First Steps

It's official! The "i"'s are dotted and the "t"'s are crossed. 

I am officially an Associate of Partners Counselling in Bradford (Ontario, Canada) and I am truly honoured to be part of such an amazing group of caring and wonderful individuals.  

When I was first introduced to Jon, Tina and the rest of the Partners Bradford team, what struck me as incredible was the method with which the practice is run.  

Their philosophy is simple: No waiting lists.  No red tape. 

Just the ability to reach out and get help whenever you are ready.

When crisis strikes, and you need a helping hand, waiting lists can feel endless and the idea of recovery can seem hopeless.

When I was struggling with my own self worth and anxiety, I was continually turned away from programs because I was told I was too old, statistically, to have an eating disorder since most programs are designed for adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18.  

I was 22, clearly too old to still be struggling with an eating disorder according to the system. 

I wanted desperately to be well and yet everywhere I turned, I found a lacking of available resources for someone reaching out who didn't fit the typical diagnostic mould.

When you are surrounded by pain.  When every moment of your day is spent battling your own inner demons to the exclusion of the love and joy around you.  

When you finally gather up your hope and reach out for help, being told you need to wait six months can seem overwhelming and hopeless.  

That's why it's so important to have options. Places you can go when you are in crisis and have found the courage to ask for help.

I am so excited to now be a part of a team of amazing counsellors who are dedicated to providing that help so that it is available whenever you need it. 

Because the first step - admitting you need help - can be the most difficult and most amazing step on your journey.  

And one day you'll look back in awe of the your strength because, despite everything, you are still here, reading these words and knowing that help is just a phone call away.