Firefly Counselling

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Kitchener, ON
Firefly Counselling

Rebecca Johnston MSW RSW, specializing in postpartum and perinatal therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo Region using a mix of EMDR and talk therapy.

Helping you find light in the dark.

04/01/2026

"Dad, wake up! There is water running down the stairs."

In our house, April fools is a big day. I used to think I was showing up as a "good mom" being playful and silly with my kids.

I now know, today is for me just as much as it's for them.

I get to let my inner kid out.

I get to celebrate that our relationships can feel safe despite surprises.

I get to guide my kids in executive functioning, something we are always working on as an ADHD household. Planning, remembering each step and not giving into the impulse to do that super awesome prank we also know might be unsafe.

I get to make memories with my family that are full of laughter.

What traditions are important for your family?

fun

12/11/2025

Not every birth is the same.

You dont have to continue feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable every time you think of giving birth.

We are looking for 6-8 parents who would like to feel differently about their experience. Please DM if you'd like to learn more.

We will be meeting in Kitchener weekly in January.

10/12/2025

Free next Saturday?

I'm a speaker at the event on the 18th.

Being a parent to children with disabilities continues to challenge me in new ways. I'd love for you to join in a talk/discussion about how to navigate the different roles we take on.

Is there anything you want to hear about??

09/22/2025

During my first pregnancy, I couldn't go to a concert due to complications. I physically couldn't make the show that I had waited months to go to.

It's the earliest and most vivid memory I have of the losses we experience as new parents. We sometimes have to sacrifice our needs and wants for our kids and I would do it over again to keep us both safe. However, despite it being 9 years ago, I sometimes can still feel the sting of regret, knowing what I missed.

I've seen this band 4 times since then, but the venues grew bigger (like by 10x) and I was never brave or lucky enough to get pit tickets.

Last night felt like a coming home. Not a re-do, as it doesn't make up for what was missed, but a return to a part of myself.

Raising young families can feel like living in the trenches. As someone at the stage of climbing out, please keep going. There will be your versions of home waiting for when you do.

To my clients who are fellow TOP fans: feel free to bring the lore into sessions if we are doing EMDR reprocessing. I love how well the lore fits into parts work and healing.

09/03/2025

It's the first day of school.

My feed is flooded with photos of smiling, happy children and I'm feeling jealous. There has been a pit in my stomach for days that has grown with every adult who has looked at me and said "Isn't back to school the best?"

Enjoying back to school is not a universal experience. For many families, this is the most stressful time of year. It can be exhausting to adjust to new staff relationships and classroom dynamics. The emotional load parents carry this month is HUGE. Your emotions and your children's.

We are a house that has to look for glimmers in September. We loved the summer. It's hard to let go of long days by a pool and a campfire in exchange for stressful morning routines and coaching social skills from the sidelines. Report cards don't reflect the qualities that I cherish so much in my kids like creativity, passion and curiosity. These qualities don't mesh well in a traditional classroom.

September, for us, is like getting back on a roller coaster in the dark. We know there were parts of the ride that we didn't enjoy and other parts that made the ride worth it. It can be hard to get back on when you were enjoying the stillness.

As we all navigate the welcome with the unwanted this month, be gentle with yourself. This transition is big but we still only need to take it one step at a time.

To my fellow parents who feel like they are holding their breath today, waiting to see if their child arrives home with smiles or tears- you're not alone.

day

08/01/2025

The only thing we really get to control is where we put our attention and awareness.

Where has your attention been these past hours, days, weeks? It is bringing you closer or further from the life and relationships you want?

I've been soaking up so much of Andrea Gibson's words and social media footprint in the weeks since their death. I came across Andrea's work while in my own throws of grief and spiritual crisis years ago and have received so much healing from turning my attention there.

If you're feeling lost or unwell, I highly recommend drifting to Andrea's poems and social media for some solice.

wisely

06/01/2025

In life, I often look for the profound in the mundane. This weekend, I got to share in community in one of the most profound spaces I have ever experienced.

To the mommas - I hope you take it slowly as you transition back into daily life. Thank you for trusting me and welcoming me into your sacred space. Thank you for letting me bear witness to your love for your babies and each other.

To Melissa, Sara and Tiff - you each showed up with such beautiful, unique gifts and qualities. Your laughter will be ringing in my ears for days to come. You've got something profoundly special in your relationship with each other and I am grateful you are willing to share that with so many, myself included.

To any loss mommas reading this, unsure about attending a future Lachlan's Light Canada retreat - just go.

05/30/2025

These stones are small. You can't change their colour, shape or weight, much like you can't choose or change the experiences that life hands you.

Imagine holding a stone for a day at arms length. Now, imagine holding the same stone close to your heart. How you hold your grief matters.

Many of these stones found new homes today. Thank you to all the mothers who shared in community at the retreat workshop today. ❤️

05/23/2025

It seems fitting that the forget-me-nots are blooming in my chaos garden today, after days of rain.

In one week, I will be offering support to for their annual retreat for bareved parents.

As I've been getting ready for the retreat, I've been holding space in my heart for all the parents and babies who have helped me grow as a therapist and who have trusted me with their most vulnerable parts and intimate memories. It is such an honour to share in the lives of your children.

To my past and current loss parent clients, thank you for trusting me. Please know that I have not forgotten your babies or your deep love for them.

To the retreat attendees, I'm really excited to meet with you and share in your community of support and love.

05/02/2025

No sessions today. Im busy learning specialized approaches to help those of us who have more complex nervous systems.

16 years as a therapist but always a student. ❤️

04/21/2025

Stop trying to find yourself!

You are already here, living life and growing and learning everyday.

If you are reading this - turn your attention inward, take a breath and say hello.

I promise, whatever you hear in reply isn't so scary. She's probably tired of yelling to try to get your attention.

hello

02/26/2025

This is a friendly reminder to make a plan today so tomorrow is easier.

When will you go vote? Are you walking, driving or using public transportation? Do you need childcare or will you need extra snacks if kids are joining you?

No matter how you vote or what results you are hoping for, what will your nervous system need as you hear the results? It's okay to plan for that too.

Address

110 Ramblewood Way
Kitchener, ON
N2N1G7

Telephone

+15195034143

Website

http://fireflycounselling.com/

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