Rachael MacLean, MSW RSW Counselling and Psychotherapy

07/27/2024

> In-person therapy sessions in Whitby, Ontario. Virtual and phone sessions available across Ontario.

> Direct Billing is available for participating insurance plans with MSW coverage.

Summer is a great time to start therapy, creating a smoother transition into the school year. Many children and teens struggle with social anxiety, self-doubt and worry when it comes to school. Through the use of evidence-based therapy techniques and specialized care to meet their unique needs, your child can build resilience and learn skills to manage anxiety and have a more hopeful outlook going into this school year.

Please schedule a consultation call or virtual meeting to learn more about how psychotherapy can help.

https://rmcounselling.ca

Social Work and Psychotherapy

06/13/2024

Being around animals can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health and well-being

🐾 Research shows that interacting with animals, such as pets, can reduce feelings of loneliness, lower stress levels, and even improve mood.

The companionship and unconditional love they offer can provide a sense of comfort and support, which can be especially beneficial during challenging times.

Whether it's playing with a dog, cuddling a cat, or simply watching cute animal videos, spending time with animals can have a positive impact on our mental health.

06/09/2024

Take advantage of the longer daytime hours! It can significantly impact your mental health and well-being. ☀️

Research suggests that exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, can improve energy, sleep, mood, and even reduce symptoms of depression.

Getting sunlight in the morning also boosts the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

🌞 So, start your day by stepping outside for a dose of morning sunshine!

http://rmcounselling.ca

06/06/2024

Research shows that regular exercise can significantly improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall cognitive functioning.

My own fitness challenge for the month of June is to do 20 minutes of high intensity interval training every weekday morning accompanied by a stretch and a walk. This has been helping with my mood, sleep and reducing aches and pains. I'm also looking forward to the 5K Run for Women at the end of the month, raising funds for women's mental health programs at Ontario Shores.

Whether it's a nature walk, yoga session, gym workout, or dancing around your living room, finding a physical activity you enjoy can be very beneficial for your mental health.

06/05/2024

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy is extensively researched and widely recognized as an effective trauma therapy.

In my practice, I use EMDR therapy to help people work through difficult life experiences, manage symptoms of anxiety, depression or trauma and to feel more empowered moving forward. I’m often amazed and inspired by the incredible healing power EMDR has for my clients. Watching their healing process with EMDR has made me a passionate advocate for this type of therapy.

EMDR therapy can help children, teens and adults. I use EMDR individually with clients with:
- Anxiety, panic, and phobias
- Low mood and depression
- Grief and loss
- Vicarious trauma/workplace trauma
- Difficult life experiences or transitions
- Abuse, bullying
- School related stress/trauma
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Sleep disturbances
- Performance enhancement and preparation

For more information on research and endorsements, please visit https://www.emdria.org/.

To schedule a complimentary consult with Rachael to talk about how EMDR could help you or your child please visit https://rmcounselling.janeapp.com

06/04/2024

How does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) work?

When we lock into the power of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, we can see the patterns and how they either constrain us or free us. CBT helps us to better understand our patterns, providing the tools to challenge the unhelpful ones and build more balanced and helpful perspectives, feelings and actions.

Anxiety often makes people avoid certain places or things that increase their anxiety (because when it builds up, anxiety makes us feel terrible!).

CBT provides skills and strategies to calm anxiety and challenge our thoughts that keep the anxiety cycle going. It also includes a very effective way to face our fears and stop avoiding called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). This can help with things like medical/needle phobias, selective mutism, school avoidance, work avoidance, social anxiety and many other anxiety-avoidant behaviours. CBT often involves homework and practice to integrate the skills into your everyday life.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see how CBT could help you or your child:
https://rmcounselling.janeapp.com/

05/31/2024

The stress of exams can really take a toll! Some stress can help with motivation but too much can feel overwhelming and exhausting.

High stress can also make it difficult to think clearly and recall information, which is not helpful for exams.

Aside from the typical advice to get enough sleep, eat healthy and study hard, here are a few extra tips that can help with balancing your academic needs with your mental health and well-being:

05/29/2024

Rachael MacLean, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist who provides therapy to children, teens and adults.

In-person therapy is available in Whitby, while virtual therapy is available throughout Ontario, Canada. Rachael is currently accepting new clients for in-person or virtual therapy.

Direct Billing is available for participating insurance plans with MSW coverage.

A complementary 15-minute consultation call is often the first step in seeking help. It provides an opportunity for you to learn more about what therapy would look like and how it can help you with your unique needs and goals.

Book your consultation call today:

https://rmcounselling.janeapp.com/

Rachael MacLean, MSW RSW Counselling and Psychotherapy offers support with anxiety and trauma. Located in a cozy office in the heart of downtown Whitby, Ontario. Call today for a complementary consult.

05/24/2024

Rachael MacLean, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist who provides therapy to children, teens and adults.
​
In-person therapy is available in Whitby, while virtual therapy is available throughout Ontario, Canada. Rachael is currently accepting new clients for in-person or virtual therapy.

Direct Billing is available for participating insurance plans with MSW coverage.

A complementary 15-minute consultation call is often the first step in seeking help. It provides an opportunity for you to learn more about what therapy would look like and how it can help you with your unique needs and goals.

Book your consultation call today:

https://rmcounselling.janeapp.com/

05/23/2024

What to expect from a 15 minute consultation call.

A consultation call is often the first step in seeking help. It provides an opportunity for you to learn more about what therapy would look like and how a therapist can help you with your unique needs and goals.

The call is both free and confidential, providing a safe space to explore the therapeutic process.

You can ask any questions you may have about the format or methods, scheduling, payments and anything else you may be wondering about. It also gives you an opportunity to get to know the therapist and see if it feels like a good match.

Book your consultation call today:

https://rmcounselling.janeapp.com/

10/25/2023