Rise Up Counselling

People can sometimes say awkward or insensitive things to someone who is recently divorced, often without realizing the impact of their words. These types of comments, though often made with good intentions, can overlook the emotional complexity of divorce and make the person feel misunderstood or uncomfortable. “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” — Mother Teresa

Strength doesn’t come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t. Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, but here are some ways to stay strong through the process: 💪 Feel Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Let yourself grieve, but don’t let these feelings define you. 💪 Lean on Your Support System: Don’t go through it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can remind you of your strength. 💪 Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for yourself—whether it’s journaling, exercising, or simply resting. Rebuilding yourself starts with nurturing your mental and physical health. 💪 Focus on the Future: The end of one chapter is the beginning of a new one. Believe in the possibilities that lie ahead. 💪 Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time, but every small step forward is progress. You are stronger than you think. #DivorceSupport #StayStrong #Resilience #HealingJourney #SelfCareFirst #DivorceRecovery #MovingForward #riseupcounselling #therapy #divorce #seperationsupport

When going through a divorce and sharing your experience on social media, it’s important to be mindful of what you post, both for your own well-being and to maintain respect for others involved. Remember, your children are watching. By following some of these tips, you can use social media in a way that helps you cope with your divorce while maintaining dignity, respect, and a positive outlook for the future. #riseupcounselling #divorcesupport #socialmediaanddivorce #therapy #lifeafterdivorce #lifeduringdivorce #coparenting #coping

Blending families can be a rewarding yet challenging. Success depends on patience, communication, and commitment, Here are some ways that can help make the transition smoother & more successful: 1. Prioritize Open Communication With Partner: Ensure that both partners are on the same page when it comes to parenting styles and expectations. With Children: Create a space where children can express feelings openly. Encourage honest conversations and listen to their concerns. Stepparents should ease into disciplinary roles, gradually earning the respect and trust of the children. 2. Set Realistic Expectations It’s essential to recognize that blending a family takes time. Relationships between step-siblings and stepparents develop gradually, so patience is key. Not all children will bond with a new stepparent immediately, and forcing relationships may lead to resistance. 3. Establish New Family Traditions Create shared experiences that involve everyone to help form new connections and memories. 4. Respect Existing Relationships It’s crucial to honour and respect the bonds children have with their biological parents. Encourage positive co-parenting, and avoid speaking negatively about ex-partners. 5. Nurture Individual Relationships Spend one-on-one time with each child, allowing for personal connections to develop. It helps children feel valued as individuals. 7. Address Conflicts Proactively Conflict is natural in blended families, but it’s important to address disagreements calmly and constructively. Family therapy may be helpful for resolving deeper issues or facilitating communication. 8. Emphasize Teamwork Present the family as a united front. Celebrate achievements together, work through challenges as a team, and emphasize that everyone’s contribution is important to the family’s well-being. Overcoming these difficulties often requires a open communication, empathy, patience, and family therapy. Reach out to see how Rise Up Counselling can support you during this time. #BlendedFamily #StepFamily #FamilyLife #ParentingChallenges #FamilyFirst #CoParenting #FamilyMatters #BonusMom #BonusDad #TogetherAsOne

Are you managing the complexities of co-parenting after a separation or divorce? Or perhaps you are a professional supporting those who have recently separated. Navigating these waters can be tough. Co-parenting courses are designed to assist you on this remarkable journey of raising your children together, even while living apart. Let’s explore how these courses can significantly enhance your co-parenting experience: 💕Communication Skills: Learn effective communication techniques to ensure smooth conversations about your child’s upbringing and needs. 💕Conflict Resolution: Discover strategies to address disagreements constructively, putting your child’s best interests first. 💕Learn to co-exist: Get the resources you need to figure out solutions to a problem that helps you work better together without constant conflict. 💕Reducing Stress for Your Child: Create a stable and supportive environment by reducing conflicts and emotional stress for your children. 💕Setting Boundaries: Define roles and responsibilities for a consistent and structured upbringing. 💕Parenting Skills: Gain insights into effective parenting techniques to support your child’s emotional and behavioural growth. 💕Focus on the Child’s Well-being: Prioritize your child’s happiness and development above all else. Rise Up Counselling has received positive feedback from the course Parenting From Two Homes. It can equip both parents with the tools you need for a successful and harmonious coparenting relationship. Your child will thrive with both parents actively involved in their lives! Feel free to reach out and ask any questions you may have on this course.

We currently do not have a waitlist. As therapists, one of the most frustrating things clients say is that they have called around looking for a therapist and are put on a 6 - 8 month waiting list. Life has been stressful for so many, and people are reaching out for support (which is fantastic). However, they cannot get the help they need when they need it. Rise Up Counselling prides itself on helping clients when they need it. Virtual sessions have allowed us more flexibility; therefore, we currently have no waitlist. We also can provide in-person support in Thornhill, Windsor and Oshawa. Feel free DM us or reach out to us at www.riseupcounselling.com

No one likes to hear a good story about success without hearing about the obstacles. Life isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about facing them head-on. Every obstacle is a chance to grow, learn, and become stronger. Without adversity, success wouldn’t taste as sweet, and our stories wouldn’t be as inspiring. Remember, it’s the hard times that shape us into who we’re meant to be. Embrace the struggle and keep moving forward. Your strength lies in your persistence!

The final team member of Rise Up Counselling is Helen Yack, Social worker and Co-founder. Helen has over 24 years of experience as a highly skilled professional with extensive work in assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention as a social worker. For over a decade, she served as a Senior Children’s Service Worker at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. During this time, Helen provided compassionate and detailed support to families and children in foster and group home settings, working extensively with those facing complex needs such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and mental health struggles.
 After 18 years at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Helen transitioned to providing social work support and case management for individuals impacted by traumatic events, including brain injuries, anxiety disorders, and depression. She employs a strengths-based, client-centered approach, using a trauma-informed practice lens in her work with individuals and families. Helen holds a degree in Social Work from Ryerson Polytechnic University, is collaboratively trained as a neutral family professional, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Trauma Counselling. Additionally, she is certified as a New Ways for Families Counsellor through the High Conflict Institute and has completed foundation training in Voice of the Child Reports. Helen is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts. Helen offers in-person sessions at her Thornhill office and provides virtual sessions to clients throughout Ontario.

Over the past few days we have introduced some new team members of Rise Up Counselling. We thought it might be a good idea to re-introduce the co-founders of Rise Up. Gabbi Silverberg brings over 24 years of experience supporting complex families. Her career began in child protection, focusing on areas such as child safety, trauma, mental health challenges, substance issues, and parenting struggles. She led a team of frontline staff in the field of child welfare for over 4 years before shifting her focus to providing therapeutic interventions to families, couples and children impacted by separation and divorce.
 Gabbi approaches counselling with a trauma-informed, strength-based, and client-centered focus, prioritizing equity and inclusion. She holds a BSW from York University and an MSW from the University of Windsor, along with specialized training in Voice of the Child Reports, Cognitive Behavioural Foundations, Solution-Focused Counselling, and Trauma Counselling. Additionally, Gabbi has completed advanced leadership programs, including training in Emotional Intelligence, and she has experience facilitating Critical Incident Debriefing, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Family-Centred Conferencing. As a Registered Social Worker, Gabbi is in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Gabbi offers in-person sessions at her Thornhill office and provides virtual sessions to clients throughout Ontario.

We are so excited to introduce Kristen Chambers as part of our Rise Up Counselling team. Kristen is a passionate parenting and family support coach. At Rise Up Counselling, she will offer therapeutic supervised parenting time services, parent coaching, and family support. Kristen brings over 27 years of dedicated experience supporting children, youth, and families, with a deep commitment to those affected by trauma and crisis. She began her career as a frontline counsellor and outreach worker in the family shelter system. Her extensive career in child welfare spans more than 23 years, focusing recently on issues such as human trafficking. Kristen recognizes that life's challenges can strain family bonds and is dedicated to facilitating healing and connection in a nurturing environment. Kristen works with family members from an empathetic, non judgemental, anti oppressive, trauma informed, strength-based, and family centred approach. She believes in individuals' capacity for change and aims to help families rediscover joy, rebuild trust, and foster enduring connections, enabling children to thrive and families to flourish. Kristen travels to clients in the GTA area.