Mindfulness & Stress Management
I provide confidential online counselling for adults across Ontario who are experiencing stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or simply want to develop greater mindfulness in everyday life. I can incorporate mindfulness and practical stress-management strategies into counselling to help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations—and develop more choice in how you respond.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is not about clearing your mind or getting rid of difficult thoughts and emotions. It is about learning to notice what is happening in the present moment with greater awareness and less judgment. With practice, mindfulness can help you pause, understand your experience, and choose how to respond.
Managing Stress and Emotional Overwhelm
I can help you notice the signs of stress and emotional overwhelm, understand what may be contributing to them, and develop practical ways to respond with greater steadiness.
Becoming More Aware of Thoughts and Emotions
Mindfulness can help you observe thoughts and emotions without immediately treating them as facts or instructions. This awareness can create space for self-understanding and more balanced choices.
Grounding in the Present Moment
Building Mindfulness Skills
Grounding in the Present Moment
I can help you use your senses, breathing, and body awareness to reconnect with the present moment when stress or worry pulls your attention elsewhere.
Responding Rather Than Reacting
By noticing what is happening before acting, you can create a pause between a feeling and a response. I can help you practise choosing responses that reflect your values and goals.
Developing Healthier Coping Strategies
I can help you identify coping strategies that support your wellbeing, including practical ways to manage difficult emotions, reduce stress, and care for yourself during challenging periods.
Bringing Mindfulness into Everyday Life
Mindfulness does not have to be formal or time-consuming. I can help you bring greater awareness to ordinary activities, conversations, decisions, and daily routines.
My Approach
I can incorporate mindfulness into counselling based on your needs and goals. My approach is practical, collaborative, and paced to fit your experience. You do not need to have prior experience with meditation or mindfulness.
Training and Experience
I completed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher Training through the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto. I am Greg Clarke, B.Ed., RSSW, MATS, CPGC, ADS. I am a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) who provides psychotherapy services within my professional scope of practice.
Integrating Different Approaches
I can combine mindfulness with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. I draw on these approaches according to what is relevant and helpful for you.
A Practical, Individualized Process
What to Expect
I provide confidential online counselling for adults across Ontario. I introduce mindfulness strategies in a practical way, based on your individual needs, goals, and comfort level. You do not need previous experience with mindfulness.
A Confidential Online Setting
Simple Practices You Can Try
Taking a Mindful Breath
Pause and notice one comfortable breath from beginning to end. Feel the air move in and out. When your attention wanders, gently return to the breath.
Feet on the Floor and Noticing Physical Sensations
Place both feet on the floor. Notice the pressure, temperature, and contact beneath your feet. Let these sensations help you reconnect with the present moment.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
Name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Move slowly and notice each experience.
You can meet with me online from a private setting that feels comfortable for you. I offer a respectful space to explore stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and everyday challenges.
Practical Mindfulness Strategies
I may introduce brief breathing, grounding, awareness, or reflection practices that you can adapt to daily life. We focus on strategies that feel realistic and useful for you.