Swabey Family Counselling

Swabey Family Counselling Visit www.swabeycounselling.com to learn more. WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR FAMILY JOURNEY? Finding time for yourself seems impossible and at times pointless.

Maybe your child/teen’s emotional health is filled with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. You have tried every strategy you know and are at a loss of what to do next. ~ We will teach insight and awareness skills that help your child take steps to regulate emotions and build confidence. Maybe you are a parent who is concerned about your child/teen’s behavior, and you are feeling frustrated with the number of calls from the school. ~ We will work closely with the school to open the lines of communication and build consistent, effective strategies that help your child succeed. Maybe you are a Mom who feels overwhelmed with the daily practicalities of parenthood. You feel alone and disconnected from your partner, and you feel like you are just not doing a good enough job as a Mom or a wife. ~ We will support you in finding balance and calm by understanding the connection of your emotions, thoughts, physiological responses, and actions. Maybe you are new parents who are in the thick of this new parenthood journey. You are exhausted and your ability to communicate with each other is going down hill. You feel disconnected from each other and are beginning to worry about your relationship. ~ We will teach new communication skills and provide strategies that strengthen your friendship and respect for each other. Wherever you are in your family journey, whatever challenge you are facing, as Family Counsellors we are here to help. Let’s build a strong foundation for your family to grow from. Let’s develop a different understanding of behavior. Let’s teach your kids the skills they need to be their best version of themselves. Let’s strengthen relationships with those you love. Want to learn more about our work with families? Head over to the website at www.swabeycounselling.com. Want to book an appointment? Call 226-774-3939 or email info@swabeycounselling.com.

From cozy markets and family fun to wellness events and game nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weeken...
10/16/2025

From cozy markets and family fun to wellness events and game nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend — whether you’re craving connection, calm, or a little adventure.

Take a moment to slow down, soak in the season, and see what’s happening close to home.

✨ Save this post so you don’t miss out on something that might fill your cup this weekend.


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When a child’s emotions feel “too big,” what’s actually happening is their brain is doing its job — signalling that some...
10/15/2025

When a child’s emotions feel “too big,” what’s actually happening is their brain is doing its job — signalling that something feels unsafe, unfair, or overwhelming.

In moments of frustration, sadness, or anger, the emotional centre of the brain (the amygdala) takes over. The thinking, reasoning part (the prefrontal cortex) goes temporarily offline — especially in children, where that area is still under construction.

That’s why logic, lectures, or “calm down” often don’t work right away. Their brain literally can’t access calm yet.

What helps most is connection: your calm presence sends a powerful signal of safety, which helps their nervous system settle and brings the thinking brain back online. Over time, this builds emotional regulation from the inside out.

So the next time your child’s emotions feel big, remember:
it’s not bad behaviour — it’s a brain in distress, asking for co-regulation.

At Swabey Family Counselling, we help parents understand the science behind emotions and learn practical tools to support calmer, more connected moments at home.

Save this post as your reminder: Big emotions are not bad emotions — they’re simply the brain asking for help to feel safe again.

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It’s easy to think of gratitude as just saying thank you — but for kids and teens, it’s actually a powerful skill that s...
10/14/2025

It’s easy to think of gratitude as just saying thank you — but for kids and teens, it’s actually a powerful skill that supports emotional regulation, optimism, and resilience.

When gratitude becomes a regular habit, children begin to notice small positives in their day — even when life feels hard. That gentle shift in focus can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support long-term mental wellbeing.

🌿 Try this:
At dinner or bedtime, ask:

“What’s one good thing that happened today?”
No pressure for big answers — just small, real moments.

Every time we help our kids notice what’s working, we’re helping them build emotional balance that lasts a lifetime.

✨ Save this post as a reminder for your next family gratitude moment.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Swabey Family Counselling.As we head into this weekend of connection, we’re gratefu...
10/13/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Swabey Family Counselling.

As we head into this weekend of connection, we’re grateful for the families, children, and parents who invite us into their stories.

However your Thanksgiving looks this year — big gathering or quiet moment at home — we hope it’s filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of calm connection.

Family gatherings can be wonderful — and a lot for kids’ nervous systems to handle.Thanksgiving often means new faces, u...
10/11/2025

Family gatherings can be wonderful — and a lot for kids’ nervous systems to handle.
Thanksgiving often means new faces, unfamiliar foods, changes in routine, and louder-than-usual environments. For a child’s brain, that’s a sensory storm — and when it gets overwhelmed, behaviour follows.

Here’s how you can support your child’s brain and body this weekend:
🧠 Prepare ahead. Talk about who will be there, what to expect, and what foods they might see — predictability calms the nervous system.
💛 Plan a quiet space. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a short walk outside, create a safe spot to reset when things get loud or overstimulating.
🍽️ Keep mealtime pressure low. Encourage but don’t insist — when kids feel safe and unpressured, they’re more likely to explore.
🤝 Connect before you correct. A quick hug, eye contact, or soft reassurance helps regulate your child’s stress response faster than any lecture.
🌿 Model calm. Your own nervous system sets the tone — slowing your breath and softening your voice can help everyone find their footing again.

It’s okay if the day doesn’t go perfectly. What matters most is helping your child feel safe, seen, and supported — that’s where real connection grows.

📍 Windsor-Essex | 🧒 Children 👩‍👧 Teens 💬 Parents
👉 Learn more at swabeycounselling.com

Fall weekends are here — and they can feel busy before they even begin.Between school routines, cooler weather, and fami...
10/10/2025

Fall weekends are here — and they can feel busy before they even begin.
Between school routines, cooler weather, and family schedules, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the season.

That’s why we’ve gathered a few local fall events happening across Windsor-Essex this weekend — moments to help you pause, connect, and make memories together.

✨ Take a look through this weekend’s guide, find something that feels right for your family, and let the season work its cozy kind of magic.



Some mornings feel like a battle just to get out the door. The tears, the stomach aches, the panic — and the guilt that ...
10/09/2025

Some mornings feel like a battle just to get out the door. The tears, the stomach aches, the panic — and the guilt that follows.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many children experience school refusal, and it’s often their nervous system’s way of saying, “I don’t feel safe right now.”

☁️ The Brain Science:
When a child’s brain senses threat — whether from social stress, separation anxiety, or academic overwhelm — the amygdala activates a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. To the nervous system, avoiding school can actually feel like self-protection.

💛 Here’s what helps:
1️⃣ Stay curious, not critical — wonder about why instead of why not.
2️⃣ Name the feeling — labeling emotion helps calm the brain.
3️⃣ Create predictability — routines bring safety and reduce anxiety.
4️⃣ Connect before you correct — co-regulation first, logic later.
5️⃣ Collaborate, don’t coerce — work with your child and school to find solutions that feel safe.

Remember: your child isn’t being defiant — they’re communicating distress the only way they can right now.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.

✨ At Swabey Family Counselling, we support children and parents through anxiety, school stress, and emotional regulation challenges — helping families find calm, confidence, and connection again.

Some days, parenting feels heavier than you expected.The worry. The meltdowns. The silence when your teen shuts down. Yo...
10/08/2025

Some days, parenting feels heavier than you expected.

The worry. The meltdowns. The silence when your teen shuts down. You try to stay calm and connected, but sometimes it feels like nothing is working — and you just want to help your child feel okay again.

We see you. And we know many of you have been waiting patiently for support. We never want to turn families away or keep you waiting longer than we have to — which is why we’ve been quietly working behind the scenes to expand our team and better serve our community.

✨ We’re thrilled to welcome Reem Adas, our new Family Counsellor, to Swabey Family Counselling.

Reem helps children, teens, and parents find calm in the middle of life’s chaos.
Her grounded, evidence-informed approach supports families in:
🌿 Understanding and managing big emotions
🌿 Building trust and healthier communication
🌿 Learning practical tools for anxiety and stress

Reem believes you’re not broken — you’re human, learning, and capable of change.
Her sessions help families strengthen connection, confidence, and compassion — so home feels lighter again.

Reem works with English and Arabic-speaking families (fluent in all dialects) and is now accepting new clients.

If your family has been waiting for support, we’re so glad to say — the wait is over.
Let’s get your family back to sharing smiles, laughter, and a sense of calm connection.

📍 Windsor-Essex | 🧒 Children 👩‍👧 Teens 💬 Parents
👉 Learn more or request an appointment at swabeycounselling.com

Mood Shifts in FallHave you noticed your child seems a little “off” lately — more tired, irritable, or emotional than us...
10/07/2025

Mood Shifts in Fall

Have you noticed your child seems a little “off” lately — more tired, irritable, or emotional than usual?

You’re not imagining it. Seasonal transitions can affect kids (and parents) more than we realize.

☁️ Here’s why:
As daylight hours shorten, our brains produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter). Combine that with new school routines, social demands, and less outdoor play — and it’s no wonder kids may seem more sensitive, anxious, or withdrawn.

💛 Here’s what helps:

Keep routines predictable, especially around sleep and meals.

Get outside daily, even for 10 minutes of sunlight exposure.

Offer extra connection — more hugs, slower mornings, or quiet time together.

Talk about it! Let your child know it’s normal to feel different as seasons shift.

As parents, you don’t need to fix every mood — just help your child feel seen and safe through it. Sometimes, that steady presence is the most powerful support of all.

✨ If your child’s mood or anxiety seems to linger, we can help.
At Swabey Family Counselling, we work with children and parents to strengthen emotional regulation and resilience — through every season of change.

Happy Birthday, Briana! ✨Today we’re celebrating our wonderful Family Care Coordinator, Briana!Briana is often the first...
10/07/2025

Happy Birthday, Briana! ✨

Today we’re celebrating our wonderful Family Care Coordinator, Briana!

Briana is often the first friendly face and voice families meet when reaching out to Swabey Family Counselling. With her passion for helping families feel supported and understood, Briana makes the process of accessing care smoother, more comfortable, and less overwhelming. 💛

We’re so grateful for the warmth, dedication, and compassion Briana brings to our team — and to every parent, child, and teen she supports along the way.

Please join us in wishing Briana a very happy birthday! 🥳

What you see: our team at training.What it means: your family receiving the best care possible. 💙At Swabey Family Counse...
10/03/2025

What you see: our team at training.
What it means: your family receiving the best care possible. 💙

At Swabey Family Counselling, we know families come to us with their most important relationships. That’s why we regularly update our training—to stay current with research, approaches, and strategies that truly support children, teens, and parents.

This most recent training focused on privacy and confidentiality, because keeping our clients and their information safe is a cornerstone of the care we provide. When you walk through our doors, you can trust that your story will be respected and protected.

Because when it comes to your family’s wellbeing, “good enough” isn’t enough. You deserve counsellors who are committed to learning, growing, and walking alongside you with the very best tools and care.

📸 Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes of our most recent training. We’re proud to bring what we’ve learned back into our work with families here in Windsor-Essex.

If your family could use extra support, we’re here to help. 💬

What’s Happening This Week in Windsor-Essex 🌟Here’s your guide to local events you won’t want to miss:🪑 Bench Talks 2025...
10/02/2025

What’s Happening This Week in Windsor-Essex 🌟

Here’s your guide to local events you won’t want to miss:

🪑 Bench Talks 2025
📅 Thursday, October 2 (24-hour event)
📍 875 Ouellette Ave
This unique awareness & fundraising event invites community members to sit and talk — for 24 hours straight — to spark dialogue around homelessness, poverty, and support services in our region.
➡️ Stop by to donate items, share a conversation, or bring your support.

🍻 Oktoberfest at the Heimat
📅 Friday–Saturday, October 3–4
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
📍 Heimat Banquet Centre, 1367 Drouillard Rd
➡️Celebrate German culture with traditional Bavarian food, music, dancing, and—yes—authentic Paulaner beer from Munich.

🎃 The BOO-nies Halloween Bash@the_boonies_drive_in
📅 Saturday, October 4
🕓 Gates open at 4:00 pm
📍 The Boonies Drive-In Theatre, Comber (4625 Richardson Side Road)
🎃 The night includes Trunk-or-Treat (6–7 pm) and a Halloween movie under the stars
💸 Admission: $35 per carload
➡️ Load up your little ghouls & goblins for a safe, fun, memorable Halloween movie night.

🚶 3rd Annual MS Community Windsor-Essex Walk
📅 Sunday, October 5
🕚 Registration begins at 11:00 am; walk starts at 12:00 pm
📍 Ford Test Track Park, 3001 Seminole Street, Windsor
🌭 After the walk, enjoy a hot dog lunch.
➡️ Join in solidarity for those living with MS and to support community awareness.

✨ Let us know if you’re going!
We love seeing families, neighbours, and supporters out and about in Windsor-Essex. Tag us or use so we can cheer you on — or maybe even catch you there.

Address

1765 Sprucewood Avenue, Unit 400
Lasalle, ON
N9J1X7

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 7pm
Tuesday 1pm - 7pm
Wednesday 1pm - 7pm
Thursday 1pm - 7pm
Friday 1pm - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+12267743939

Website

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Jessica Swabey Family Counselling

HI, I’M JESSICA SWABEY...

I’m a Family Counsellor, a Mom, and a family communication enthusiast. Parenting is HARD, but it doesn’t have to be so draining and exhausting. I’m confident that I can help you have strong relationships with your kids while setting clear boundaries on behaviors and expectations.