OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
DEPRESSION
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
ANXIETY DISORDERS
🌧️ Understanding Depression
Depression is among the most common—and most distressing—emotional and psychological experiences people face and can affect every aspect of life, from your energy and focus to your relationships and sense of self.
🌀 The Weight of Depression
Depression can range from short-term episodes lasting days or weeks to long-term struggles that persist for months or even years. It often shows up as:
- Persistent low mood, hopelessness
- Loss of motivation or interest
- Fatigue or low energy
- Negative or self-critical thoughts
- A sense of emotional numbness
⚡Healing is Possible
You don’t have to navigate this alone, recovery is absolutely possible. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we use evidence-based approaches—including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relational therapy, and emotion-focused therapy—to help you:
- Rebuild energy and motivation
- Manage intrusive negative thoughts
- Cultivate self-compassion and resilience
- Restore a sense of joy, purpose, and connection
🌿 You Deserve Relief & Renewal
Everyone deserves to feel mentally and emotionally well. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you toward a place of healing and hope—at your own pace.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
You’re not alone — anxiety is treatable, and help is available. 💙🧠 Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It can help us stay alert and focused, but, when it becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.
🔹Common Symptoms
- Constant worry or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edg
- Fatigue and trouble sleeping
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty concentratinG
- Panic attacks (racing heart, shortness of breath
🔹Common Disorders
🌀Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Daily, uncontrollable worry
Panic Disorder – Repeated panic attacks
Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of social judgment
Specific Phobias – Intense fear of certain things (e.g. flying ✈️, spiders 🕷️
Separation Anxiety – Fear of being away from loved ones
Agoraphobia – Fear of crowded or hard-to-escape places
🤝🧘At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we offer personalized support using: With the right support, anxiety is manageable.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
OCD is marked by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) done to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.
🔸 Common Types of OCD
🦠 Contamination OCD 🧼
*Obsession: Fear of germs, dirt, illness
*Compulsion: Excessive washing, cleaning, or avoiding perceived sources of contamination
🗡️Checking OCD 🔐
*Obsession: Fear of harm
*Compulsion: Repeated checking of locks, appliances, or asking for reassurance
📏Symmetry and Ordering OCD
*Obsession: Need for items to be "just right"
*Compulsion: Rearranging, counting, or ordering objects until they feel correct
⚠️ Harm OCD
*Obsession: Intrusive thoughts of causing harm
*Compulsion: Avoiding sharp objects, seeking reassurance, or mental rituals to "undo" harm thoughts
💔 Relationship OCD (ROCD) 💔
*Obsession: Doubts about one’s love for a partner or the partner’s love for them
*Compulsion: Reassurance seeking, analyzing feelings, comparing with others
🌌 Existential OCD🌌
*Obsession: Obsessive questioning about life, death, reality, or the universe
*Compulsion: Ruminating, researching, or seeking philosophical certainty
👃Sensorimotor / Somatic OCD 👃
*Obsession: Hyperawareness of bodily functions (e.g., breathing, blinking)
*Compulsion: Focusing, monitoring, or suppressing awareness.
WOMEN'S ISSUES
🌸 Supporting Women Through Life's Transitions
Women experience profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes throughout their lives. Whether it's the joy and complexity of marriage, the challenges of fertility concerns, the demands of parenting, or the grief that can come with loss, aging, or trauma—each stage carries its own weight. We understand that certain life transitions can be especially overwhelming, such as:
- Postpartum depression after giving birth
- Anxiety and depression during menopause
- Disordered eating, relationship breakdowns, or recovering from abuse or trauma
These are not just "phases"—they are deeply personal experiences that deserve compassionate support.
💬 You Are Not Alone
At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we offer a safe, non-judgmental space for women to explore their experiences, heal from pain, and regain a sense of clarity and strength. With the right care, healing is possible, and a fulfilling, empowered life is within reach.
MEN'S ISSUES
🧠 Supporting Men's Health with Compassion & Clarity
Men face distinct emotional and psychological challenges throughout their lives. Whether it’s childhood trauma, career pressures, relationship strain, or the often-unspoken weight of depression and anxiety, these struggles are real—and they deserve to be acknowledged. Many men also confront:
- Workplace stress and burnout
- The pressures and responsibilities of fatherhood
- Marital conflict or separation
- The effects of aging, illness, or grief
🔒 Breaking the Silence
Traditional gender roles can discourage men from expressing emotion or seeking help. This silence often leads to disconnection, emotional suppression, and feelings of isolation. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we recognize the courage it takes to ask for support. Our therapists create a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space where men can talk openly and begin to heal.
PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR RELATIONSHIPS, COUPLES & SEXUAL ISSUES
COUPLE & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY
💞 Building Stronger Connections Through Couples Counselling
Couples and relationship counselling can be a powerful way to deepen emotional bonds, improve communication, and navigate challenges—no matter the stage or structure of your relationship.
At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we support a wide range of relationship types, including:
- Married or cohabitating partners
- Same-sex and LGBTQIA+ couples
- Engaged or dating partners
- Polyamorous and non-traditional relationships
- Sibling relationships
💬 Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT)
We use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT)—a proven, evidence-based approach that helps partners:
- Understand and heal patterns of disconnection
- Strengthen emotional closeness and trust
- Express needs and feelings with clarity and care
- Rebuild intimacy and mutual support
EFT is effective for addressing common relational issues such as conflict, communication breakdowns, infidelity, parenting stress, and emotional distance.
SEX THERAPY
🔥 Supporting Sexual Intimacy & Connection
Sexuality is a vibrant, life-affirming part of the human experience—essential to comfort, pleasure, intimacy, desire, and connection. It plays a meaningful role in both individual fulfillment and relationship satisfaction.
Just like people, sexuality evolves over time. Throughout life and across relationships, individuals and couples may face changes, challenges, and periods of disconnection.
💬 When Sex Becomes Difficult
It’s not uncommon for couples to encounter difficulties in their sexual relationship—whether it's due to mismatched desire, performance anxiety, past trauma, physical health issues, or emotional disconnect. These experiences can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, or shame, but they are also opportunities for growth.
🌱 A Path to Sexual Growth & Satisfaction
Therapy can help you and your partner(s) explore your sexual connection with openness and compassion. We offer a safe, respectful space to:
- Clarify needs, desires, and expectations
- Address emotional and physical barriers to intimacy
- Rebuild trust and communication around sex
- Develop a mutually satisfying and evolving sexual style
- Strengthen your connection as a sexual team
❤️ Your Sexual Wellness Matters
Sexual health is emotional health. Whether you're navigating change, healing from past experiences, or simply seeking greater connection and joy, we’re here to support your journey.
PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR FAMILIES, CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
FAMILY & CHILD THERAPY
👪 Strengthening Family Bonds Through Counselling & Play-Based Therapy
Families come in many forms—and each faces its own unique joys and challenges. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we offer relationship, parenting, family counselling, and play therapy to help strengthen emotional connections and support lasting, healthy bonds.
Grounded in the principles of Theraplay®, our approach is experiential, attachment-focused, and developmentally sensitive—designed to help families connect through play, structure, engagement, and nurture.
🌱 Supporting All Types of Families
We work with:
- Step-families and blended families coping with transitions, grief, or conflict
- Families navigating divorce, separation, or co-parenting dynamics
- Parents raising children with ADHD/ADD, learning differences, depression, or social anxiety
- Families struggling with emotional disconnection or communication breakdown.
These challenges can strain even the most loving households. With compassionate guidance, families can heal, rebuild trust, and foster deeper emotional attunement.
💬 Helping Parents Support Their Children
Through therapy, parents can:
- Learn effective, compassionate parenting strategies
- Understand and respond to children’s emotional needs
- Support their children’s mental health and self-esteem during difficult times
- Create a more secure, nurturing family environment
🧸 Healing Through Connection
Children and families thrive when they feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking to strengthen your family as a whole, we’re here to help.
CHILD & ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING: SELF-ESTEEM, SOCIAL ANXIETY, DEPRESSION & SELF-HARM
🌟 Supporting Children & Teens Through Challenging Times
Every child and teenager deserves to feel significant, valued, and important in their relationships with family, friends, and peers. However, many young people face experiences—such as school bullying, cyberbullying, or peer rejection—that can deeply undermine their confidence and sense of self-worth. These challenges can lead to struggles with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and substance use, as they seek ways to cope with the emotional pain. The pressure to fit in, coupled with the complexities of growing up, can make it difficult for children and teens to navigate their own self-identity and emotional needs.
💬 Building Resilience & Positive Self-Worth
At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including individual counselling, psychotherapy, and family or play therapy, to help children and adolescents:
- Build self-worth and resilience
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Navigate peer pressures and school-related stress
- Increase self-acceptance, confidence, and emotional regulation
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms for challenging emotions and experiences
🌱 Helping Children Thrive
With the right support, children and teens can learn to value themselves, develop a strong sense of self, and face life’s challenges with confidence. Therapy can provide a safe space for them to process difficult emotions, learn healthier ways of managing stress, and repair any emotional damage caused by negative experiences.
CHILD & ADOLESCENT ADHD/ADD
🧠 Supporting Children with ADD/ADHD
Children with ADD/ADHD often face unique challenges, including difficulties with attention, focus, impulse control, and social interactions. These challenges can affect their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we are committed to helping children and families navigate these challenges with compassion, understanding, and effective treatment strategies.
🎶 Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP): A Powerful Pre-Therapy Tool
Originally designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, the SSP has proven highly effective for a range of mental health challenges, including ADD/ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and sensory processing issues. The SSP has been shown to:
- Improve social engagement, attention, and emotional regulation
- Facilitate a calm, safe physiological state, making it easier for individuals to engage in therapeutic work
- Enhance the development of social skills and awareness
- Increase feelings of safety and connection in relationships
🌱 Benefits of the SSP for Children with ADD/ADHD
By helping children reach a state of calm, emotional readiness, the SSP allows them to better engage in therapies aimed at:
- Improving focus and attention
- Building social skills and empathy
- Developing self-regulation techniques
- Enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence
💬 A Holistic Approach to Treatment
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. With the combined use of the SSP and tailored counselling or therapy, children with ADD/ADHD can make significant strides in their emotional, social, and cognitive development.
TRAUMA, PTSD, EATING DISORDERS & DISSOCIATION
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) & COMPLEX POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (CPTSD)
🌱 Shauna Switzer’s Integrative Approach
Shauna Switzer offers a uniquely compassionate and effective approach that blends:
- Relational Psychotherapy – creating safety through trust and connection
- EMDR Therapy – facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – addressing trauma held in the bod
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) – working with internal parts of the self
- Interpersonal and Affective Neuroscience – grounding therapy in how the brain and relationships influence emotional healing
This integrative method respects the complexity of trauma and supports healing on multiple levels—mental, emotional, physical, and relational.
🕊️ A Path Toward Healing
Whether you are struggling with the effects of past abuse, neglect, chronic stress, or relational trauma, there is a path forward. With the right support, you can reclaim safety, rebuild trust, and move toward a more connected and empowered life.
EATING DISORDERS & DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
🌿 Specialized Therapy for Complex Mental Health Challenges
Successfully treating complex mental health concerns—such as eating disorders, self-harm and dissociative symptoms—requires the care of a skilled, trauma-informed therapist who understands the depth and nuance of these experiences.
💬 Compassionate, Skilled Support Makes the Difference
These issues are often rooted in early relational trauma, attachment wounds, or invalidating environments. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we take a non-judgmental, relational, and trauma-sensitive approach to treatment, helping individuals gradually build emotional resilience, self-understanding, and healthier relationships.
We incorporate modalities such as:
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Relational Psychotherapy
🌱 Healing Is Possible
While these challenges can feel overwhelming, with the right therapeutic relationship and tools, meaningful change is not only possible—it’s likely.
PERSONALITY DISORDERS THERAPY & SUPPORT FOR FAMILY
PERSONALITY DISORDER THERAPY
Personality Disorders are different from other mental health conditions.
While disorders like anxiety or depression are typically symptom-based and episodic, Personality Disorders are chronic and deeply ingrained. They reflect long-standing patterns in how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
Think of personality as a psychological toolkit—a collection of traits we use to navigate life. These traits are consistent patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. A healthy personality uses a diverse set of traits to adapt to different situations and relationships. In someone with a Personality Disorder, one or a few traits may become dominant and rigid, leading to inflexible and maladaptive behaviours. This imbalance often results in:
- 💔 Strained or chaotic relationships – recurring conflict or emotional turmoil with loved ones
- 🌪️ Difficulty coping with stress or change – intense reactions or rigid patterns when life shifts
- 🗣️ Misunderstandings and conflict with others – frequent miscommunications or feeling alienated
- 🔥 Emotional intensity or detachment – either overwhelming feelings or emotional numbness
When multiple family members are affected, the home environment may become volatile or dysfunctional. Family member may benefit from working with a therapist to help them understand and support their loved one.
🧰 Why a Highly Skilled Therapist is Necessary!
Effective treatment requires specialized knowledge and experience. If you or someone you care about is affected, finding a therapist who understands the unique dynamics of these conditions is essential for healing and growth.
PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR OVER 50+ YEARS OLD
🌿 EMBRACING AGING WITH RESILIENCE & PURPOSE
💬 Counseling for Empowerment & New Beginnings
As individuals age, they often encounter societal biases that can make the aging process feel isolating or discouraging, and lead to depression and a sense of worthlessness. Yet, in recent decades, aging has come to be recognized as a natural and valuable part of life, filled with unique challenges, triumphs, and the opportunity for deepening wisdom.
Older adults, with an optimistic and resilient mindset, tend to report higher satisfaction with their lives, even in the face of life’s challenges.
Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space where older adults can explore and redefine their sense of self, challenge negative societal messages, and build a renewed sense of purpose and joy. In therapy, we can help you:
- Cultivate a positive mindset toward aging
- Address feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Manage emotional distress such as depression or anxiety
- Navigate life transitions (e.g., retirement, loss of loved ones, health changes
- Explore new aspirations, hobbies.
🌸 Embracing the Wisdom and Power of Older Women
As women age, they often face challenges that are unique to their experiences. Societal views about the worth of older women can lead to a sense of loss—loss of value, vitality, power, and self-worth. Many women also experience emotional distress related to changes in appearance, physical health, or how they are perceived by others, often feeling invisible or diminished by cultural norms.
In addition, women tend to outlive their partners, which make
Contact us today! 905.598.1859 info@switzercounselling.ca
PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR GENDER & SEXUALITY
🌱 GENDER DYSPHORIA & MENTAL HEALTH
For many individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, there is often an intersection with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. The emotional toll of navigating identity in a world that may not always understand can contribute to deep emotional and psychological distress. At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we are dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate space where you can openly explore your gender and address any mental health concerns. We are here to support you in:
- Exploring your identity and true self
- Managing emotional distress and improving self-esteem
- Addressing family challenges
- Building resilience, coping skills, and positive mental health
🌱 Therapy can help alleviate the emotional burden that comes with gender dysphoria and related mental health issues. With the right support, you can work toward a life that feels more authentic, fulfilling, and connected. Our goal is to help you improve your daily life, find greater happiness, and move forward with a stronger sense of self-worth.
💬 THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR LGB+ WELL-BEING
Coming out—sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity with others—can be an emotionally vulnerable and challenging experience. It’s a deeply personal journey that often brings up feelings of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, especially as it can impact relationships with family, friends, and potential romantic or sexual partners.
Many individuals face the weight of internalized homophobia, shame, or discrimination, which can take a toll on their mental health. These challenges may manifest in feelings of social isolation, anxiety, self-harm, or rejection.
A therapist can help you navigate the complexities of coming out, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to:
- Identify and process the emotional challenges of coming out
- Address internalized homophobia, shame, or past experiences of discrimination
- Build resilience and emotional strength in the face of rejection or social isolation
- Improve self-acceptance, self-worth, and mental health
- Cultivate healthy relationships and social support networks
🌈 BECOMING A SUPPORTIVE ALLY TO OUR LGB+ LOVED ONES
Supporting a loved one in the LGBTQ+ community requires introspection, love, and open dialogue. Many friends and family members often feel unequipped to fully understand the unique experiences of their loved ones. Misconceptions and harmful misinformation can create tension, misunderstanding, and even strain relationships. As a parent, you may be eager to learn how best to support your child. As a partner or family member, you may be seeking a place of acceptance and understanding for both yourself and your loved one(s). It can be overwhelming and painful for your child, family member, or friend to express their experiences, needs, and emotions, and the journey can sometimes feel difficult for everyone involved.
💬 Bridging the Gap with Compassionate Support
At Switzer Counselling & Psychotherapy Associates, we provide a safe and knowledgeable space for those who wish to become stronger allies to their LGB+ loved ones. Our therapy can help you:
- Navigate difficult conversations and bridge communication gap
- Address confusion, misconceptions, and harmful misinformation
- Explore your own feelings of acceptance and understand your loved one’s unique experience
- Strengthen your relationship through increased empathy and mutual understandinG
- Build supportive, positive connections that nurture your loved one’s identity and well-being