Postons Counselling

Welcome to the private practice of John Postons Counselling and Therapy. My practice is run independently. I am well-connected and consult with colleagues in the Windsor and Essex area. I offer confidential counselling and therapy to individuals, couples, and families for a variety of issues in a residential setting.

I make referrals to specialists as required e.g. addiction, eating disorders, etc. My practice is also staffed by a Gordon Setter named Tessa who will likely greet you at the door and make you feel welcome.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. In this day and age, life can be complicated and often overwhelming. Connecting with an outside professional is not only the norm in today’s society, but is a practice that has become increasingly utilized.

November 26, 2023

Here is another in a series of monthly blogs dedicated to my wife Cynthia, whose life and spirit touched many of us, in so many different ways!

STANDING UP

As infants, we first learn to crawl.
Then we learn to stand.
Beginning with the encouragement and supportive arms of a parent.
Then on our own.
Standing up…on our own two feet!

It’s a skill we need for life.
To stand up on our own and move out into the world independently.
Then to 'stand up to’ and face the multitude of challenges life inevitably brings our way.
Also, standing with and alongside others who need our advocacy and support.

Cynthia was a ‘stand up” woman.
She stood up and she stood out.
For the countless ways she supported and stood by family and friends.
‘When the going got tough’, you could count on her to be right there alongside you!

And she stood up for herself…for her own beliefs, values, and convictions…no matter the subject, the person, or the issue.
Who was the best James Bond ever?
Daniel Craig.
Period.

But most of all, she stood up to aggressive colon cancer.
Face to face...with courage, an incredibly strong spirit, and remarkable integrity.
It will always be one of her lasting gifts to me, as I tried my best to stand by her side through her illness.

I was recently reminded of this during a nationally-televised World Series baseball game.
At one point, the game came to a halt and Master Card aired their "Stand Up To Cancer” campaign.
The entire stadium became silent for a few minutes.
Every person...player, coach, referee, announcer, spectator, stood up and held a sign in front of them.
That sign had the name of a person they were each remembering and honouring.
Someone who currently or in the past had bravely faced their own personal battle with cancer.
That silent symbol of solidarity was moving and inspiring beyond measure!

Standing up.
Standing with.
Standing for.
It’s a gift and a virtue to live out and to share with others.

So, over to you…
How are you ’standing’ these days?
Who or what are you standing for and with?
How is that inspiring you to live your life in a connected and supportive way with others?

January 19, 2023

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”
... "For Good" (Wicked)

My heartfelt thanks to so many of you, my clients past and present, for your kind messages of care and support during Cynthia’s 18-month illness, at her wonderful Celebration of life, and in these early days of profound loss.
Cynthia always said we had a ‘village of support.’You showed us!

She was the guiding vision and inspiration for my practice.
My office manager.
Appointment scheduler.
Receptionist.
And (of course!) my accounts receivable and finance supervisor!
Does anyone have an outstanding balance on their account?
If so, call me please!!!

Here’s a small sample of what some of you have shared with me of your experience with Cynthia…

“she was a sweetheart…embraceable, loving, caring”
“she was always taking the extra time to ask how I was doing. She is a woman I aspire to be!”
“ I loved her from the minute I met her”
“ My favourite memories of Cynthia always revolved around chatting it up with her in your front room. We often talked about my kids and her grandson. She loved him soooo much. She had such a vibrant personality and zest for life. I hope she knew how much she meant to me.”
“ A beautiful lady who put me at ease with our chats when I waited to see you”
“ She was love personified”
“ She was always so welcoming...kind, respectful, professional…very real, present, and not afraid to speak her mind”
"She made me feel not only like a patient, but like a member of the Postons family”
“A very sweet soul”
“My favourite memory is walking into your home and smelling her cooking….we shared recipes! She even brought me into the kitchen to see how a gas stove works!”
"Always smiling, full of ideas, and information”
“The woman who taught me about yurts”
“Her beautiful energy was unmistakeable”
“Words are hard to form…to describe someone who would be willing to donate their kidney…amazing. I loved her so much. It was an honour to have known her”
“I was deeply touched and strengthened by Cynthia's heartfelt words during a very difficult time in my life”
“Talking with her made me feel so less awkward. She made me feel comfortable with who I was”
“She was such a caregiver”
“Cynthia made an impact on so many people"
“She had a send-off fit for a head of state. I was fighting back tears the whole time”
“ She was always smiling from behind the desk and so pleasant to speak to on the phone”
“ John, you were truly one lucky guy!”

Wow.
I am speechless.
The depth of your feelings for Cynthia and how she impacted so many of you is beyond words.
My deep gratitude to those who shared your experience with me.
I knew that Cynthia was a vital part of our counselling practice.
I didn’t realize how extensive that was...until now.

“I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return.”
-"For Good" (Wicked)

I feel quite certain that Cynthia so enjoyed her experience with you, and learned from you as well.

Thank you so much.

I’ll leave the final words to Cynthia, from her other most favourite song from Wicked- “Defying Gravity”

“It sounds crazy, and true, the vision’s hazy,
But I swear someday I’ll be up in the sky, defying gravity…
Flying so high, defying gravity.
They’ll never pull me down.
So if you care to find me, look to the western sky”