Receiving a new diagnosis or living with a disability can bring a whirlwind of emotions, challenges and uncertainties. Whether you are adjusting to a new diagnosis, coming to terms with a limitation or grappling with the idea of how to navigate life, you deserve to know you are not alone. As someone who has a sister with a disability and lifelong diagnosis, I know how overwhelming and difficult it can be navigate life. Unfortunately, not everyone will understand, which can make it more frustrating and isolating. However, it can be helpful to share your journey and how its impacted you. If you are looking for a space to talk about your experience and find ways to look after yourself, you’ve arrived. Email me to get started with a free 30 minute consult.

Disabilities & New Diagnosis Adjustment

Understanding the Emotional Impact of a New Diagnosis

Shock, disbelief, fear, confusion and distress are some of the emotions that people feel when they or a loved one receive a new diagnosis. Its not uncommon for you to be overwhelmed and wonder “how am I going to do this?”, “how will we make this work?”, and even, “why me?”. Often times a new diagnosis, whether it’s a disability or a significant illness, changes your world. It may change your current lifestyle, your future plans and how you see yourself and others. Its not an easy adjustment, which often comes with the emotional challenge of struggling to accept it. Please know that these range of emotions and thoughts are expected, especially considering the newness of it all. In counselling, you are given the space to speak openly and honestly. You’re given the ability to share your worries while working through your thought process in a safe and judgement-free space.

How Virtual Therapy for New Diagnosis Adjustment Can Help

Virtal counselling allows you to have a safe space to share your emotions and thoughts, while finding ways to alleviate some of the stress and gain coping strategies. Virtual counselling also gives you the flexibility, accessibility and ease of in-person counselling but from the comfort of a quiet space. After receiving a new diagnosis, many changes and worries cross your mind. Let the convenience of virtual counselling be something that remains steady and balanced in the midst of the changes.

Tailored Support for Disabilities Adjustment

Counselling allows you to slow down in the chaos of your schedule or lifestyle. It allows you to check in with how you are feeling and how you are coping. Counselling also gives you a supportive and non-judgemental place to share how things are truly going. Sometimes its easier to give people the simple response of “I’m fine”, even when you’re far from it. In counselling, you do not need to pretend or sugarcoat your situation. Counselling invites you to come as you are and be honest with yourself as you learn to adjust to your new world and new norm.

Why Choose Sarah Gabriel Counselling for Virtual Therapy in Ontario?

Navigating life after being diagnosed with a disability or significant illness can be overwhelming and confusing. Some people would even say “its never the same”. As someone who has supported people personally and professionally with new diagnoses and disabilities, I can also tell you that it has the ability to change your entire being and your world. From the medical jargon to the treatment options, you feel like your life is being turned upside down. Trying to figure all of this out can cause significant stress, anxiety and worry.

However, counselling gives you space to talk about all of your thoughts and emotions in a safe place. It also allows you to find coping strategies that help to alleviate some of those ongoing worries. Understanding the perspective from both the personal and professional aspects, I ensure to create a compassionate and understanding space for you to share your emotions. Whether you are navigating a disability or significant illness for yourself or for a loved one, I customize my support and approach to you. I recognize that everyone’s story is different and deserves to be heard, understood and supported. Let counselling be your opportunity to make time for you as you navigate this new chapter of your life.

Steps to Access Virtual Therapy for Disabilities and Diagnosis Adjustment

If you are interested in counselling, please use the “Contact” tab or “Book a free consult” tab at the top of the webpage to reach out to myself. Once I receive your inquiry email, I will respond with some available dates and times for a free 30 minute consult. If you feel like I am a good fit for you after the consult, we can proceed with scheduling your first counselling session.

I always encourage new clients to check if Social Work services are covered within their health benefits plan. If so, you may submit the receipts to your insurance company so that the entirety or a portion of it is covered. If you do not have insurance, I encourage clients to retain their receipts as Social Work Counselling sessions are considered a medical expense and can be used for tax purposes in Ontario.

Encouragement and Next Steps

Navigating a new diagnosis can be very overwhelming and daunting. You wonder how each day will look and how life will differ. With all the changes and new emotions, its important to give yourself time and space to adjust. Whether you are the one who received the new diagnosis or you are a loved one, its important to look after your emotional well-being. Let counselling be your space to share, release and process your emotions and thoughts. Use the ”contact” tab or “book a free consult” tab to get started.

Request A Consultation