Posts by Cheryl Vanderveen

Many people have heard the term Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and it is one of the most commonly recommended forms of therapy for concerns such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, and low mood. Physicians often refer people specifically for CBT, and many therapy resources mention it as a proven, evidence-based approach. But what does CBT actually…

When people see that counselling is offered virtually, there can sometimes be an assumption that services are coming from a large, remote agency somewhere far away. Even when the therapist is experienced and qualified, it may still feel like there could be a disconnect — as though the person on the other side of the…

People are often very clear about one thing when they reach out for counselling: something doesn’t feel right, or they sense that life could feel better than it does right now. Specific goals may take time to emerge, but there is usually a deep inner awareness that something needs attention. For many, faith is a…

Insights from a Gottman-Trained Therapist We’ve all heard the saying, “When you marry someone, you also marry their family.” Often this is said with a bit of humour, but there is a deeper truth beneath it: we don’t walk into our relationships as blank slates. We bring with us our early experiences, the ways we…

Understanding When to Seek Stress Counselling When people are feeling overwhelmed or unsettled, it can be very difficult to distinguish between everyday stress and anxiety. These words are often used interchangeably, and in real life they can overlap quite a bit. You might ask yourself: In this blog, I hope to offer a gentle, practical…

I have felt inspired to work with people for most of my life. In my personal and professional journey, it has always felt like a privilege when someone invites me into a part of their life and allows me to walk alongside them, wherever their path is leading. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many…

This blog is for anyone who finds themselves facing the sometimes-debilitating pain and suffering of loss, either their own or through the eyes of someone they care deeply about.  Most people truly mean well and do not want to cause more emotional distress, but you may have a growing awareness that unless people have truly…

Anxiety is more than “just worry.” It can feel like an inner alarm that doesn’t fully turn off, even when life is relatively calm on the outside. For some, it shows up as constant tension and what-if thinking. For others, it leads to panic attacks, avoidance, or a steady sense of dread that’s hard to…

Everyday stress is a normal part of being human. Busy weeks, major life changes, and seasons of “too much at once” can all leave your mind and body feeling stretched thin. When stress goes unmanaged, even low-level tension can build up over time. It may begin to affect your physical health, emotional well-being, sleep, and…

There are seasons in life when you know you need support — but the idea of starting “therapy for months” feels overwhelming, or simply doesn’t fit your situation right now. You may have a specific concern, a decision weighing on you, or a stressful event that you’d like help thinking through now, not weeks from…