In Norfolk County, Avril Ferguson wants to change the way people think about therapy.
Ferguson, a registered psychotherapist with a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, is the owner of Norfolk County Counselling and Psychotherapy. She says many people believe therapy is only for when life falls apart — but that’s a harmful myth.
Ferguson, likes to use the analogy of dental care to help people understand.
Ferguson encourages people to try maintenance therapy — counselling before a crisis hits. She says some of the most meaningful progress happens when people are doing “okay” on the outside but feel tired, disconnected, or like they’ve lost their spark inside.
She explains that therapy at this stage often requires fewer sessions, builds stronger coping tools, and leads to more sustainable personal growth. Most importantly, it helps people build resilience for when big challenges do arise.
Ferguson also highlights that therapy doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Couples and families can benefit greatly from counselling together, especially when relationship dynamics are part of the stress.
In these group sessions, Ferguson explains she isn’t looking to place blame.
Even if only one person is ready to begin, change can still start. “When one person starts showing up differently, it can shift the whole relationship,” she says.
As a rural therapist, Ferguson acknowledges the specific mental health challenges faced by Norfolk County residents — including higher rates of isolation, limited access to specialized services, and lingering stigmas around therapy.
Fortunately, she’s seeing signs of change, as younger generations are more open to seeking help — not because they’re failing, but because they want to do better. “Therapy isn’t about being broken,” she adds. “It’s about being brave.”
In the end, she says, therapy helps people feel human.
Norfolk County Counselling & Psychotherapy is a rural-based mental health clinic committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and families across all stages of life. They can be reached through their website norfolkcountycounselling.ca or through Instagram: @norfolkcountycounselling
Written by Jeremy Hall