Welcome to Mosaic Counselling and Family Services

My daughter is having problems with peer presure and it is starting to affect her school work. Do you have any advice?
It is very painful as a parent to watch our children struggling. Peer pressure is particularly strong and difficult for girls.

I have been pulling my hair out for years and would really like to kick the habit, I have been avoiding counselling as I have children and am afraid that because I pull my hair out, children's aid may be brought into our lives? Can I get help without involving my children?
Hair-pulling is a compulsive behaviour that is usually triggered by anxiety and stress. This activity is not, in itself, a risk to your children.

It sounds like you have worked hard and successfully dealt with your OCD issues in the past.

You and your husband certainly need to be commended for your efforts to help your sister during this difficult and challenging period in her life.

I had a very traumatic childhood, sexual and physical abuse, absent Father! I always thought that I had dealt with everything ok , but now that I am a Mother I find I have no patience and I am constantly getting mad over the littlest thing ! I think it stems back to my childhood and the fact that this is what I saw ALL THE TIME! I want to change it; I don't want to become them!! Help!!
The effects of early trauma can stay with us even after we have done some healing work.

Your daughter is an ideal candidate for some professional, individual, grief counselling.

Do you have counselling for young male adult (25) dealing with alcholism?
Mosaic offers individual and group counselling for a variety of personal issues, such as mental health, family and couple relationships, coping with loss and grief, as well as financial counselling.

What steps should be taken to deal with drug addiction...spouse is an addict, and has made it difficult to live with...What steps to take to protect myself before I lose it...and steps to be a rescuer?
I am sorry to read that your spouse has an active drug addiction and that you are, as a result, under enormous stress.

Do you have any group sessions for spouses with drug addictions?

At Mosaic, we do not offer this group program, however, St. Mary's Counselling Service does provide services and group programs for people with addictions and their family members. To contact St. Mary's Counselling Service, call 519-745-2585. Their Kitchener office is located at 30 Duke St., W., Suite 600, and their Cambridge office is located at 51 Water St. N., 2nd Floor. To find out more, you can also visit their website at www.smgh.ca: click on Programs and Services, under Services, click on Community Programs and then on St. Mary's Counselling Service.

If I suspect someone is depressed, how can I help them?
Depression is a genuine and serious illness that can be treated.

Why do husbands have girlfriends?
According to Dr. Frank Pittman, (who is considered a leading authority on affairs), in order for an affair to occur, it must be fun and easy.

Do you have any anger management courses?
Yes. We have an Anger Management Group for Men and a group program that helps children manage their anger called "Mad Isn't Bad." Visit our Group page under Counselling for more information.

Does the anger management course for men have a fee? How much? Is it run by a certified counsellor?
Thank you for your message.

Can I drop into your current anger managment class before signing up for the new one starting in January?
Thank you so much for your interest in our Anger Management Group for Men. Unfortunately, you will need to wait for the January group. Because of the nature of the group, participants may not start the group part way through. Please let us know if you would like to be registered for the January group.

I need someone to talk to. My life is falling apart and I am not sure what to do. I am stressed and have let my anger affect my relationship with my wife and I think it may be too late now. I think she hates the thought of me.
I am sorry to hear your concerns. However, clearly this is an opportunity to make changes in your life for the better for yourself.

Struggles with self-esteem and a desire to live a better life are certainly excellent reasons to seek counselling.

Do you need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral for service. Just call the agency to make an appointment at 519-743-6333. When you first call Mosaic, you will speak with an Intake worker who will gather information in order to provide you with the best possible service. Find out more about what happens when you call.

I'm getting married in December. I don't like him; I don't like his habits. But I have to marry him because my family want it.... and I don't want to go against my family... plz suggest me.......
It sounds like a really hard time for you. It would be helpful for you to talk about it with a counsellor. If you are local, you can come in and talk to a counsellor. Call us at (519)743-6333. Let them know the best time to call you back and talk about it.

My spouse wants to leave me and our 20-month-old son so that he can go back to the dating scene. He feels guilty about it but the "attemptation" is stronger (the good part is he never cheated on me). I finally decided to let him go, but I'm so troubled with anger control problem. I feel betrayed and abandoned. I'm furious. What should I do?
Your feelings of anger and betrayal are normal and fully expected. If you are struggling with this, seek out counselling to help you through the transition of the end of the relationship. If you are local, you can call us at 519-743-6333 and ask to speak with Intake. Please get the help you likely need.

How do I get my wife to accept my baby from a previous relationship?
This is often a very difficult thing in a new relationship when one person has children from a previous relationship.

Do you treat social anxiety disorders?
Social Anxiety Disorder is one of many anxiety disorders often treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

Is cognitive behaviour therapy something you teach?
We do not teach Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Mosaic; however, we have a number of therapists that practice this modality in their work with clients.

I recently found out my mother is cheating on my father. It's really messing with my head and I don't know how to handle it. I don't want to be the one responsible for "breaking up the family" yet I can't let my father continue to be played like a fool. What can I do? I need help but can't afford it.
First of all you can never be responsible for the behaviour of another adult.

I found out he's cheating and he told me he loves her. When I was leaving, he told me he's gonna break-up with her and he still loves me. Should I believe him?
When working with clients where there has been infidelity in the relationship, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed - there is much more involved than "should I stay or leave?"

Would Mosaic be the place to go for counselling to deal with past issues from childhood (abuse, domestic violence est..) ? Thanks
We have a number of highly skilled counsellors who have substantial training and experience in providing counselling in the areas of historical and current issues of sexual abuse, childhood trauma and domestic violence for females and males.

I asked for money from my husband to buy milk for the kids, he refused, we had an augument and he choked me. Should we get a divorce?
As strangulation is a high risk and potentially lethal event, I would strongly recommend that you contact Women's Crisis Services at 519-741-9184, and complete a safety plan where they would give you tips on keeping yourself safe.

Do you provide counselling for those in the process of coming out?
We have wonderful counsellors who can offer support but this is an issue where, if you are a youth, you might be best served by K-W Counselling's OK2BMe program which is especially designed for LGBTQQT Youth. Brooke Young heads up that program and is an amazing resource. Their phone number is 884-0000.

Is this in confidence?
Questions you submit through our on-line "Ask a Counsellor" are sent to us anonymously.

What do counselling sessions cost?
All services at Mosaic have costs. Every effort is made to ensure that the costs are not barriers to receiving help.

How much does it cost?
The fees for counselling services are based upon individual circumstances. No one is ever denied service because of inability to pay.

Who does the counselling?
All counsellors at Mosaic have a Master's degree and are members of professional disciplines, most frequently, social work.

Let me begin by saying a few words about arguments.

Do you support/counsel and teach couples who are experiencing issues, such as how to cope with disagreements and be able to communicate properly?
Yes, we provide couple counselling on a regular basis.

We have separated at the moment and I want us to get back together again. What can I do?
If you and your partner are both interested in a reconciliation, then you should approach that person about seeking joint couple counselling to help work out the issues that led to your separation. Couples counselling will help the two of you to approach your new relationship with better skills to problem solve in the future.

I am looking for the phone number for mobile crisis.
The mobile crisis phone number is 519-744-1813.

Do you provide exit counselling for individuals leaving a cult?
In response to your question about exit counselling from a cult, this is very specialized work and, at this time, is not a service we would provide in our range of counsellors experience. In my experience, this is highly intensive work which requires specific training in this area.

Self-esteem is built up in the context or relationships where a person receives compliments, words of encouragement and praise. This is something that a person can receive through individual counselling at Mosaic. We also work with individuals to overcome depression and find appropriate and non-destructive ways of expressing their negative feelings. Please call us at 519-743-6333 and ask for "intake."

My husband highly abuses me often, without any mistake, and later on apologises and says that he has apologised, so forget it. But, I can't forgive and forget. What can I do?
It sounds like you are caught in the "cycle of abuse."

The pattern of your husband's behaviour that you are describing is known as the "cycle of violence."

My soon to be 18 daughter is struggling in school and has low self esteem and I am not much help to her as I am always frustrated and disappointed. What would be the best course of action be for the both of us?
Often when people are dealing with low self esteem they feel depressed and have a difficult time following through with tasks and activities including the things that they want to do and/or know is good for them.

Mosaic certainly offers individual counselling for people suffering from depression. Typically, depression is quite treatable through counselling that is combined with anti-depressant medication. A call to our intake is all that is required in order to access our counselling services. Please call us at 519-743-6333 and ask for "intake."

What is the difference between depression and feeling blue?
The answer to this question is not always black and white.

Depression is a genuine and serious illness that can be helped and treated: your symptoms do suggest medical help will be an important part of your recovery.

I am currently depressed over a relationship that has recently ended. Is this the right place for me?
When people are depressed or dealing with the grief of ending a relationship, counselling is often very helpful. As a Family Service agency we do provide individual and group programs for depressed people. If you contact our Intake Service at 519 743-6333 x323 they will help sort out how best we might help you.

Do you offer groups for depression?
Mosaic has a wonderful program called 10 Days to Self Esteem for people with depression. The group runs for 10 weeks on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. The next session for this group program starts in September. To register or for more information, call us at 519-743-6333 and ask to speak with an intake worker.

Do you have desensitization programs?
Yes, we do have counsellors with special skills in this area that offer one-on-one counselling.

I have asked my hubby to go to marrige counselling but he refused. But now he wants me to go to divorce counselling. I just want to know if it is right to go there even though I don't want a divorce?
Going to marriage counselling and going to what your husband calls divorce counselling are very different things.

I am so sorry about the past abuse and the sense of not being heard regarding ongoing issues of power, control and fear.

My 17 year old son is smoking pot and lacks any motivation to do anything else. He's falling behind in his studies and we're extremely worried about his mental state. He's confided that he's overwhelmed and anxious...what can we do to help him get back on track?
I would highly recommend that you seek out counselling for your son if he is willing to get help. Using drugs will directly affect his mood and motivation. If you are from this area, St Mary's Counselling (519.745.2585) specializes in this field and would be an excellent option.

I was looking at my new employees website and under benifits it says that there is an EAP available to me. I had asked a question here a few months ago and was recommended that I come in and talk to someone. So I can come in and use the EAP program and my employer will not find out?
An EAP is a confidential, professional counselling service.

I am a food addict and compulsive eater. I am seeking counselling and wondered if you have someone who can help me?
Thank you for your message. It takes lot of courage to reach out for help.Trillis is an organization that specializes in helping people with eating disorders. Their services are covered by OHIP and include a group of professionals who will be able to help you. They can be reached at 519-576-2333. Their services would be the best first step.

I am about to get married in September and we sometimes differ in small issues that seem to be driving us to a break point. Until we do wish we could forget about everything, but we still come together. How do we learn to operate better?
Thank you for your message. It sounds as though you and your partner clearly love each other and want the relationship to work.

I am married traditionally to a man who has always chosen to side with his family against me to the extent that now he tells me my marriage depends on how I relate with them. I am so confused. They are evil. What do I do?
It sounds like your husband has given you an ultimatum that is very difficult for you.

I'm having a problem dealing with family issues; can you help me?
Thank you for your message. I am glad you contacted us. We would be pleased to help you. Please call our intake department and one of our intake counsellors can talk with you about the situation and how we can help. They can be reached at 519-743-6333 ext 323.

My parents and I are having a lot of conflict. I am in university and have enough stress with school and work. Our family has issues of control and conflict and unfortunately my dad is not open to discussion. I don't have money to move out and now feel trapped. What should I do?
My first concern is physical safety.

Is counselling free?
All services at Mosaic have costs.

I need to see a counsellor for help with my relationship with my spouse, I am wondering if this is free service or what your fee is. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your message.

My adult daughter and I have many ongoing issues we really need to resolve, for the sake of my grandson. Is there a counsellor available on weekends? She lives and works in Toronto and I live in KW, and neither of us can afford much.
Thank you for your message. I commend you and your daughter for wanting to resolve issues that affect your grandson. We do have some counsellors who work on Saturdays. I would suggest that you contact our intake department who will be able to discuss a good match for you and your daughter and discuss a manageable fee. Intake can be reached at 519-743-6333 ext 323. All the best.

Where might I go for grief counselling?
There are several organizations in the community who do grief counselling, including Mosaic Counselling and Family Services.

My friend's wife approached me for help as my friend has a drinking problem. We know that he is still grieving over a death in the family. How do we approach him about his drinking and how do we get him help?
In the normal process of grieving, people often numb their pain and grief with alcohol.

I need some grief therapy. Do you offer this?
I am sorry about your loss. Yes, we do offer grief counselling. There are also several other organizations in our community who specialize in grief counselling for specific circumstances. Please contact me at scoulter@mosaiconline.ca with more information and I can assist in making an appropriate connection for you.

I am in a second marriage. Both my husband and I are in our late sixties. My husband is still looking after his 35 year old son, paying for everything and letting him stay in his house, and even cooking meals for him. What can I DO?
Many times people do things that they do not fully understand.

My husband hates me and says it's a spiritual thing that he has no control of. What do I do?
This is a very emotionally abusive and controlling statement to say he hates you and has no control over his feelings. If you still care about him or your marriage, seek couple or individual counselling to help you deal with this very hurtful situation.

I lost my job, my money, my car insurance and my husband of 9 years due to infidelity and I cannot see a way out. Is there anyone who can help?
We are so sorry to hear of all your losses and difficulties. This must be an very difficult time for you. It is usually at this time that having support from a counsellor can help and often provide a sense of hope and direction for you. Please call us at 519-743-6333 to seek counselling.

What steps I should take and from where I can get help to save my daughter and her daughter as her husband is torchering both and she has a girl child and I am in India. Can you help me?
It must be very painful for you knowing that your daughter and granddaughter are being abused.

My wife and I are looking for marriage and individual counselling. My insurance covers social workers and psychologists' visits. Will that help us coming to you for service?
Thank you for your message. Insurance coverage specifies what qualifications are covered. Our counsellors have a Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) and are Registered Social Workers (R.S.W). If these are the qualifications covered by your insurance, then our services would be covered. Please let us know how best we can help.

The primary problem in this situation is jealousy.

Do you have any openings for counsellor jobs?
All of our current job postings are posted on our website on our About Us section under Employment.

My friend just got layed-off from work. How can I help her through this?
Having supportive friends and family through this difficult time can be a huge support to an individual who has lossed his or her job.

Letting go typically involves forgiving another for past hurts or offenses.

I have often asked my husband to go for counselling to help our marriage; he says it is always work stress related. When an incident happened recently, I asked him to move out. He immediately did so and I haven't heard from him for a week. He never wants to talk.
This is an important moment for the future of your marital relationship, as well as a difficult and troubling time as you and your husband are at the point of a crisis.

My daughter is eighteen and is getting married. What advice should I give her as a father as to what she should expect in marriage?
The daughter and her husband should expect to practice a great deal of hard work in order to sustain the marriage relationship.

I don't know if I love this guy, but we have a son. I want to be married, so we have to lessen our arguments...I don't know what to do.
Arguments are not a healthy way to communicate and resolve problems in a relationship. If you do not love your partner, it will be difficult to value and be respectful towards each other. I suggest you seek out couples counselling to try and resolve some of these difficulties and to try and help your relationship.

Do any of your counsellors have their Masters Degree in counselling?
All counsellors at Mosaic have a Master's degree and are members of professional disciplines, most frequently social work. Mosaic is also an accredited member agency of Family Service Canada. In addition, Mosaic credit counsellors fulfill the standards of the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services.

I have missed the first three sessions of the group I was thinking about attending. Can I still sign up after missing three nights?
As you have missed the first 3 sessions for the group we would recommend that you sign up for the next series. Usually people do not join a group after the 2nd session is completed. Thank-you.

How can I help my mother-in-law move on and give us some more space? Or at least communicate to her that her actions are causing me stress and hurting the new marriage I have with her only son?
Congratulations on your new marriage. You are describing a challenge that faces many couples particularly at the early stages of their lives together.

You seem to have a clear understanding about how and why you ended up in such an unhappy relationship.

Could you provide me with information about parenting courses?
Thank you so much for your message. Since I do not know specifically what you are looking for, I will list programs I am aware of.

It's wonderful that you are looking into all different kinds of support for your son.

My boyfriend has extreme anger issues. He says very hurtful things to me whenever there is any other stress in his life. He has never harmed me physically, but his words are doing some emotional damage. I love him so much and don't want to leave him, but he won't see a therapist. What can I do to help?
Emotional abuse is a category of the Power and Contol Wheel and is described as any act intended to undermine your mental well-being.

I was just wondering if it is normal to not want to be around the person you are having a baby with. I am 17 and pregnant right now, and can not stand the person I am with. I wanted to be around him constantly before we found out I was having a baby. Is there anything I can do to get things back to the way they used to be?
Being pregnant, especially when young, can certainly be a challenging time.

If a priest assualted me and touched me places I did not want to be touched, and made me do things to him, if I tell someone this will I be punished from God? I feel dirty and hurt.
I am so sorry to hear what you have experienced.

Are there permanently certified psychologists on staff?
No, we have no registered psychologists on staff at present.

Do you have counsellors who are qualified to work with people who have PTSD who are looking into EMDR therapy, and if not, can you help find resources/therapist who can do this therapy?
We do have counsellors who are experienced in working with people diagnosed with PTSD and we have a few counsellors who do EMDR. Please contact our intake department at 519-743-6333 ext. 323. They can speak with you about your situation and help connect you with appropriate services.

Do you offer specialized counselling to refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin?
Mosaic has counsellors who have a great deal of experience and extensive knowledge working with refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin.

Do you offer specialized counselling to refugees who have experienced trauma in their countries of origin?
We have a number of counsellors who have extensive experience dealing with trauma and in particular for people from countries where war and oppression is common place. Some of our counsellors work with refugees recently arrived in Canada. Please call our intake if we can be of any help at 743-6333 x323.

Do you currently have any relaxtion classes?
We do not run a group specifically focussed on relaxation, but I will tell you about 2 programs that might be of interest.

I am very concerned about your mental health issues and the additional stressors you have discussed.

Do you provide counselling free of charge for seniors?
Thank you so much for your question. We have a sliding fee scale and are able to waive our fee for people on a limited fixed income. Please feel free to contact our intake department who can help you with this. They are at 519-743-6333 ext 323.

I am sorry to hear about the many challenges that you are dealing with related to your son.

My husband hurts me daily; what can I do?
The most important thing is to ensure your safety, so there are several options available to you.

I married 6 months ago and my husband has a teenage son who lives with us. I find that I'm always the "third party" and am struggling with with this. I get along great with each, individually, but when they are together, I feel like the outsider. Neither one of them understands it. Is there any advice you can share?
Congratulations on your recent marriage. I was pleased to read the many positives that you noted but also recognized your concerns.

Will you counsel a teenage gril who fell in love for her first time, and now that the relationship has just ended, feels like there's nothing left?
I am sorry to hear that your daughter's heart is breaking.

My teenage daughter is going down a dangerous path. I am not sure how to help her.
As a parent of a teenager you can no longer choose her friends and control her environment like you did when she was younger.

My 8-year-old is always wanting to watch television or play video games. How much is enough?
Whatever you decide for your children’s viewing, it’s important that both parents are on board with establishing their children’s viewing habits.

I have been diagnosed with a mental illness, currently on medications. I took the 10 days course earlier this year but I still struggle with with cognitive, would I benefit from individual counselling?
If you found the 10 Days to Self Esteem course helpful, you should consider either another Cognitive Behaviour Therapy course like Finding the Calm in the Storm or individual counselling. To learn more about our group programs, visit our Group page under Counselling.. To arrange for individual counselling, call us at 519-743-6333.

I need some time management help.
Changing time management habits takes time and effort, and it is always much easier when you have a simple system of practical rules and hints that are easy to keep in mind.

Is there an office in the GTA?
Mosaic does not have an office in the GTA, however, if you visit Family Service Ontario's website at www.familyserviceontario.org/, they provide a list of family service agencies throughout Ontario that are listed by city.

My husband thinks that we don't need kids ... though he was not like this before our marriage .... I feel completely cheated by him.
The central issue in this situation is the breach of trust.

Is attending the first session for counselling scary and uncomfortable?
Attending a first counselling session feels scary and uncomfortable for most people.