Common Psychological Symptoms requiring Psychotherapy and Counselling
Refugees, Immigrants & Newcomers to Canada
Moving to a new country, navigating resettlement, immigration or refugee-status processes, adapting to new cultures and languages, and managing separation from familiar supports can all be deeply stressful. At WONG & Associates we work with newcomers, refugees and immigrants who are experiencing the emotional, social and psychological consequences of migration and adaptation.
Pre-natal, Pregnancy, Fertility/IVF & Post-partum
The path of conception, pregnancy, fertility treatment (including IVF), and post-partum adjustment presents profound psychological, relational and bodily changes. Whether you’re planning for a baby, undergoing fertility treatment, in pregnancy or navigating life after birth — counselling can help you manage emotional, relational and identity shifts at each stage.
Couples Counselling
Even in caring relationships the stress of communication breakdowns, life transitions (career change, relocation, parenthood), and unexpressed needs can erode connection. Couples counselling at WONG & Associates offers a safe space for both partners to explore patterns, rebuild trust and deepen connection.
Generation Z & Generation Alpha
Young people from Generation Z (born mid-1990s to early 2010s) and emerging Generation Alpha (born mid-2010s onwards) face a unique constellation of challenges: digital overload, identity formation in a fast-changing world, social media pressures, climate anxiety, and intergenerational stress. We support young people (and their families) navigating these changes.
Young Adult Development
Young adulthood (late teens through thirties) is a time of major identity, career and relational development: finishing school, starting work, establishing finances, forming adult friendships, perhaps choosing a partner, relocating, or becoming a parent. These milestones can bring confusion, anxiety, instability or transition-stress. We work with young adults to navigate growth, transitions and self-definition.
Dating Frustration & Loneliness
In an era of apps, choice overload, and shifting norms, many people feel frustrated with dating, connection and meaningful relationships. Whether you’re single, navigating repeated failed dates or longing for connection, counselling can help you explore patterns, expectations and relational blocks.
Burnout, Work Stress & Career Transitions
Chronic workplace stress, long hours, caregiving overload, and unrealistic performance expectations can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Many clients come to therapy when their work or caregiving responsibilities start to erode their well-being and relationships. Counselling provides a space to reassess priorities, rebuild boundaries, and find sustainable balance.
Trauma, Grief & Major Life Transitions
Unexpected loss, traumatic experiences, or sudden life changes can leave lasting emotional imprints. Whether through death of a loved one, relationship loss, cultural displacement, or other life transitions, counselling helps clients process grief, integrate trauma memories, and rebuild meaning after change or loss.
Divorce & Post-Separation Parenting
Separation and divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions — affecting emotional health, parenting, and family dynamics. Whether you’re in the midst of a separation, adjusting to co-parenting, or rebuilding after divorce, counselling offers space to process emotions, find clarity, and create stability for both yourself and your children.
Child Psychology & Parenting
Every child is unique, and parenting doesn’t come with a manual. We work with parents seeking guidance for children struggling with emotions, behaviour, or developmental challenges. Counselling helps families strengthen communication, emotional regulation, and resilience — while supporting parents in understanding and responding to their child’s needs.
Exam & School Anxiety
Academic pressure can cause intense anxiety in students of all ages. Perfectionism, fear of failure, or high expectations from family and self can lead to stress that interferes with concentration, motivation, and confidence. Counselling supports students in developing coping strategies, realistic expectations, and healthy study habits.
Career Choice & Confusion
Choosing or changing careers can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Many clients feel stuck between practical responsibilities and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re a student selecting a path, a professional questioning your direction, or someone rebuilding a career after a break, counselling can help clarify values, identity, and next steps.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. Common symptoms include:
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. Symptoms can vary in severity, and not everyone with depression experiences the same set of symptoms. Common symptoms of depression include:
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep. Common symptoms of insomnia include:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically manifests in childhood and can persist into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms can be categorized into two main types: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania and depression. The symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. There are two main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Here are common symptoms associated with each phase:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can manifest in various ways and are typically grouped into four main categories: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Here are common symptoms associated with each category:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to those thoughts (compulsions). The symptoms of OCD can significantly interfere with daily life and functioning. Common symptoms include:
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits, distorted body image, and often an obsession with food, weight, and shape. There are several types of eating disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms associated with different eating disorders:
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that affect thinking, emotions, and behavior. These symptoms are often categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. It's important to note that the presentation of schizophrenia can vary widely among individuals. Here are common symptoms associated with schizophrenia:
Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder often worry excessively about being judged or scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance of social interactions. Common symptoms of social anxiety include:
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment. There are several types of personality disorders, each with its own specific symptoms. Here are some common symptoms associated with different personality disorders:
Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of social, communicative, and behavioral challenges. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals with autism, and the severity of these symptoms can differ. Common symptoms of autism include:
