Upper James offices
๐Ÿ“ž Interested? Reach out for pricing, details & registration

Every child - sensitive, spirited, shy, or bold - is welcomed as they are. Letโ€™s help them grow brave hearts together.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fill out our info form on our website or send us a message to learn more.
๐ŸŒ https://acorncounselling.org/big-feelings-brave-hearts/

๐ŸŒŸ Calling all pre-teen girls (ages 9โ€“12)! We would love to have you join our ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐— ๐—ฒ ๐—˜๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฝ!Is your daugh...
09/22/2025

๐ŸŒŸ Calling all pre-teen girls (ages 9โ€“12)! We would love to have you join our ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐— ๐—ฒ ๐—˜๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฝ!

Is your daughter ready to:
๐Ÿ’– Boost her confidence & emotional resilience?
๐ŸŽจ Explore self-expression through art and creative activities?
๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ Learn mindfulness tools to manage stress?
๐Ÿ‘ฏโ€โ™€๏ธ Connect with peers in a safe, supportive space?

The Power of Me is an 8-week, in-person group starting July 2025 in Hamilton. Facilitated by Charlene Forde-Smith, this group empowers girls to grow self-worth, develop emotional tools, and foster meaningful friendships - all while having fun!

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Registration: Now openโ€”spaces are limited!

Why join?
โœจBoosts self-confidence & mindfulness
๐ŸŽจCreative outlets through art & hands-on experiences
๐Ÿง Builds lifelong skills in emotional regulation & self-esteem
๐Ÿ‘ญ Encourages peer connection & support

๐Ÿ‘‰ How to Register:
www.acorncounselling.org/girls-group/

Feel free to book a free 20-minute consultation to see if itโ€™s the right fit!

๐Ÿ“ฃ Parents: This is a wonderful opportunity for your daughter to feel seen, heard, and empowered as she navigates this pivotal age. Letโ€™s help her find the POWER within!

09/16/2025
๐Ÿ“ข๐Ÿ‘€๐——๐—ถ๐—ฑ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚ ๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜„๐˜€? ๐—”๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ฑ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฃ๐—” ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜€ ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ!Looking for something more than just childcare on PA Day...
09/13/2025

๐Ÿ“ข๐Ÿ‘€๐——๐—ถ๐—ฑ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚ ๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜„๐˜€? ๐—”๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ฑ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฃ๐—” ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜€ ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ!

Looking for something more than just childcare on PA Days? Our camps for kids ages 5โ€“8 are therapy-informed, blending creativity, play, and emotional learning. Led by child and family therapists, Acorn Adventures is the perfect place for children to build friendships, confidence, and coping skills in a warm and supportive environment.

๐Ÿฆ๐ŸŒด ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐˜ ๐˜‚๐—ฝ: ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ด๐—น๐—ฒ: Kids will step into a playful jungle world filled with imaginative games, team challenges, obstacle courses, art projects, and calming activities. Along the way, theyโ€™ll practice teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, all while having an unforgettable day of fun!

๐Ÿ“… Friday, Sept 19 (9โ€“3 pm)

Families loved last yearโ€™s Superhero Academy PA Day Camp, and this year weโ€™re expanding the series with brand-new themes like ๐ŸพWelcome to the Jungle, ๐Ÿ‘พBig Feelings Little Monsters, โ„๏ธWarm Hearts Cool Days, and more โ€” giving kids something exciting to look forward to all year long.

You can sign up just for this PA Day or choose our bundle package to reserve your childโ€™s spot for the entire year at a discounted rate.

Spots are limited, register today!
โžก๏ธhttps://acorncounselling.org/pa-day-camp/

๐—ช๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† is a reminder that behind every loss, there is a story of pain and suffering that may have ...
09/10/2025

๐—ช๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† is a reminder that behind every loss, there is a story of pain and suffering that may have felt unbearable. Su***de is complex - and no one should have to face their struggles alone.
Please continue to educate yourself on how to support a loved one who may be struggling with their mental health. Reach out. Check in. Remind them there is help and hope.

Let them know:
๐Ÿ’› They matter
๐Ÿ’› They are loved
๐Ÿ’› They are needed in this world
๐Ÿ’› They are worthy

At Acorn Counselling, we are here to provide safe, compassionate spaces for children, youth, and adults to:
โœ” Talk openly about their struggles
โœ” Learn coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and hopelessness
โœ” Build connection, resilience, and hope for the future

We are here for you. ๐Ÿ’›

Support Services:
โžก๏ธ Talk Su***de Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 PMโ€“12 AM ET)
โžก๏ธKids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (ages 5โ€“29, 24/7)
โžก๏ธ Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (for Indigenous peoples across Canada, 24/7)
โžก๏ธ COAST Hamilton: 905-972-8338

Your life matters. Help is here. ๐Ÿ’›

***dePreventionDay

๐ŸŽ‰๐—”๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ฑ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฃ๐—” ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜€ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑโ€“๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐ŸฒPA Days seem to come around quicker than we realize, why not make them count? At...
09/10/2025

๐ŸŽ‰๐—”๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—”๐—ฑ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฃ๐—” ๐——๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐˜€ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑโ€“๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ

PA Days seem to come around quicker than we realize, why not make them count? At Acorn Counselling, our camps for ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐˜€ ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐Ÿฑโ€“๐Ÿด ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฝ๐˜†-๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ, blending creativity, movement, play, and emotional learning.

Led by child and family therapists, these camps help children ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ, ๐—ณ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐˜€, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜€๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐˜€ in a fun, supportive environment.

โœจ Each PA Day features a unique theme to keep kids engaged, curious, and excited to return. From bold jungle adventures ๐ŸŒด to superhero missions ๐Ÿฆธ, monster-sized feelings ๐Ÿ‘พ, and cozy heartwarming days, every session sparks imagination while strengthening social-emotional skills.

You can now register your child for a single day or the entire 2025-2026 year bundle.

๐Ÿ“… Runs on all PA Days through the 2025โ€“2026 school year

Spots are limited โ€” secure your childโ€™s place today!

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://acorncounselling.org/pa-day-camp/

We are pleased to introduce you to Stacey! Stacey supports adolescents and their caregivers in building stronger relatio...
09/04/2025

We are pleased to introduce you to Stacey!

Stacey supports adolescents and their caregivers in building stronger relationships and confidently navigating lifeโ€™s transitions and challenges. Her approach is rooted in attachment theory, with a focus on repairing and strengthening connectionsโ€”both with ourselves and with those closest to us. She integrates Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, and ACT to support emotional regulation, communication, and self-compassion.

Stacey is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she brings a trauma-informed, compassionate lens to her work, celebrating each clientโ€™s strengths, lived experiences, and cultural identity.

Stacey is accepting new clients and can offer in person or virtual support. To book your first session with Stacey, please connect with us or visit our website.

๐ŸŒ: www.acorncounselling.org/affordable-counselling/
๐Ÿ“ž: 289-799-9622
โ  ๐Ÿ“ง: info@acorncounselling.orgโ 

โ 

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Hamilton, ON

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