We are living in strange times, with unique challenges that many of us have never encountered before. Everywhere on the planet, people now have to collectively focus on survival, united in facing a shared threat: COVID-19. Every one of us is equipped with instincts to help us rise to the challenge of survival, but these same instincts can also add … Read More
3 Ways to Experience Joy with Others
After counselling for over 25 years, I have become increasingly focused on how I can stay emotionally healthy in both my personal and professional life. Counselling work has its unique rewards and challenges, including the inevitability that I will be changed by the people I support. Both their sorrow and their joy will impact me. This may sound like I’m … Read More
How to Embrace Change
Have you ever been pulled along by the force of change or felt like you have no control over it? We all know the one thing we can count on in life is change. It’s always going to show up. Whether it’s unexpected or something we go looking for, it is always somewhat stressful! Recently, I’ve chosen to make some … Read More
8 Good Reasons to See a Counsellor
There are many ways to increase health in our lives. Seeing a counsellor can play a unique role in your overall wellness plan. I recently heard someone liken going to counselling both to going to the doctor’s office and to taking a class. Counselling has the unique capacity to help relieve negative symptoms by addressing something that is already going … Read More
PTSD Awareness – Become Trauma-Informed
Anyone can be affected by post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder is not only for mental or physical health professionals to know about. It is essential that everyone become trauma-informed in order to prevent PTSD, to protect and seek help for themselves or loved ones, and to mitigate the ongoing effects that can build over time from a traumatic experience. Increasing … Read More
LGBTQ2S* Pride – Moving Beyond June
In June, communities around the world remember the challenges of the past for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer individuals, couples and families, and look to the challenges still ahead. In these communities, “Pride” is well recognized to refer to a time of celebration, of mourning, of advocacy and of expression of self without barriers. Held in June, “Pride” … Read More
Counselling Couples: 4 Challenges and 4 Strategies
Relationships is one of the most common topics people focus on in counselling. Adult couple relationships, in particular, are a frequent focus, and counsellors often discover there are unique challenges when we have two people as our counselling “client” rather than just one. I teach and supervise many counsellors who work with couples, and there are some common themes that … Read More
Strengthen Relationships Through Positive Connections
What is of one of your favourite memories of a loved one? Try and think of one that has the power to help you feel calm, more secure, or just a little better about life. These memories hold an important key to helping us strengthen relationships through positive connections. I can remember my mom brushing out my hair before bedtime … Read More
Vicarious Trauma to Vicarious Transformation
A big part of my clinical work with people is focused on trauma – helping others respond, individual healing, and relationship repair after a traumatic event. As a result, I am frequently asked about how I stay positive and hopeful in the work that I do. In other words, how do I avoid vicarious trauma (VT)? People will hear that … Read More
The 5 Parts of a Meaningful Apology: Couple Relationships
5 Parts of a Meaningful Apology for Couples We hurt the ones we love all the time. It’s usually unintentional, or we don’t see the impact coming, but when this happens in our close relationships, the sting can be especially deep and enduring. I work with a lot of couples, and often there are metaphorical cupboards full of wounding memories … Read More
