A recent survey by the Ontario Association of Social Workers found that 44% of women were either diagnosed with a mental health condition or are believed to be living with an undiagnosed mental health condition. Even more staggering, in women who were aged 18-35, that number jumped to 66%.*
Unique Challenges Faced by Women
Women often balance many roles, such as partner, caregiver, employee, friend and community member. In many families women also take on the primary caregiving responsibilities. In our work supporting women, we frequently hear how this delicate balancing act can bring increased stress. It's important to know that you are not alone. Both research and the lived experience of our female therapists highlight that the mental health needs of women are unique and often significantly different from those of men.
We know that it can be challenging to manage life's daily stressors and demands, let alone when we may not feel equipped to deal with them as they arise. Stop letting your emotions, beliefs about them, and your reactions get in your way! Your emotions are valid. So are your experiences. Needing and asking for support while navigating these challenges is human. We believe mental health and wellness is about having a sense of control in your life. This can look like healthy coping mechanisms, emotional intelligence and awareness, or strong communication skills. When you are confronted by things that negatively impact you, we want you to feel in control. To feel as if you can choose how you respond. Get back to feeling in control of your life! Addressing your experiences and habits head on allows us to shift them to healthier and more adaptive ways of coping.
What issues most commonly affect women?
Mood Disorders
such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
Domestic Violence Can be emotional, physical, verbal or psychological. Most often presents itself through name-calling, controlling behaviours, violence, humiliation and manipulation.
Sexual abuse
Can take many forms ranging from harassment to sexual assault to rape.
Infertility
Often concurrent with depression and trauma.
Hormonal Changes Experienced in puberty, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. This may lead to mood changes that are more drastic than outside of what considered to be normal for you.
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression.
A form of depression that can be easy to overlook, as it often shows up in ways we don’t typically associate with depression
Low Self-Esteem/Self Worth
This may be a lifelong struggle or have developed as a result of bullying, abusive relationships or trauma. May be expressed through negative thoughts, isolation, unhealthy relationship patterns and mood issues.
Eating Disorders
such as Anorexia or Bulimia. Disordered eating behaviours influence eating decisions and are accompanied by negative thoughts about body shape and weight, as well as a skewed lens through which women view their bodies.
Discrimination
Women have historically been at greater risk of discrimination, whether through sexism, racism, or other systemic barriers.
What is a therapist going to tell me that I don’t already know?
Maybe it's not necessarily learning something we don't already know, maybe it's more about hearing what we already know differently, applying it more effectively. Consider taking the skills you already have and building off of them, strengthening and tweaking them. Therapy is a space that you can learn how to articulate your thoughts and feeling, deepen your own learning about them and yourself, respond to emotions more effectively and learn new behaviours and healthier coping skills. You may not realize there are better ways until you talk about it! When you talk about your challenges, they can feel smaller with less hold over your life, let us guide and support you with this.
Get back to feeling in control of your life! Addressing your experiences and habits head on allows us to shift them to healthier and more adaptive ways of coping.
Getting Started
We offer therapy tailored to the unique experiences and needs of women at our Oakville and Georgetown locations, as well as virtually for all residents of Ontario. Every journey begins with a free 15-minute consultation, an opportunity to meet your therapist, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable moving forward.
Book a free initial consultation today!
Available in Oakville, Georgetown & virtual
Before you begin therapy, you may have many questions and concerns; that's perfectly natural.
We want you to make an informed decision about starting therapy with us. That's why, we invite you to schedule a free 15-min consultation with our team.
During this initial call, you will get the opportunity to ask your questions, and we will tell you more about our experience and approach to therapy for men.
PS. This call doesn't obligate you to work with us. You can use this form also if you have questions before booking a consultation.
