As a therapist, I’ve witnessed relationship killers — the quiet, everyday patterns that slowly damage intimacy, trust, and respect. I’ve also witnessed small, thoughtful acts that strengthen them. And, I’ve had my own fair share of relationship challenges. Relationship killers show up in marriages, friendships and even neighbourhoods. I often see in my therapy practice […]
Introduction My client, with a tear in her eye, said, “I’m exhausted from feeling other people’s energy. You see, I am an empath and have high emotional sensitivity.” Empaths are people, who are highly attuned to the energies and emotions of those around them. Not just empaths, but many people experience the world in deeply […]
It’s a true delight to spend time with Brandi Heather, author of Return to Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Reconnection. I’ve been privileged to do just that and feel grateful to call her a friend. Brandi is an award-winning Disability and Inclusion Educator and Therapeutic Play Specialist. With a background in kinesiology and sport studies, […]
“Lean on me, when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…” Yes, we all need someone to lean on! It was at Sunday Service when Amy Bishop began singing Lean on Me, I thought of our world that often praises self-sufficiency and independence. Bill Withers’ 1972 classic, “Lean on […]
“Lacking a sense of psychological safety, people shut down, often without realizing it. They are less likely to seek or accept feedback and also less likely to experiment, to discuss errors, and to speak up about potential or actual problems.” Christine Porath, professor, at Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina and author of Mastering […]
The work of Byron Katie is fascinating, often misunderstood and has helped hundreds, if not thousands of people through her seminars and book, Loving What Is. Overview: In 1986, Byron Katie found herself in a residential treatment house for an eating disorder. There she had an awakening. Some might describe her experience as a spiritual […]
Before we can attempt to help build resilience in others, we need to understand the concept. Resilience is the ability or capacity to cope with, or recover from, change, adversity, mistakes, and sometimes poor behavior. It is like a rubber band. Both are about being stretched and returning to their original condition or even improved. […]
Book Summary The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. In September 2022, the renowned Canadian physician, trauma and addiction author, Gabor Maté with his son, Daniel Mate’ released “The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture.” In this publication, he challenges our usual take-it-for-granted perspectives about […]
Self discovery provides insight needed for personal growth, while personal growth enriches self-understanding sparked by aha moments and supported by therapy.
Childhood experiences can contribute brain patterns of non-compassionate and negative self-talk in our adult brains. But self-talk interventions can help.
Book Summary: Return to Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression, and Disconnection. Recipient of the Canadian Counselling and Psychology Association 2024 counselling book award! Fascinated by Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory (See The Polyvagal Institute), I embarked on a journey of sharing valuable tips and implementing new strategies with my counseling clients. Alongside this, […]
Childhood, adolescent, and sometimes adult experiences can create core negative beliefs. In childhood, these beliefs can be planted by the absence of parental or caregiver attention and security.