“So John, what ideas have been important to you these last few years?” My first response was, “What a great question!” This was asked of me by my old friend Hektor when we recently reconnected after almost 20 years. I was stopped a bit short by the question and its depth, and I continue to reflect on it – to … Read More

“Anyone can be a father (well, almost anyone). It can be as simple as having a bit of fun on a Friday night because being a father is merely being a part of creating life. However, there is a difference in being a dad. For me, being a dad means being involved, active, and engaged in the child’s life. The … Read More

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

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

My career as a counsellor and trainer has taught me a lot. In fact, some of my greatest teachers have been the people I have worked with. One teaching I have been reflecting a lot on lately comes from Dave. Dave is a former client I invited to co-present with me at a training for working with men who have … Read More

Author and speaker, Dr. Stephen Covey, spoke of five different kinds of cancers that destroy all relationships. As a mental health therapist, I know of eight (including Dr. Covey’s five) that many of us are unaware of and that we may practice daily without realizing. In his work, the late Dr. Covey spoke of these first five, but I believe … Read More

Winter can make me grouchy. Living in Manitoba, Canada, means winter holds many days of harsh, biting winds, and long nights of cold temperatures. Because of this, a recurring thought often runs through my mind: “When will this end and why do I live here?” As I sit with a couple in my office in the middle of winter, I … Read More

If you work in the helping field, you likely encounter the struggle and fear people often have toward change. It’s ironic, isn’t it? People seek support when there is something they need to change or others want changed, then they put great energy into avoiding, fighting, or putting off making any steps toward change. Why do people struggle with change? … Read More

So you have decided you are ready to seek a change, tackle a tough decision, or perhaps find support to improve the way you are managing in your life. How do you find a professional counsellor or therapist to help you on this journey? Who is the right match for your particular concerns or goals? Here are 7 tips to … Read More