“Well, it looks like I have a touch of the breast cancer.” These words fell from my friend’s mouth with a thud after she learned the news of some long-awaited medical tests. Although her smile disguised shock and sadness, all of our eyes were moist with tears. Her devastating diagnosis took place just a few weeks before the strange new … Read More
How to Rewrite Your Own Story – Lessons From Narrative Therapy
What would your story be if you were to write a book or movie script about yourself? What events would you include? What would the theme(s) be? What characters would you include? We all have stories that we tell ourselves and others, about who we are and what our experiences mean. I came across this concept some years ago, and it … Read More
5 Ways to Experience Joy Through Your Senses
The new year often heralds a time of reflection, change, and rejuvenation. However, the pandemic we’re currently living through has potentially changed this for many of us. The past year has been challenging on many fronts, and unfortunately, the start of this year hasn’t been much different. In my recent work with a client, we spent some time talking about … Read More
Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways in which we navigate our daily lives. Prior to the pandemic, our place and pace in the world often excelled at a rate that left little time for self-reflection, personal examination, and questioning. With all of the shifts we’ve had to make, a topic that has come to mind for me is permission. … Read More
How to Stay Optimistic During Tough Times
There’s a dark and a troubled side of life. There’s a bright and a sunny side too. But if you meet with the darkness and strife, the sunny side we also may view.” – Keep on the Sunny Side of Life Since 1899 when Keep on the Sunny Side of Life was written, artists like Johnny Cash have belted out … Read More
How to Set Personal Boundaries
Setting personal boundaries is a familiar topic in counselling sessions. Whether it is with a partner, friend, colleague, or extended family member, relationships often become strained when we feel our own needs are being neglected to meet the needs of others. Consider the following scenario: Cindy is exhausted. In addition to working full-time and parenting three young children, she has … Read More
How to Overcome Challenges – Lessons from Rock Climbing
Just over a year ago I began bouldering – a form of rock climbing that involves climbing shorter walls (approx. 3-4 metres high) without ropes or harnesses. I was apprehensive to try it, but once I did, I loved it! In the year since, I’ve been climbing 2-3 times a week. As a result, my climbing has improved, and I’ve … Read More
How to Learn a New Skill in 4 Steps
The COVID-19 pandemic has been undeniably challenging for many but has also presented the opportunity for learning new skills – either by choice or as a requirement. If I am completely honest, I have become increasingly resistant to learning new skills as I get older! To be clear, I love the learning once it has actually occurred, but in those … Read More
4 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude During COVID-19
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
4 Key Dimensions of Self-Care
What is self-care and why does it matter? Self-care includes all the things you do to take care of your well-being in four key dimensions – your emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual health. If you are a counsellor, social worker, therapist, health care professional, leader, educator, change agent, caregiver, parent, purpose-driven entrepreneur – a person who gives a lot of … Read More
