A Blog Post for Island Clinical Counselling I’ve always considered resilience to be one of my defining qualities. The ability to adapt and “handle whatever comes” has long felt like a well-earned badge of honour. The internal narrative that I can overcome whatever is thrown my way has been something I’ve leaned on in both
The Truth about CBT and Positive Thinking
“Just be positive.” “It’s all about mindset.” “Try looking on the bright side.” Sound familiar? There is no shortage of advice when it comes to mental health and the power of our thoughts. These particular phrases, while usually well-intentioned, can actually do real harm. They suggest that if we simply replace negative thoughts with positive
How to Stop Overthinking at Night: Using CBT-I to Calm Your Mind for Sleep
You’ve finally crawled into bed, the lights are out, and the house is quiet, but your mind isn’t. Thoughts start racing: What if I can’t fall asleep? What if I’m exhausted tomorrow? Why can’t I just switch off like everyone else? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Overthinking at night is one of the
The Art of Healthy Escapism: Taking a Break Without Losing Yourself
Have you ever had one of those days, or even weeks, when your brain feels like itwants to curl up under a blanket and hibernate until next spring? You’re not alone. Theurge to “check out” from daily stressors is entirely human. Whether it’s due to workoverload, emotional burnout, or just the noise of modern life,
When Anxiety Shows Up in Childhood: How Parents Can Help with the SPACE Approach
Anxiety and obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and teens can feel overwhelming, both for kids and for the adults who care for them. Often, parents want to help ease the distress, but don’t always know what kind of support helps best. The SPACE model (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz,
Meet Farnaz: A Q&A on Passion, Purpose, and Pet Therapy
In this Q&A, we’re excited to introduce you to one of our compassionate and insightful counsellors, Farnaz. With a deep background in communication, a gift for human connection, and a love for four-legged co-therapists, she brings a warm and integrative approach to her practice. Read on to learn more about her journey, what drives her,
Tinnitus and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection
Often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is usually thought of as a bothersome physical sensation, it can also have a great impact on mental health. Studies have shown that the constant noise can lead to feelings
Understanding the Safe and Sound Protocol: Healing Through Music and Sound
As one of the five senses, sound plays a huge role in how we interact with and make sense of our world. Did you know that sound can also be incredibly beneficial in helping to heal the nervous system? The Safe and Sound Protocol uses the science of sound to help promote feelings of calm
The journey from engineering to mental health: Meet Jason!
Jason never planned on being a counsellor. Originally choosing civil engineering as his career path, Jason was busy climbing the corporate ladder until he started to experience significant burn out and decided to focus on his own health. After leaving the engineering field, Jason spent time learning to manage compulsive skin-picking, which he suffered from
Counsellor Profile: Meet Kelsey Reynolds!
For Kelsey, working on the inner self is not only meaningful, but full of possibilities for adventure. Through her work as a clinical counsellor, Kelsey walks alongside those who are navigating their internal world, but also spends time exploring her own unique personality. “A great saying is ‘You can’t take people to places you’ve never