What A Year It Has Been!

How was the previous year? If it’s been anything like mine, then I am sure you would agree that it’s been an interesting kind of year. I remember when the year began and I had chosen Joy as my watchword for the year. My, oh my, never would have guessed how that would be tested in diverse ways. However, I am proud to say that despite the tests, the setbacks, the roadblocks and the challenges of the year, I did maintain my attitude of joy.

But boy, was it hard! It was as if in choosing that word, I set the universe up to test me greatly. It was a test of whether I know what that word even meant and if I could truly be joyful no matter the situation. There were days when I was faced with great challenges and I would worry and be miserable, but by the end of the day, I would recall my watch word – JOY (which I had posted in strategic places to remind me) and I would feel anchored and hope for a brighter tomorrow. d and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

As the year progressed, I looked for articles, especially Biblical articles about joy. I read devotionals about joy which further helped me lean more into this watch word and just hold on to it no matter what was going on in my life. I read quotes about joy and tried to figure out how people became joyful or what made people joyful and what helped them maintain their joy. In doing this, I too was able to build up my joy or more importantly let my joy flow from the inside out.

I have always known that there was a vast difference between joy and happiness and have always considered myself quite joyful, but this year, I have learnt that joy is eternal and it flows from the inside out. Furthermore, I learnt that you can have joy and hold on to it no matter what else is going on in your life. I learned this year that to be joyful is indeed a choice. You wake up each morning and decide to be joyful despite challenges and difficulties. Despite setbacks and tests and unanswered prayers, you can choose joy and as you do so, you set yourself up for a breakthrough.

It’s been an interesting kind of year, that much is true, but I am thankful for the lessons learnt, the joys shared, the answered prayers and even as I contemplate what my watchword for the New Year will be, I look forward to what lies ahead in the New Year!

Lola Sholagbade Quiet Waters Counselling & Psychotherapy

Meet Your Therapist

Lola Sholagbade received her M.A. in Counseling & Spirituality from the University of Ottawa/ Saint Paul University, Ottawa. She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario for practice in the area of psychotherapy with adults and couples.
She has several years of experience in the treatment of individuals with a wide range of psychological issues, including: depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal related problems, loss and grief. She has a special interest in eating disorders, self-esteem/body image issues as well as approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder. Her attitude towards her clients is characterized by respect and acceptance and she perceives the therapeutic relationship as a mutual and cooperative process.
Ms. Sholagbade values diversity and uses her intercultural competencies to provide a safe and appreciative therapeutic environment. Her primary approach to therapy involves cognitive-behavioural therapy, rational-emotive behaviour therapy as well as object relations therapy.

Lola Sholagbade
Psychotherapist, M.A, R.P, C.C.C.

Contact

1What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a way to overcome problematic thoughts or behaviours. It addresses personal and interpersonal difficulties and enables an individual, family or couple talk openly and confidentially about their concerns, feelings, thoughts and behaviour with a trained professional.
2Is the service really confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in therapy is completely confidential with the following exceptions by law:
  • Where you disclose that you are going to kill yourself
  • Where you disclose that you are going to kill/hurt someone else
  • Where you disclose that there are children under the age of 16 being abused
  • Where you disclose that a regulated health care professional is being abusive towards you
  • Where you are involved in a court case and your notes are subpoenaed
3Are the services covered by my health insurance provider?
Psychotherapy by Registered Psychotherapists are increasingly being covered by health insurance providers, however, if “psychotherapy” is not covered, “psychological services” can be covered as the practice is supervised by a Registered Psychologist, Dr. Augustine Meier. Please check with your particular provider and plan for coverage details.
4What is the cost and what methods of payment are acceptable?
Sessions are $135/session. Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Cheques, E-Transfers and Cash are all acceptable forms of payment. Session fees are for 60 minutes = 50 minute session time plus 10 minutes for preparation and documentation of your care. The initial consultation appointment is 90-120 minutes in length to allow for a proper assessment and discussion of your needs.
5Is there telephone and online video counselling?
While face-to-face meeting is best, sometimes circumstances and situations can hinder that. In such situations, therapy can be conducted through Skype, FaceTime or over the phone.