Blog

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, overwhelmed by others’ needs, or unsure how to communicate your limits, this book is essential reading. And in therapy, boundary work often becomes a cornerstone of healing — because peace begins when you stop abandoning yourself to keep others comfortable.

We often think of burnout as a sign of weakness — that if we could just “push harder” or “manage time better,” we’d stop feeling so tired. But in their groundbreaking book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, sisters Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, challenge that idea entirely. They show that burnout isn’t about doing too much — it’s about not completing the stress cycle.

We all have days when we feel tired — but emotional exhaustion runs deeper than just needing a nap. It’s that sense of feeling drained, detached, and disconnected from yourself or others, even when nothing seems “wrong.” For caregivers, therapists, teachers, or anyone who constantly shows up for others, this exhaustion may actually be emotional burnout or compassion fatigue — signs that your mind and body are asking for care, not just more endurance.

Relationships don’t need to be on the brink of disaster for couples therapy to be helpful. Often, it’s the subtle shifts in communication, connection, and emotional intimacy that signal it’s time to pause and reflect. Recognizing these early signs can prevent resentment, build stronger bonds, and help partners navigate challenges before they escalate.

Many individuals from Immigrant Asian family systems carry the weight of emotional patterns and traumas that span generations. This article explores what intergenerational trauma looks like, why you may feel guilt or confusion toward caregiving parents, and how therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. We highlight three foundational books—It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn, Will I Ever Be Good Enough? by Karyl McBride, and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Pa

Most people are familiar with the idea of “fight or flight” — the body’s instinctive way of protecting us when we sense danger. But there’s another, less talked-about survival response that many people experience: freeze. If you’ve ever gone blank during an argument, felt like your body was too heavy to move when overwhelmed, or found yourself shutting down instead of reacting, you’ve likely experienced the freeze response.

At Your Story Counselling, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care—regardless of their financial situation. Over the years, one of the most common challenges we’ve heard from individuals and families is the difficulty of finding therapy that is both affordable and accessible.

Accessing therapy that is both affordable and culturally sensitive can be challenging. This article explores options for low-cost therapy in Ontario and York Region, including directories like Healing in Colour, Althea Therapy, Open Path, and Affordable Therapy York Region. Learn tips for selecting a therapist, understanding supervision for student therapists, and questions to ask during consultations. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, or trauma, cultura

If you're exploring therapy for the first time, you might find yourself wondering: What’s the difference between a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW)? Does one have more experience? Is one better suited to certain issues? And—most importantly—which one is right for you?

When it comes to supporting children’s mental health, talk therapy isn’t always the best fit—especially for younger kids who may not have the vocabulary or emotional awareness to express what they’re feeling. That’s where music and art therapy step in.

Teen mental health matters. This blog explores the unique benefits of therapy for adolescents and provides practical tips for parents who want to support their teens through anxiety, emotional ups and downs, and life transitions. Learn how to start meaningful conversations and how to encourage your teen to try counselling—plus how Your Story Counselling can help.

Poor communication is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. In this article, we explore the key "red flags" in communication, based on renowned psychologist Dr. John Gottman’s research, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. We’ll also share how couples therapy can help address these patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships. If you’re seeking couples therapy in Markham or Vaughan, our team at Your Story Counselling is here to help.

In her groundbreaking book Daring Greatly, Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability as the key to courage, creativity, and authentic relationships. This blog breaks down her core ideas and discusses how embracing vulnerability can transform your mental health and relationships. At Your Story Counselling, we support clients in cultivating courage and connection through compassionate therapy.

Attachment theory explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with others as adults. Whether you struggle with trust, intimacy, or emotional regulation, understanding your attachment style can offer powerful insights. Therapy focused on attachment helps heal relational wounds and build healthier connections. At Your Story Counselling, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to support your unique attachment journey.

Your Story Counselling, a trauma-informed and culturally responsive psychotherapy clinic serving York Region and beyond, has been recognized on the national stage. Named a finalist in the 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards under the Micro-Business category, the clinic’s work in building accessible, affirming, and anti-oppressive mental health care is gaining long-overdue recognition. Learn how Your Story Counselling is changing how therapy is delivered—one story at a

Not sure whether to book an in-person or online therapy session? You're not alone. The choice between virtual and in-office therapy depends on your comfort, access, and clinical needs. This article breaks down the benefits of each approach—and explains why choosing a local clinic like Your Story Counselling means you don’t have to choose just one.

Sex isn’t just about physical connection—with our bodies, partners, or identity, it's layered. This updated guide explores three types of sex—relational, passionate, and solo/experiential—to help you understand your own needs and patterns. Learn how to foster intimacy, keep excitement alive, and feel good in your own skin. Therapy-trained insights included.

Finding an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in York Region is essential for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community seeking mental health care that is safe, inclusive, and culturally competent. This guide highlights how to find affirming clinicians, the values of Your Story Counselling’s anti-oppressive stance, and where to find community support through organizations like Rainbow Health Ontario, ACAS, AQUA, and Pflag York Region.

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can change your life in a split second—leaving not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma. In Ontario, those affected by MVAs may be eligible for mental health support under the Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) system. This explains what an MVA is, how HCAI works, and how therapy can support you through recovery. Your Story Counselling is an HCAI-approved provider and ready to help you navigate the psychological impact of an acc

Can ChatGPT Be Your Therapist? Let's get this out of the way first: ChatGPT is not a therapist. It can't diagnose, hold space for trauma, or build a trusting relationship in the same way a trained clinician can. That said, AI, like ChatGPT, can be a valuable tool for self-help, mainly when used mindfully and ethically (not to mention the ecological and environmental consequences our world faces for utilizing AI).