• Vaughan Relationship Centre: Counselling to Empower.

Let’s Talk Mental Health

Let’s talk about mental health this month. January is a hard month as it is, especially since Christmas is over and the bills of said holiday are trickling in. It is also hard because the days are short and cold. So, what can one do to combat these winter blues? Get outside Even though it […]

Praise vs Criticism

The Netflix series “100 Humans” conducted a unique experiment to investigate the impact of praise and criticism on individuals. Experiment: Sixteen individuals were chosen to learn the art of plate spinning. They participated in a training session led by a talented plate spinner and were given two hours to practice.  Subsequently, their performance was assessed […]

Should your partner have access to your phone

Two therapists, who work in the same office, have different views on this controversial topic…or do they? Leslie Yaffa and Amanda Backus, both from Vaughan Relationship Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, find themselves discussing issues or questions that might come up in their jobs. Rather than keeping these valuable discussions to themselves, they decided to […]

How to communicate and connect in your relationship

How to communicate and connect in your relationship

It’s no joke, relationships are complex and require both partners’ hard work, dedication, and commitment to be successful. Many couples struggle to effectively communicate, but communication that is open and honest can allow both partners to feel heard, respected, and understood. Setting boundaries is also necessary to ensure that both people in the relationship feel […]

To Share or Not to Share: Is it ok to keep secrets from my partner?

To Share or Not to Share: Is it ok to keep secrets from my partner?

Building trust within your relationship is an integral piece to keeping it healthy. When trust is broken, however, it can be very difficult to rebuild. The idea of keeping a secret from the one you love can be seen as something negative and trust-breaking, but is it really? Some secrets may have good intentions and […]

Why You Should Seek Help from a Social Worker

Why You Should Seek Help from a Social Worker

Oftentimes, psychologists and psychiatrists are thought of as the ultimate gurus in mental health and relationship counselling worlds; but they’re not the only ones with the skills and resources to help create meaningful change in their client’s lives or relationships.  Social workers are often overlooked for psychologists and psychiatrists when it comes to counselling. They’re […]

Navigating Different COVID Philosophies Over the Holidays

Navigating Different COVID Philosophies Over the Holidays

As COVID cases continue to fluctuate and we approach the holidays, many families may find themselves disagreeing on how to spend the holiday season. With almost two years since the start of the pandemic, most of us are craving normalcy. Many families haven’t taken part in a true pandemic-free holiday season with friends and family […]

How to Cope with Depression with Changing Seasons

How to Cope with Depression with Changing Seasons

As the weather changes and the warm weather changes to cooler, crisp air, less sunshine, and busy, demanding schedules, it’s not surprising if you’re feeling overwhelmed and lower in mood. Many of our clients feel unmotivated, down, and easily triggered during this time of year. Feeling stagnant and blue is not surprising. Let’s be honest: […]

Why Women Have Affairs

Why Women Have Affairs

Discussing affairs is considered “taboo” in our society – but even more taboo is when a woman is the one with a wandering eye. When a woman has an affair, society tends to view her as promiscuous, selfish, cold and as being a bad mother. I have met many women who feel shame after having […]

Finding Intimacy in a Full House

Finding Intimacy in a Full House

With a lack of affordable childcare, many of our clients are struggling to combat their busy lives and spend time with their loved ones. Getting creative in about finding ways to connect with partners when the house is full and busy can be a challenge.  It’s important for couples to find the time and space […]