Everyone is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and “everyone” is inclusive of the global community. This isn’t to say all of the impacts are uniform or evenly distributed – while we may all be experiencing the same storm, we are not all in the same boat. My 15-year-old daughter made an interesting remark after supper the other day, which caused … Read More
Supporting Your Family During COVID-19
COVID-19 has created a time of uncertainty, overwhelm, and family isolation. As parents, we put pressure on ourselves to work, parent, and homeschool, all while trying to keep ourselves mentally well. In the midst of the current pandemic, we are in a position where we must support our children amidst our own struggles. Here is what I have noticed in … Read More
5 Tips for Supporting Your Socially Anxious Teen
“I refuse to eat at school because I don’t want anyone to look at me and think I look gross,” a 14-year-old young woman shared with me during our counselling session. Social anxiety is the fear of being scrutinized and humiliated in front of others to the point of severe distress or avoidance. It can cause people to worry about … Read More
3 Tips for Working Effectively with BPD
Have you ever had a confusing conversation with someone that left you questioning your own perceptual abilities? As a professional helper, this is often the case when working with people who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It can be quite an uncomfortable experience for anyone, particularly if you take pride in your strong intuitive and interpersonal skills. I recently had … Read More
How to Help Youth with Video Game Addiction
“Mom, I’m so stressed! I can’t stop. I can’t take it anymore. I hate my life!” were the words uttered by a 13-year-old male after his parents confronted him for lying about the amount of time he spent playing his favorite video game. His parents attempted to set limits on his gaming after they noticed he was becoming more irritable, … Read More
3 Tips to Connect with Your Child
“Wow, he’s finally getting out of the house for the weekend,” my husband and I remarked to each other this morning, after our almost 15-year-old son left for his high school band camp. This isn’t a statement I expected to make when I had teenagers. Our society not only emphasizes the autonomous nature of adolescence but goes as far as … Read More
4 Tips for Supporting Marital Separation
Several years ago, I experienced a sense of loss upon hearing that my neighbour and her husband were getting divorced. I wasn’t particularly close to them, but for a fleeting moment, I thought about the ways in which this separation would impact me. Most of us have friends or family who have separated and can relate to the myriad of … Read More
Three Ideas for Living a Life of Integrity
I recently had a pretty tough week that consisted of two experiences that shook me to the core. Although one of these experiences was personal while the other was professional, there were some similar elements among the two – both left me questioning the light in which others see me. Ok, I’ll admit it – I like to be liked. … Read More
Childhood Resilience & The Role of Rhythm
It recently occurred to me why my twelve-year-old son is so settled and calm after attending his karate class. Karate includes movement, pattern, and repetition. Karate provides a sense of rhythm. When we think of rhythm, images of music, drums, dancing, and marching bands are evoked. Rhythm is fun. However, this concept has a much deeper meaning in the role … Read More
3 Strategies for Reducing Risk of Suicide
Emotional intelligence has been defined as a key protective factor against suicidal ideation and behaviour. This concept refers to the ability to understand, appraise, and express emotions accurately and appropriately. Additionally, it refers to the capability to use emotions to guide one’s thinking, to use emotional knowledge effectively, and to regulate emotions to promote both emotional and intellectual growth. Emotional … Read More
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