Quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. As a psychologist, I frequently discuss sleep problems with my clients. On the surface, many of the habits I mention below will seem like they could be helpful. However, they are disruptive to processes such as circadian rhythm and sleep drive, which are essential for quality […]
A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that lasts for approximately 10-15 minutes. Panic attacks are associated with many physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, and dizziness. Individuals experiencing panic often have a fear of dying or going crazy. Panic attacks commonly co-occur with other […]
Forgiveness can be challenging to discuss in therapy. In my work with clients, the topic of forgiveness frequently comes up. The reality is, if we want to sustain any relationship, we will need to have the ability to forgive. We hurt each other in big and small ways through judgments, misunderstandings, betrayals, and criticisms. Unfortunately, […]
In a world that feels uncertain and scary, people can develop more rigid thinking to regain a sense of control or safety. Unfortunately, this can lead to broken relationships, loneliness, and isolation. Below, I address common thinking pitfalls related to relationships and how to manage them. Black and white thinking (also known as “all-or-nothing thinking”)- […]
As an OCD and anxiety specialist, one of the main treatments I utilize is called Exposure and response prevention (ERP). The name itself can sound somewhat intimidating. When we think of the word, “exposure” it sounds like “exposed” which can make a person feel vulnerable right out of the gate. ERP can be very challenging, […]
It is normal for human beings to experience feelings of nervousness or shyness from time to time. Some people are naturally shy or introverted so they may have less desire for social interaction. Social anxiety disorder or social phobia occurs when an individual experiences marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in […]
Guest Post by Steven Kilmann, LMFT, MD When someone begins the journey of healing, it’s often because past pain has started to echo into their present—especially in their closest relationships. I know this firsthand. After surviving childhood abuse, I struggled for years to feel truly safe with anyone. Even when I found someone kind and patient, […]
Burnout is a form of emotional exhaustion that can occur in response to persistent and unrelenting stress. Since COVID-19 lockdowns, many people struggled to establish boundaries between work and home, and, in some cases, to juggle the twin demands of work, home school and childcare with no supports in place – the perfect combination of […]
For families living in the brutal shadow of addiction, hope can feel like a fragile, even dangerous, thing to hold onto. You may have been disappointed so many times that it feels safer to expect the worst. However, the theme of “Anchoring Hope” (which was the theme for 2026 National Addiction Awareness week) reminds us […]
Therapy is not your healer. I am not your healer. God is. That sentence will set you free if you let it. A woman sat with me recently — strong faith, the Word in her bones, several Christian counsellors behind her. She came in nervously. Will this one work? Will she be the one who […]
