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
Everyone Has More Than One Story
I’ll admit that I sometimes like to watch true crime documentaries or listen to podcasts. When I do, my mind often generates more questions than conclusions about the people involved. Questions like, “Who are the person’s family and loved ones?” “Where were they raised?” “Where do they call home?” “What do neighbours and coworkers have to say about them?” and … 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
How to Make a Lasting Change
Do you have anything you would like to change? Is there something you do too much of? Or, is there something you do too little of? Would you like to change the way you interact with someone close to you, but feel like you are short on the willpower needed to take action? Maybe it feels like you’re in a … Read More
Live Happier and Healthier: 10 Tips to Reduce Stress
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (January 2015), stress and stress-related illnesses are on the rise. Stress is so commonplace in our fast-paced society that it seems like a way of life for many. Individuals, workplaces, and society as a whole are paying a high price for unmanaged stress. Stress can hit when we least expect it. It … 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
4 Helpful Tips for an Easy Transition to September
The transition to September is right around the corner. For many of us, September holds the same “fresh start” mentality as New Year’s Eve – without the champagne and snow! As someone who was a student for many years of my life, and who for the past 12 years has been ushering children through the back to school routine, I … Read More
4 Ways to Be a Better Listener
A large portion of our time is spent in conversation with others. Regardless of our familiarity with the other person or the purpose for the discussion, it can sometimes be difficult to achieve clarity and understanding across both parties. Perhaps this is why difficulty communicating is one of the top complaints of those seeking therapy. Some clients, for example, express … Read More
Tips for Making Self-Talk Work for You
Are there ever times when your self-talk is particularly negative? Maybe you’ve been “shoulding” more than usual (“I should go to the gym,” “I should spend more time with my kids,” and so on), or maybe you have a bad case of “stinkin’ thinkin’” and your inner critic has been particularly harsh lately (“I’m such a loser,” “I always mess … Read More
The Benefits of Writing Down Thoughts and Feelings
I know I’m not the only one who has written a letter to someone who has hurt or betrayed me. During a turbulent, difficult time early in my career, I had a conflict with my supervisor and decided to write a letter. I expressed my frustrated, blame-filled thoughts, my miserable and fearful emotions, and described how I was hurt. Although … Read More