Registered Clinical Counsellor
Agnieszka Wyka MC, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
When stress overwhelms us, it can be hard to figure out how to navigate situations and relationships. For some, the overwhelm manifests as anxiety, for others it can show up as depression or feeling shut down. And while the wounds may not be visible, those who experience it know that emotional pain is just as real as physical pain. Understanding the nervous system and how it is wired can help make sense of what is happening when we experience that discomfort. Exploring triggers and strategies within a safe therapeutic space can help us heal from painful experiences, break destructive patterns and overcome the obstacles that have been holding us back from living the lives we want.
What I Specialize In
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Anxiety, depression, phobias and panic disorders often stem from central nervous system dysregulation. These disorders are not always obvious; high functioning depression can manifest as overworking, while anxiety may can show up as physical symptoms. Medication can help, but the underlying issues often remain and manifest at a later time or in different ways. Talk therapy can help you get at the root of the problem and heal the emotional distress.
TRAUMA
Trauma is any event that overwhelms the central nervous system. Our trauma load can be amplified by high impact events such as car accidents, medical events such as surgery and chronic illness, relational harm such as adverse childhood experiences, assault, bullying and intergenerational trauma. The impacts of racism, poverty and systemic oppression can have devastating effects on the nervous systems. When unresolved, trauma can alter the way we function in our lives and how we interact with others. Trauma changes the way we process information and recall memories.
ADDICTION
1 in 5 Canadians suffers from an alcohol or drug addiction disorder; that’s nearly 8 million people in our country. There are many theories and treatment options but not one right way to do it. Addiction disorders should be looked at as symptoms of the problem where the substance is used to self-medicate and seek relief. My experience with treating addiction can help you make sense of what is happening to you, or your loved one, and find a solution that works.
COUPLES COUNSELLING
Whether you are navigating difficulties in your marriage or trying to figure out how to find the right partner, relationships are complex and require work. Understanding your optimal relationship goals and how to communicate your needs can help defuse conflict and build a secure, lasting relationship. Counselling can help provide the context you need to finally get the love you want and deserve.
How I can Help
I am focused on how the brain is wired, how it responds to threat and what needs to happen in order to propel us towards optimal mental health and wellness. I focus my work on helping clients repair the emotional wounds that cause them distress and hold them back from living their best life possible.
“In the short amount of time I have been working with Agnieszka, she has made an incredible impact on my life. She has helped and guided me through a very challenging time. With her unique ability to address situations in a direct yet compassionate, and gentle way I have been able to navigate through things I didn’t think I had the courage to do before meeting her."
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- Kayla J.