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Tuesday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 10am - 2pm Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 6pm - 7pm

Connecting Stars-Counselling and Behaviour Therapy

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Richmond Hill, ON
Connecting Stars-Counselling and Behaviour Therapy

12/10/2023

We often think it’s those new on the job that are most at risk when in fact it’s the ones with the most experience.

Peer support is an amazing resource to lean into because feeling connected is a protective factor against Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSD).

PTSI isn’t a life long condition, there is support and hope. Resiliency and post traumatic growth is possible.

Lean into your connections and peer support.

It’s okay not to be okay but it’s not okay to stay there.

Sessions are available as well in my Richmond Hill office or virtually.
-LeighAnn

12/08/2023

🚨BIG NEWS 🚨

Excited to announce I am now back to in person counselling, in addition to virtual counseling!!!

It was a big transition during COVID to lose my office space given the climate and having it sit there for 2 years, and although so painful to close the space, I am excited to build a office again in the future (hopefully even more beautiful).

In person sessions will be reserved for Mondays and Fridays in Richmond Hill.

To book a session, please call 647-295-9906.

Happy Friday!
LeighAnn

💛

11/05/2023

If you know a first responder, give your thanks for what they do for our communities.

Did you also know that a typical person will have about 7 major traumas in their life whereas a first responder may experience 7 traumatic incidents in any given week or month?

A recent Canadian study uncovered that fire fighters experience the following:

1/5 have had thoughts of su***de
1/4 have substance abuse
65% are haunted by bad call
44.5 % struggle with trauma symptoms
59% have family/ Relationship problem(s)
87% don’t reach out due to stigma

If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out.

It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there.

Sessions are available in a safe, non—judgmental and trauma centered environment where you can speak freely and just be heard.

Post traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) happen and we can review some strategies so they no longer impact you, there are no guarantees but I sure as hell will work my hardest and hope you will do the same.

Support is out there,
LeighAnn
❤️🤍

10/05/2023

Got questions!? Need legal advice?

Contact the WSN (women’s support network of York Region) and Community Legal Clinic of York Region are happy to host a free, virtual and monthly space for York Region community members to access free legal advice.

A paralegal from CLCYR will be taking time in a virtual space for topics from family law, housing, tenant rights, sexual violence and more.

Call to book 905-508-5018 for october 16, 4-7pm for your free 30 minutes consult.

09/16/2023

💛Setting boundaries 💛

Tell me the truth, did you just get nervous!

Boundaries are healthy and safe and protect your mind and family.

You deserve them and are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to say “let me think about that” before saying yes.

Try it! Maybe with something small and see how it feels.

You got this
LeighAnn

09/15/2023

You deserve that time to do whatever it is that fills your cup 🫶

Taking time to reflect on what you need is selfcare

What is selfcare?🫶

💛Lighting a candle
💛Reading a book
💛Taking 5 minutes to be alone
💛Walking outside
💛Getting your hair or nails done
💛Calling a friend
💛Drawing, doodling or anything that brings you joy

So take that time today and enjoy it.
You work so hard that you deserve to fill your cup because you cannot pour from an empty cup.

You can do this 🫶
LeighAnn

01/24/2023

With a new year, I wanted to ensure that our first responders are taking care of their mental health.

I am offering pro bono sessions to check in, offer strategies and a safe space to connect to their health goals.

If you or someone you know who is a first responder or retired first responder, please reach out.

I am in office Monday to Thursday at 8pm and am here to support you. I am a qualified first responder counselor and have expertise in trauma and EMDR coping strategies.

Let’s make a deal to make this year the one you put your health first.

LeighAnn, RP, MC, BSS, BA.

04/04/2022

I think as a community we over glamourize being busy.

But imagine we put emphasis on taking care of ourselves and our family. To have time because we book selfcare or quiet time or disconnecting from all our devices.

Remember that, if social media makes you feel good, enjoy it and connect with others.

But if you notice you are scrolling, staring to feel any negative emotions, it may be time to clean up your social from what makes you feel that way.

Life is too short to expose ourselves to additional hardships.

So take 5 today and get your first, HORRAY from me for doing so. I’m proud of you.

Here’s to Monday!

LeighAnn, RP

04/01/2022

Your mental health is an investment and practicing your homework is part of the process.

Results are what come from being consistent in your sleep routine, taking your medications and/or vitamins, practicing CBT or other therapeutic strategies all the while remembering to

Be gentle with yourself

To have compassion for yourself

And allow space for you to feel.

Let’s move slow and enjoy the process and always look back to your day one. Like a strong tree, you weathered the storm and are here to prove it.

It’s Friday! Yay! What are your plans for selfcare this weekend??

LeighAnn

03/02/2022

We spend too much time looking back on a time where we can effect ZERO change. The past is often filled with

Should haves
Could haves
Or Phrases that do not support us.

It is done.

The only moment we have is

RIGHT NOW 💛

So let’s make a deal to look forward, to move into who we are now because that is the only power we have.

It’s what has brought you to this moment.

Let’s use this time wisely.

-Leigh-Ann,RP

01/30/2022

Breaking our tasks down into small bits makes it feel more manageable.

Ever feel overwhelmed with a task or perhaps a cleaning project? Start small, perhaps in a corner, and you will notice a domino effect from there.

Starting is always the hardest part but you can do it and support is available.

Cheers to Sunday!

01/06/2022

Make time for yourself to keep doing what you are doing. Selfcare is doing anything you enjoy (that is good for you) because it unloads stress.

If we continue to push through, eventually our bodies will stop us. Whether through sickness, injury or strained relationships.

You deserve to take 5 to fill your cup so you can continue to push at your level.

Hope this was supportive,
LeighAnn

01/05/2022

Lockdown can cause a list of emotions and they are all valid and important. At this point, they are likely the norm for everyone.

Focusing on what is in your control may promote feelings of empowerment given much is out of our control.

This may include choosing your routine, setting a self care routine, working out, yoga, or calling a friend everyday.

Share, save and tag a friend.

We are all in this together,
LeighAnn
💙💙

01/04/2022

Another Ontario Lockdown 🇨🇦

Please know you are not alone and feelings of depression and/or anxiety are absolutely normal and likely the norm.

Give yourself space to feel, to yell and to allow the emotions to come up. And please throw in whatever supports you to get through this.

And remember, support is available.

Stay safe my friends,

Leigh-Ann
💙💙

12/29/2021

EMBRACE how you feel (angry, resentful, joyful, sad) because they are all valid.

And there is usually a reason and perhaps space to reflect on the why. If you are feeling resentful, perhaps having an open conversation to express what you need may support you.

Whatever it is that you are feeling, allow space for it and nurture it as you would for someone you are responsible for.

Let’s feel and grow,
LeighAnn
💛💛

12/28/2021

All emotions are important- they are all valid. It’s okay to be angry but what’s not okay is to hurt yourself, others or things.

Whatever your go to for anger is, remember sometimes it’s the accumulation of emotions that eventually find a release that may put you in the passenger seat.

So taking care of your boundaries, expressing how you feel and using selfcare are all wonderful healthy ways to care for yourself.

Happy holidays,
LeighAnn
💙💙

12/26/2021

It’s okay not to enjoy the holidays, to struggle or to feel your emotions. Remember support is available.

Wishing you a safe and supportive holiday season for you and yours.

Connecting Stars

12/25/2021

Wishing you love, joy and peace this holiday season.

This is a very challenging time for many,
Please know supports are Available and you don’t haven’t be alone.

Happy holidays and thank you for all the support this year!

LeighAnn

Address

95 Mural Street, Suite 600
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B3G2

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 2pm
Wednesday	10am - 2pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	6pm - 7pm

Telephone

+16472959906

Website

http://www.connecting-stars.com/

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Videos

This is YOUR reminder to be gentle and compassionate with yourself. We wouldn’t say the mean things we tell ourselves to others, so let’s not speak those words or put those high expectations on ourselves. Happy Friday! 💙💙 LeighAnn #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxietyawareness #anxiety #depression #therapy #markham #markhamtherapist #psychotherapy #psychology #inspirationalquotes #motivationalquotes #selfcare #selflove #markhamsmallbusiness #stouffville #stouffvillemoms #cbt #cognitivebehaviourtherapy #emdr #counselling #selfhelp #psychotherapist #yorkregiontherapymomsupportingmoms

Do any of these sound familiar? 👀 We do not chose how trauma will affect us but certainly, we can select strategies to help us through it because it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there. Trauma is like a Boulder that slows us down and therapy can help remove that weight. If you are ready to learn some strategies to unclog that 💩, message me as I’m here to support you as a trained trauma therapist and first responder therapist. Support is available. Click the link in my bio or message me for details. Happy Thursday, LeighAnn #traumarecovery #trauma #ptsd #traumacounseling

Exercise is my mood booster, stabilizer and preventative care for my long term mental Health. There are countless benefits to exercise and it has been found to be the first choice for offsetting depression (and anxiety for me). It increases the feel good drugs in our brain and boosts moral. So what’s your exercise look like? A walk, weights, yoga, a swim? Whatever it is, it’s part of your mental health as well as physical health for longevity and combating stress (a silent killer for our brains and bodies). Time to get moving! You got this! Leigh-Ann

Some fun CBT tips to practice daily. It is NOT easy work, but what counts is that you are trying. . . Keep throwing in the exact opposite positive thought, EVERYTIME you have a negative thought. . . For example, when I make a mistake and automatically say, “I’m so stupid”, I immediately throw in, “I’m smart” and counter with evidence, if I were indeed stupid, could I have graduated with a masters degree? Etc etc. . . Keep practicing everyone! You got this and remember you are human. NO ONE is perfect but we can be perfect because we are unique and filled with mistakes. And that’s beautiful! . . #cbttherapy #therapy #anxiety #positivity #positiveaffirmations #barreblendmotivationcards #markham #therapisthumor #funny #love #videos #tiktoktherapist #tiktok #funnyvideo

Come check out our Markham office and have a tea with me! We are in office Monday morning to Friday 10am to 7 pm and specialize in anger, stress and trauma. Hope to see you soon!