Erin Silke-Anderson Counselling

07/29/2025

I try to make the office as “homey”as possible, but my upstairs neighbour is taking it a bit too literally.

06/11/2025

“Sitting with your feelings” is an important part of emotional well being. You don’t need to act on them, but you need to acknowledge them. What does this mean? This diagram helps to break it down.

05/24/2025

These 2 little cuties in the waiting area. They absolutely love their therapeutic duties 🩷

05/24/2025

So much of life can feel out of our control. The good news is there is still a lot that is in our control.

So if you feel like there isn’t time to try that new thing you always wanted to, have that difficult conversation with a loved one, ask for that promotion, say no to something you don’t want to do, etc. remember you are the “pilot”.

One of the biggest regrets people have is that they live their life on autopilot, or by other’s expectations.

Taking risks is key. Even if all you learn is that you don’t like something new, that is growth. And growth is always a win.

05/17/2025

Book recommendation - this is my go-to book recommendation for couples navigating blending their families together. Whether you are newly dating after divorce and worried about introducing a new partner, or have already blended your families and are dealing with all the complexities that accompany this. This book provides research-based information about parenting and step-parenting in your “new normal”. It includes specific strategies and guidelines based on different family structures and situations. All with the children’s emotional and psychological health front and centre.

05/14/2025

Did you know that creativity activates a different part of the brain than anxiety? They can’t fully function at the same time. A creative act, no matter how small, can help “change the channel” in our brain.

You don’t have to be an artist to reap the rewards. Try baking a new recipe, growing herbs on your balcony, teaching yourself how to paint watching free YouTube videos, etc.
No expertise required!

Skeptical? Use your hands and try something new for 20 minutes and then turn your attention inwards and check in with how your body and mind feel.

05/02/2025

04/11/2025

Check out this local men’s group. Let’s keep decreasing the stigma around men reaching out for support. The benefits of are immeasurable.

🔵 6-Week Men’s Series: Unlock Your Full Potential 🔵

🧠 Relationships. Personal Agency. Emotional Intelligence. 🧠

Gentlemen, it’s time to level up.

Life isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing up fully. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of a relationship, seeking clarity in your personal journey, or looking to strengthen your emotional resilience, we’ve got something tailored just for you.

💡 What’s on the agenda?

Relationships: Build stronger connections, both with others and yourself.
Personal Agency: Take control of your life decisions – without hesitation, without apology.
Emotional Intelligence: Master the art of understanding and managing your emotions… (so you can finally stop pretending to understand what’s wrong when you’re really just tired).
✨ Over six weeks, we’ll explore these essential topics in a supportive, non-judgmental space, with tools and strategies that work in real life (not just in theory).

This isn’t about perfection, it’s about growth. No more bottling things up or pretending you have it all together. (Spoiler alert: None of us do).

🔥Ready to start? DM us to secure your spot today!🔥

Sessions start Tuesday, April 29 to June 3 from 7:15 to 8:30pm.
Cost is $390 for the six week series.
Receipts will be provided for insurance reimbursement.



P.S. No one will judge you for being a work in progress – in fact, it’s the whole point. 😉

03/17/2025

The office will be closed next week. Reopening March 26. I have opened up my online booking into May so please feel free to book online through my website.

03/03/2025

Therapy can help to explore our automatic thoughts, beliefs, and biases. We often believe our own inner dialogue without pausing to remember that THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS.

We are “programmed” in our childhood by the adults that are closest to us. But what if those closest to us have unhealthy beliefs themselves? And what if these negative messages are aimed at us? It is only natural that we would absorb this messaging and believe these negative things about ourselves. It takes hard work to untangle our automatic thoughts and beliefs, and look at things in a more realistic and compassionate manner. But it is 100% possible.

02/11/2025

Hard at work again…

02/10/2025

Book recommendation-

DARE by Irish author Barry McDonagh.

This book is great for those who struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. It is also a great resource for those who struggle with health anxiety. DARE is an acronym for Diffusion, Accept, Run toward, and Accept.
For most of us who have suffered panic attacks, we want to get rid of them quickly or medicate them away. This is not the most effective treatment and in fact often makes the panic attacks return. The DARE method allows you to view and experience panic attacks in a different light.
I usually recommend checking out the DARE app since he has a lot of free resources to listen to. Or you can look up Barry McDonagh on YouTube and watch some of his short videos.