Let’s Talk About Counselling…

Meredith Pilley of Meredith Pilley Counselling Services explains...

Why do people seek Counselling?

Each person who enters counselling has his or her own story.  People deal with many issues in their lives, but often it comes to a point when they just aren’t able to do so on their own any longer.  Those dealing with grief and loss (death, relationship breakdown, loss of employment), mental health issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed), family issues (parenting, supporting the entire family through difficult times, partnerships), gender issues (questioning, coming out, transitioning, supporting partners/families of LGBTQ2 individuals as allies), trauma (physical, sexual, emotional – including adult survivors of childhood abuse) find counselling helpful.

What are the benefits of Counselling?

You and your counsellor will work together to find healthy ways of coping so that you can discover solutions that help you move forward towards your vision of a fulfilling life.  Your counsellor will work with you to see things more clearly, possibly from a different viewpoint. This can enable you to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour, with a goal to facilitating positive change.

When should someone seek Counselling?

There are times when issues just keep circling round and you might feel stuck, or when a crisis happens and you feel overwhelmed. People typically enter counselling because they are hurting, frustrated, or feeling overwhelmed by a problem. Counselling can help you rebalance and find some sense of moving forward safely.   

What about the stigma of Counselling? 

As a society we have come a long way from the stigma of counselling, however we always have work to do with this.  Seeking support through counselling takes strength.  It also takes a lot of courage to open up to someone, and counselling is a lot of work as you filter through your feelings and issues and implement strategies to support you and your healing.

What should someone expect from counselling?

During your counselling sessions, you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems.

What are the different types of Counselling?

There are many different types of counselling, and many different ways of connecting a counsellor with a client. For example: face-to-face, individually or in a group, over the phone, using a specialized computer program such as Skype or by secure email.

Many people talk about the importance of a “good fit.” How does someone
know if the fit is right?

Remember that it is normal to feel some anxiety about seeing a counsellor, and it is hard to assess the fit until you’ve been through a few sessions.  Research shows that therapeutic fit is the most important factor in successful counselling. A good fit is one where you feel empowered to ask questions about your counselling and you are welcomed to negotiate changes in direction ~ where you genuinely feel you are in control of your progress.

How long does counselling last?

The duration of counselling has to do with how deeply you are able to work, how much you have done previously, how ready you are to work now, and the quality of fit between you and your counsellor.  Your counsellor can provide both short-term and longer-term therapy. Your counsellor will discuss the course of counselling throughout your work together.  

What if someone’s symptoms get worse after they start counselling?

Some people experience an increase in unpleasant symptoms at the beginning of counselling, as difficult issues are being stirred up. If you are able to manage this phase of counselling, there is usually great relief as the work progresses. Your counsellor will help you learn new ways to cope with unpleasant symptoms.

A final note on counselling.

A counsellor can help you gain the confidence and power necessary to live the happier life you deserve.   Counselling is a great opportunity to make a difference to your life, and have the well-being and success that you so deserve!

Submitted by: 

Meredith Pilley  MSW,RSW

705-930-1618

Meredith Pilley Counselling Services

www.meredithpilley.com

March 4th Event Trade-show, Food, Network, Speakers!

Don't miss our March 4th event at The Venue! 

We have a unique NEW opportunity for all business people, male and female, to attend! 

On March 4th we're holding an event that will be like a mini conference!  Featuring networking, trade-show, speakers and dinner! Please come and join us by RSVPing here before Friday February 27th at noon!

We'll start the event at 5:30 with networking and trade-show viewing! Then enjoy an amazing dinner at 6:30pm, followed by the evening's breakout sessions.  

Our evenings breakout sessions include speakers on:

• Blog vs Newsletter
• Human Resources
• Various Workplace Wellness 
• Social Media Marketing
• Business Security (Cybercrime)
• Finance
• Getting the most of out your WBN Membership
• Leadership

OH MY! Have you tasted the creations from Chef Jessica Hendren ?   We were blown away at their recent spotlight! Can't wait for our meal on March 4th!

Our menu

• Appetizer: Heritage Blend Greens, Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad, Sweet Pickles and Olives, Rolls
• Regular Entrée: Roasted Ontario Chicken Supreme, Grilled Vegetable Medley, Oven Roasted Potato, Yukon and Sweet Potato Medley
• Vegetarian Entrée: Basil and Cheese Cappelletti
• Dessert: Assortment of Decadent Delights

See you on Wednesday March 4th at The Venue. 

Will You or Someone You Love Be Part of the 72%?

As women in business you are leaders, innovators, managers, entrepreneurs, and relationship-builders. You may also be a mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, and girlfriend. Women play so many important roles in our community. But did you know that being a woman also puts you at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease? 

In fact, of the 747,000 Canadians with Alzheimer’s disease, an astonishing 72% are women. 

It’s becoming common knowledge that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is rising rapidly, with numbers expected to almost double in the next 15 years, but why is it affecting so many women? One reason is that the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease is age and women generally live longer than men. After age 65, a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia doubles every five years.

So what’s a woman to do? 

As successful businesswomen you know that hiding from the facts doesn’t make a problem go away. While we don’t yet have a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, research is providing us with lots of information about how we can reduce our risk and also live well after diagnosis.

Learn about the 10 warning signs:

Memory loss is the most common early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s not the only one. The other nine warning signs include:  difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation in time and space, impaired judgment, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood and behaviour, personality changes, and loss of initiative. Before you panic, it’s important to note that it’s normal for a person to experience some of these symptoms at different times of her life, such as when she is experiencing a lot of stress. But if you are experiencing several of these symptoms on a more consistent basis, it’s important to take action.

Get an early diagnosis:

If you are noticing several of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, talk to your health care professional. They can do tests to rule out other possible problems and help you get a diagnosis. If you do have Alzheimer’s disease, getting an early diagnosis will allow you to benefit from medication, attend education and support programs, and plan for your future, including the future of your business.

Take care of your brain:

Whether your 38 or 83, it’s never too early or too late to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy brain strategies include: eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, challenging your brain, maintaining your social connections, monitoring chronic conditions, managing stress, and protecting your head from injury. While you can’t control the aging process, these strategies will help you reduce your risk.

Women as caregivers:

Alzheimer’s disease also has a significant impact on women because we account for 70 percent of family caregivers. In many cases a woman is caring for both a parent with dementia and for children or grandchildren, becoming part of the “sandwich generation.” Add in your responsibilities as a businesswoman and you can easily see how this can become overwhelming. Being a caregiver can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being. Caregivers often experience difficulty juggling multiple responsibilities, managing stress, and finding time to address their own health issues. If you are a caregiver, don’t try to go it alone. Many community agencies offer support services, so reach out and be willing to accept some help.

Faced with the reality of the 72% statistic, it could be easy for a woman to feel discouraged. But there are many positive things we can do for ourselves and those we care about. For more information, visit www.alzheimer.ca/pklnh/the72percent or contact the local Alzheimer Society at 705-748-5131. The Society offers education and support programs for persons with dementia and their family or friend care partners, as well as education sessions for businesses and community groups. If you would like to book a presentation, contact Diana Primavesi, Public Education Coordinator at diana@alzheimerjourney.ca.

Submitted by Susan Dunkley, Fund Development

Written for Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton 

by Public Education Coordinator Diana Primavesi 

Susan Dunkley

Fund Development Coordinator

183 Simcoe Street 

Peterborough, Ontario   K9H 2H6
Telephone:  (705) 748-5131 Toll Free:  1-800-561-2588
Fax: (705) 748-6174
Website:  www.alzheimer.ca/pklnh

Highlights from our 2015 Members Meeting - Video Highlights

Highlights from our action packed January 2015 members' meeting.
ENJOY!

Congratulations to everyone! We raised over $11,000 for our friends at the Peterborough YWCA Cross Roads Shelter!  What a great feeling!

We're thrilled to have had such amazing young ladies from the Trent Business Student Association join us at our members' meeting in January. We recommend that you get to know these ladies!

Finally, what a speaker, Nina Spencer. She was outstanding! 

Thank you everyone for a great start to 2015!

WBN Members Help Save and Change the Lives of Women and Children

Taking part in the WBN Hollywood Christmas Gala was such a pleasure! A wonderful celebration of Peterborough’s amazing business women -- AND, by supporting the YWCA as the beneficiary of the Gala, every volunteer organizer,  every donor of every auction item, every purchaser and every member helps provide the basic human right of safety for women and children in our community.

You see, the statistics around domestic violence are shocking. Nationally some 3,300 women and their 3,000 children sleep in shelters to escape domestic violence each night. And every six days a woman is killed by her intimate partner.  The statistics in our community are equally troubling. 

WBN members have supported the YWCA Crossroads shelter for almost 20 years. At Crossroads we serve more than 300 women and children every year. As well as safe haven, women and children receive everything from safety planning and mental health services to counselling and parental support. And the difference you make as a supporter, volunteer or donor to the YWCA doesn’t end at Crossroads.

By supporting the YWCA, you help us:

•                    Answer our crisis line 24/7/365 so that every woman in our region can get help when she needs it

•                    Run our innovative START program – a one-stop shop of coordinated services for women who have experienced domestic violence or abuse

•                    Support women as they go through family court – often with their abuser fighting for custody of their children

•                    Provide rent-geared-to-income housing for over 100 women and children who have experienced abuse

You also help us:

•                    Build the confidence of 12-13 year old girls in our GirlSpace program to form healthy life-long relationships

•                    Provide grants to women who have fled abuse and are pursuing their dreams through education

•                    Deliver over 3,000 food boxes to families who are struggling to provide healthy food to their families

•                    Advocate on behalf of women and girls in our community and around the world

Abuse and violence against women and children are not a personal issue, but a community one.  By supporting the YWCA, you help to save lives, relieve deep suffering, unleash the human potential of women and children, and strengthen our whole community.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To find out more, or if you would like to work with us to expand the leadership of women and girls in our community, we would love to hear from you.

Jen Cureton

Director of Philanthropy & Communications

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

216 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, ON K9H2H7

www.ywcapeterborough.org

2014's Christmas Gala Auction Items!

Have you heard what is being auctioned off at the WBN Holiday Gala in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter??? 

Here's a sneak peek at our items this year! Thank you so much to all those who donated! 

Win it at the WBN Holiday Gala Live Auction in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter.  

A summer weekend houseboat rental donated by Egan Houseboat Rentals. 

1 hour site seeing flight for 4 people over the Kawartha's donated by Robb Bennett.

Whiskey Tasting for 8 at the Whiskey Club donated by Mike Skinner!!! 


Where can you get a Duck Dynasty Recliner and a 43" Television???   
Special thanks to Tom Reburn of Leons for the recliner and Lynda Ethier of Kawartha TV and Stereo for the television  


A new La-Z-Boy Chair from Bennett's Home Furnishings would look great under your Christmas Tree. 

There is something for everyone at the WBN Holiday Gale Silent Auction in support of the YWCA Crossroads Shelter. Here are just a few:

• 3 month membership donated by T-Zone Vibration 
• Wall art hangings donated by The Original Flame 
• Family portrait session donated by Alicia Boyd Photography  
• A Scandinavian Spa Day Package at Blue Mountain donated by Trent Valley Honda 

Doors open at 6pm on December 3rd at The Venue. 
Tickets are $40 per guest and registration deadline is November 28, 2014 at noon.
http://www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/pub-christmas.php

Heat Savings Over Hardwood: Survey Reveals Shift in Home Buyers’ Desires

The Canadian dream home has a new laundry list of “must haves”.

Utility bills can cost a homeowner even more when they go to sell their property according to the Remax® Canadian Home Critics Survey. In the results, which expose purchasers' motivations and turn offs, Canadians overwhelmingly report that they would select a home with energy efficiency upgrades (41%) over updated finishings like granite countertops or hardwood floors (22%). View the full survey press release here.

"It's well-known that home buying is an emotional process, so understanding the shifts in where buyers place value is key to a sellers' success," said Todd Shyiak, national director of operations Remax, Canada. "Location is still important to today’s home, Re buyers, but the sheer volume of information available has made them more aware of how a home's features can impact their lifestyle."

So, how are Canadians judging your home?

Home buyers want “Layout, location, location.”

Canadians say that layout is the most important consideration when selecting a home (27%), even over location factors such as the desirability of the community (26%) or commute distance (12%). Layout also has the strongest impact on their first impression of a house (39%) while a home's size carries much less weight (11%).

The survey also uncovers that buyers are willing to renovate for looks but not for repair. Only 13% of Canadians view the need to renovate rooms as a major home buying deterrent. Yet, 30% will walk away from a purchase if they notice just a small amount of water damage, even when the costly issue of outdated plumbing or electrical facilities (29%) is considered.

When it comes to homes, Canadians are clean freaks.

If your house has old flooring, just make sure it’s spotless. Uncleanliness tops home buyers' turn off list (60%), whereas dated flooring (40%) or bold paint colours (18%) have much less impact.

The Goldilocks’ effect: Buyers most driven to find a home that fits just right.

40% of Canadians say their number one motivation to buy a house is to "better fit a new life stage," followed by the desire to "have a home of their own

(29%) and “because it’s a smart investment” (just 10%).

Size matters to millennial home buyers, boomers have bigger concerns.

Millennials look more at the face value of houses, including square footage (millennials 9%, boomers 4%) and room count (millennials 12%, boomers 3%). In contrast, boomers are more concerned with lifestyle factors, such as how well the space is laid out (millennials 18%, boomers 34%) or if it’s located in a desirable community (millennials 18%, boomers 30%).

For boomer buyers, it's what's inside that counts.

Boomers are less likely to be turned off by a home's cosmetic features, such as dated flooring (millennials
51%, boomers 36%). This demographic, who may be settling in for retirement or downsizing, seek homes that won't cost them time or money in the long run. Boomers prefer homes with energy efficiency upgrades (millennials 29%, boomers 54%) and are more likely to avoid ones with outdated plumbing or electrical facilities (millennials 23%, boomers 32%).

If you’re a buyer or seller in the near future, keep these tips in mind!!

Betty Johnson

Sales Representative

Remax Eastern Realty Inc. Brokerage

91 George St.

Peterborough, On K9J 3G3

email:  betty@bettysellshomes.net

Website:  www.bettysellshomes.net

Telephone - 705-743-9111

Fax - 705-743-1034

Direct - 705-749-7934