Guiding Light Counselling

08/26/2025

Welcome, Candace Hopkins, to the Guiding Light Counselling Community! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce that Candace Hopkins, a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, is now offering counselling services at Guiding Light Counselling in Portugal Cove, NL!

As an independent practitioner working from our shared space at Cove Clinic, Candace brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).

Candace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia. With years of experience in mental health and addictions, she creates a safe, judgment-free space for clients to navigate life’s challenges. Her areas of focus include:

🌟 Anxiety
🌟 Depression
🌟 Sexual wellness & dysfunction
🌟 Perinatal mental health
🌟 Grief & loss
🌟 Trauma
🌟 Life transitions

Outside the office, Candace is a busy mom to her son, dog, and cat. You might find her whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, spending time with friends, or cheering on her favorite football team with her partner.

Ready to start your journey? Schedule a session directly with Candace by emailing candacehopkinsmsw@gmail.com. She’s also offering free 15-minute consultations to help you get started!

We’re excited to have Candace practicing independently alongside us at Guiding Light Counselling, enriching our community with her expertise!

04/02/2025

This is why it is so important to have a multidisciplinary team when recovering from concussion 🧠

Concussion Isn’t Just About Headaches! 🧠⚡

When people think of concussions, they often associate them with headaches—but the impact goes far beyond that. Concussions can also affect memory, concentration, balance, sleep, mood, and overall daily function.

At NL Balance & Dizziness Physiotherapy Clinic, our physiotherapists are part of a multidisciplinary approach to concussion care, helping individuals manage symptoms such as:

✔️ Brain fog & difficulty concentrating
✔️ Sensitivity to light & noise
✔️ Balance & coordination issues
✔️ Emotional changes (anxiety, irritability)
✔️ Sleep disturbances & fatigue

Every concussion experience is different, and recovery requires a personalized approach. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, speaking with a healthcare professional about rehabilitation options can be an important step toward recovery.

Learn more about our evidence-based approach to concussion care. 💙

08/15/2022

Sending out a huge Congratulations to Robin as she has finished her 8-month practicum with Guiding Light Counselling! It was an honor to be your supervisor and I have no doubt that you will help so many people as you move into private practice yourself! 🥳

01/11/2022

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I am so excited to once again have a student completing her practicum at Guiding Light Counselling. Robin will be offering free counselling sessions online and in person from now until August 2022. See below for her information and if you are seeing this post please share it as you never know who it may reach

03/27/2021

Are you and your partner having difficulties in your relationship? Are you looking to find ways to get on the same page? Counselling can help.

Kayla is a Master of Social Work student, completing her placement at Guiding Light Counselling. If you and your partner are interested in couples counselling services at no cost, you can contact Kayla at kayla.counselling@gmail.com to find out more details and book an initial session.

01/26/2021

I am so excited to share that in February 2021 a student who is completing her Master of Social Work degree through Memorial University of Newfoundland will be offering free mental health counselling right here at Guiding Light Counselling!

Kayla is a Registered Social Worker and will be providing services to those who may otherwise be unable to attend counselling due to financial barriers or may be on a long waiting list. Kayla will be surpervised by a registered social worker, as well as receiving mentoring from myself.

If you know someone who would benefit from counselling services at no cost to them, please contact me at sabrina@guidinglightcounselling.ca

Thank you!
Sabrina

10/06/2020

Through counselling, I am constantly reminded of how humour and pain exist alongside each other. This meme depicts a light-hearted and humorous way of talking about thoughts that can actually be quite distressing and may be disruptive to how you want to live your life. Counselling can help you turn down the volume on your radio and even change the channel.

07/06/2020

I am so excited to once again be offering in-person sessions!

Online counselling does not work for everyone, perhaps home is not a safe place, privacy may be hard to find, and there are many other reasons why physically coming to my office works better for some. Although my office may not be as cozy since I have removed all fabric seating, pillows, blankets, etc., I can promise you that does not impact my ability to be here for you.

On the other hand, transitioning to online and phone counselling was easier than I imagined. Therefore, if you wish to begin counselling but are uncomfortable with in-person meetings or you live far away from my office, I will continue to offer online counselling.

Finally, I want to thank my current clients for being flexible as we navigate a constantly changing world. It has been a privilege to continue your counselling journeys in ways that I could have never imagined.

If you would like to book a session please email me at sabrina@guidinglightcounselling.ca or call 1-709-800-6230.

05/04/2020

It's Mental Health Week and this year the theme is . This theme encourages us to answer honestly with how we are doing, instead of the typical "I'm fine" response. It's a beautiful thing when we share our vulnerabilities because it opens the door for genuine connection and shared experiences that we would otherwise miss out on!

So, I ask you: How are you doing today? Share your honest answer with a loved one, a co-worker, a trusted friend, or a mental health professional.

We all have mental health and by sharing our experiences we help to decrease stigma and start important conversations.

03/23/2020

These are difficult times for everyone, please feel free to share my profile with friends and family, it may reach someone who needs it

03/19/2020

To My Clients,

I have spent a lot of time over the last couple of days checking in with the recommendations of my associations, private practice colleagues, and doctors who work at the clinic above my office. This has not been an easy decision, but as of March 19th, I am cancelling all in-person sessions and will move solely to video or phone sessions. I believe that this is the most responsible and safe thing to do, and your safety will always be my number one priority.

Please note that any scheduled sessions are considered cancelled. Therefore, if you would like to schedule a video or phone session, email me and we will set up a new time and date.

As mentioned in my previous notice I am using a secure platform that is found at this link https://doxy.me/guidinglight. I have already held several sessions on the platform, and it has been easy to use and there have been no interruptions (i.e. no lagging, no issues with logging in, etc.). However, when using technology there is the potential for these types of issues to arise. I promise to allow additional time between sessions so that we have sufficient time to work through any potential issues. If you have any questions, I am here to answer them.

From my heart, I thank you for your support and understanding during these uncertain times. I will update you once in-person sessions are appropriate.

Take Care,
Sabrina

03/18/2020

Calm is offering free resources to help you during a time where anxiety and stress levels may be heightened.

Take a moment for you today, to just breathe.

If you want extra support please know that I offer confidential on-line counselling services. If you would like additional information email me at sabrina@guidinglightcounselling.ca or call 709-800-6230.

Without a doubt, many of us are feeling anxious as we navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19. We're feeling it too, and we wanted to share some of the tools we're using to take care of our minds and stay grounded.