Coping with Anxiety

Svetlana Antonyshyn, R.I.H.R.
Co-Founder and Psychotherapist
HHC Holistic Health Clinic
2174, Major Mackenzie Driver
Vaughan ON
T:(905)553-9255
E: info@holistichealthclinic.ca
www.holistichealthclinic.ca

Growing up in Ukraine, in a family of herbalists and people who love nature, my approach to wellness has always been natural and organic.
In North America people are lost in their search for a quick fix and they turn to pharmacology to address their health conce
s, be it physical or psychological. The food Industry is another area of conce
for me. Food produce has become a mass production commodity where quality is compromised for quantity. How much do people really know about the food they buy in our supermarkets?
When I immigrated to Canada at the age of 21, I developed all kinds of illnesses. I gained 20 lb in a span of a few months, had unexplainable depression, mood swings, digestive problems, migraines and fatigue. I couldn’t understand what was happening to my body. Over time I realized that there must be something wrong with the food in North America.
After extensive research on this subject, I learned about the hormones and other carcinogenic additives (pesticides from food fed to animals, antibiotics, etc.) in meat and dairy products, preservatives and chemicals in all types of foods, and along with it, the intensive and unsustainable farming practices of the agricultural sector that further compounds the problem. I was also appalled by the FDA, USDA, CFIA, and other governing bodies’ low standards for the quality of food people consume. Through my research, I have learned that North America is the number one country when it comes to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression and other diseases, and that a proper diet is one of the key elements in the treatment and prevention of diseases.
Knowing all this, I have become a passionate activist of natural living. I believe there is no need to re-invent the wheel and that everything a human being needs already exists in nature; it is therefore unnecessary to fabricate but rather to be educated about our natural environment and the resources and remedies that can be derived from it.
In 2009, I graduated from Transformational Arts College where I studied to become a holistic psychotherapist. Choosing this profession is a tribute to my son Mark who tragically passed away. What emerged from the immense pain of loss is a strong desire to be of service to others and to share the many insights I have gained through the profoundness of my experience.
Shortly thereafter, I had a vision; why not combine my two passions – psychotherapy and the advocacy and education of organic living? In September, 2009 HHC Holistic Health Clinic in Maple, Ontario was opened. Our growing team consists of naturopaths, nutritionists, homeopaths, allergists, chiropractors, psychotherapists, acupuncturists, energy healers and massage therapists. Our philosophy is to provide integrated services for the well being of our clients, helping them on their healing journey addressing all three aspects of human existence – Mind, Body and Spirit.