A counselling blog about mental health. Ever wonder about a particular mental health treatment or counselling strategy? Check out our blog to learn more about what is available and what works.
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Breaking the Cycle: Stop Suffering From Chronic Pain
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) What is the difference between chronic and acute pain? Acute: Chronic pain: Individuals with chronic pain often end up stuck in the pain cycle. The pain hurts: we decrease our activity level in response. This tends to decondition us. When we reduce capacity we often develop negative emotions
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Have I Experienced Disenfranchised Grief?
Despite the vast amount of literature available for those experiencing grief related to loved ones such as parents, spouses, friends, and grandchildren, it does not always account for the relationship dynamics that are more complicated (or maybe unrelated to a death). For instance, some experience grief from a loss that that others minimize (i.e. “you’re
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Meditation Tips For First Timers
Mindful Practices to Reduce Stress Are you interested in trying meditation, but not sure where to start? Given the number of options for mindfulness practices out there, this is completely normal! Finding the method that works for you and implementing it into your daily routine takes time but comes with many mental and physical health
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Finding Hope in the Storm
Suicide Awareness Month According to the Government of Canada, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada every year. September is Suicide Awareness month and we wanted to highlight a few common warning signs that might highlight that someone is thinking about suicide. Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when
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Tele-Mental Health Sessions: Are They Right For You?
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual counselling sessions have become a popular method of accessing mental health services. But is Telehealth appropriate for everyone? Will the experience be the same as an in-person appointment? What are the pros and cons to keep in mind when deciding on the platform that will work best
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Committment Therapy: taking action in line with your values.
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Nature’s Medicine: Exercise and Mental Wellness
Eliciting Endorphins We all know the good feelings we get after going for a run, completing a physical task, or finishing a workout. We know from the research that engaging in exercise improves physical health. For instance, exercise can reduce symptoms of high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes. Research has also shown that engaging in
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Is EMDR Right For You?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a highly effective therapy for trauma, PTSD, and many other types of concerns. But is it right for you? What can you expect? Here are some common questions people have about EMDR. If you are interested in learning more or think this might be a good fit
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A Trusted Tool for Stress and Mental Illness: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy used for a host of difficulties and mental health disorders. This is the number one therapy treatment recommended by doctors and psychiatrists for anxiety and depression. CBT is also effective for: CBT is based on several core constructs. According to CBT, thoughts are connected to feelings and
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Virtual Support for Anxiety and Mood
Mental Health Apps Review Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately by the large to-do lists or everyday stressors that come up in our lives? Big feelings, frustrations and stress are normal, we all have them. However, there are tools available that we can use and incorporate into our days to help support ourselves and those
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Need Help for BFRBs? Try SCAMP!
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours: SCAMP Body Focused Repetitive Behaviour (BFRB) is an umbrella term for behaviours such as compulsive hair-pulling, skin-picking, cheek-biting, lip-biting, teeth-grinding, etc. Basically anything that involves repetitive engagement with your body that can potentially cause physical or emotional harm. While picking at one’s skin or pulling out a hair are very common,
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Learning to Love Ourselves: Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion Mindfulness has traditionally been described as the awareness that occurs when intentionally acknowledging, in a non-judgmental way, the flow of experience that is occurring in the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). In other words, staying focused on the here and now. Self-compassion is the state of “being open to and moved by one’s own
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Insomnia Strikes Again: When Sleep is Elusive
What is insomnia? Insomnia is as condition described by many as stressful, anxiety provoking, and debilitating. Insomnia is defined as the difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Insomnia impacts an individual by impairing their ability to function during the day and is often associated with daytime fatigue. Insomnia is categorized as either a chronic or