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
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
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
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
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Committment Therapy: taking action in line with your values.
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
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
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,
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
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