We often allow our predetermined beliefs to guide how we relate to other people. Look no further than politicians who speak about each other or groups they disagree with, using negative and, at times, highly charged rhetoric. I don’t know about you, but I find some despair and anxiety seeping into my psyche every time I read about, witness, or … Read More
Core Beliefs – Are They Helping or Hindering You?
If I asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? Are you good at managing projects and people? Or maybe you prefer to spend more time alone tending to independent tasks. The way you describe yourself offers insight into the core beliefs that influence how you live your life and make decisions. A core belief is essentially a framework … Read More
Sleeping Single – Limiting Screen Time for Better Connection
When we take our phones or devices to bed, we are literally tucking trauma/stress into bed with us. We’re choosing to sleep with our workplaces, clients, families, and all of our social connections and obligations – never mind what we see on social media and in the news. We are going to bed each night with all the things we’re … Read More
How to Improve Well-Being Through Grit and Gratitude
What promotes positive mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual health? This can sometimes be a frustrating pursuit, with confusing and contradictory messages of what we need to become more resilient and improve our overall well-being. Most of us already do many things in our daily lives in the hope of staying or becoming healthier. I have been encouraged by my … Read More
The “Elephant Sisterhood” – and The Importance of Asking for Help
“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
