Introduction Do you find yourself struggling to accept acknowledgment, appreciation, or a compliments Are you often at a loss for words when someone praises your efforts? I used to be one of those people who would say, “It was nothing.” Why? Because in my head I heard my father yelling, “Who do you think you […]
Introduction to Ego State Therapy When you step into the realm of Psychology 101, you inevitably encounter Freud’s ego states of id, ego, and super ego. The concept attempts to describe our self-identity, and childhood influences on our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. But it doesn’t stop there. Understanding ego states really flourished when, in the […]
Have you ever left your favorite bookstore feeling renewed and a little wiser? Or perhaps you have felt the same after visiting amazon.com and glancing through pages of books. Inspiring book titles are often all we need! I noticed this phenomenon when visiting a friend. I was drawn to her wall of well-read books. I […]
.Move like an optimist! It is impossible to feel depressed while smiling, walking briskly or dancing to happy music.
Disagreements abound in relationships from politics to parenting. In Parent Effectiveness Training, Thomas Gordon states “Parents don’t have to put up a “United Front.” Let me offer some perspective and possible options.
Two minutes after I met the psychologist and intuitive, Gwendolyn Jansma, I changed my name. She said, “Such a short name for such a magnificent woman.”
While both stress and trauma can be challenging to navigate, they are fundamentally distinct experiences with differing consequences for our mental and physical well-being.
There was a palatable hype in the room—several hundred people yelling, jumping and hugging to the rhythm of deafening music. “Raise your hand and say, Aye! Come on guys! Say it!” That is misleading positive psychology hype.
In a recent social media exchange, the question of acceptance of the status quo and when to uphold one’s beliefs was sparked. I posted, “When faced with an unchangeable situation, take a moment to reconsider your perspective.” I firmly believe that adapting to change is a valuable skill. However, one person’s response challenged my viewpoint: […]
Parenthood is a profound journey, marked by a multitude of emotions and challenges. It’s a path where love, responsibility, and self-discovery frequently converge. In a recent discussion with a client, the intricacies of being a parent were highlighted and we decided this role extends well beyond nurturing and care. This mother’s inner struggle with guilt […]
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, […]
1. If you participate in negative gossip, ask yourself what is really going on for you. Do you feel jealous, resentful or superior? Does it give you a sense of belonging? What is the payoff for participating? Then find a healthy way to meet your need.
