Brenda Leonard “Your truth, your voice, your story”


  Contact : 905-902-2844

Therapy Services

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues affecting Canadians. You may feel anxious before a big event or life change, but if that anxiety is persistent or interferes with your daily life, it may be time to talk to a counsellor. Likewise you may feel low or depressed after a major life event but depression is very different from feeling discouraged or sad. Together we will sort through your feelings and identify the underlying causes so you can get your life back on track.

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Diabetes

Being diagnosed with diabetes can mean significant life change. This is why individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. As a registered nurse I know the impact diabetes has on your mental health. Together we will use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to focus on your thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviours and get the tools to manage your diabetes which will ultimately impact both your short term and long term health.

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Stress

These days it’s difficult to disconnect in order to find respite from the pressures of life. Whether it’s the result of relationships, finances, work, health or a complex combination of all four, chronic stress increases your risk for heart disease, obesity, stroke and certain cancers. There’s no simple formula for dealing with stress, but I will work with you to identify your triggers, explore solutions and help you with tools to manage your stress in healthy ways.

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Relationship and Interpersonal Difficulties

Few things in life bring us greater joy or frustration than our relationships. Successful long-term relationships are built on respect and healthy boundaries. Even if your partner isn’t interested in coming to counselling, talking to a therapist can make a significant impact on your relationship by allowing you the freedom to express yourself without fear of judgment as well as learning techniques that will help with communication and understanding conflict from your partners’ point of view.

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Grief & Loss

Grief and loss are a natural part of life. There is no timeline for grief nor is there a “right” way to grieve. Sometimes it may feel as though the pain of that loss will never ease or go away. Though we often associate grief with death, it can also be the result of major life change like job loss, moving far from home, or a divorce. It’s important to be kind to yourself, acknowledge those feelings as valid and understand that with the right tools, you can move forward, and find happiness again.

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Gender Issues

Gender identity is so much more complex than biological sex as our gender roles are intrinsically tied to societal expectations within culture, religion, ethnicities, and the family structure itself. Although society has become more accepting of non-traditional gender identity, you may feel stressed when your identity doesn’t fit the expectations of those around you. I am here to help you sort through those feelings and emotions to find a balance, ultimately allowing you to find your true self. (This is not my wheelhouse so I’m not sure if I’m saying things appropriately or if it needs tweaking. Let me know if I’m on the right track)

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Post-Traumatic Stress

PTSD is triggered when an individual is exposed to a terrifying life event as a victim or a witness. This event can leave you feeling powerless, overwhelmed, anxious or on edge. For many, these symptoms fade over time but for others these feelings persist and begin to interfere with daily life. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can very effective for those with PTSD by focusing on thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to teach you how to work through your problems to regain control of your life.

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Chronic Disease

Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked yet are often treated separately by health professionals. This can be frustrating for those living with chronic disease. Roughly one-third of individuals with chronic illness also suffer from depression – a vicious cycle of physical and emotional pain feeding off one another. With my previous career in nursing, I have a unique ability to bring the two worlds together to help you work though those feelings and live your life to its fullest.

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Pet Loss and Grief

Having grown up on a farm and being a pet owner myself, I know the bond that can develop between pets and their owners. Animals can truly become one of the family. While some may not understand the depth of loss you may feel, it’s important to recognize that the pain of your loss is real and you should never feel ashamed of that grief. Remembering there is no timeline for grief, I will work with you to find healthy ways to express your grief and cope with your loss, allowing you to move forward.

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