Self care is the ultimate buzz word in therapy. We are bombarded with reminders to practice self care as a coping skill, to decrease stress, to recharge our batteries. But what actually constitutes self care? Visions of spa days and yoga classes come to mind, but seem out of reach for a typical day as…
My mom had had a very impactful visitation from her father not long after he had passed into Spirit. He looked as he did as a young man, was happy and smiling and assured her that he was fine. This was especially meaningful for her since he had died after a long and challenging time of disability…
If you have never seen a therapist before, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you can expect: Like a doctor’s visit, you will have to fill out paperwork before you begin the therapy session. These forms will include a medical history, insurance and HIPAA forms, a therapist-patient services agreement, and a…
Historically, marriages were based on economic factors and roles were assigned to individuals within that institution. Roles gave men and women clear guidelines for interacting and thus clear expectations of each other. When romanticism developed, the beloved served the function of a creative muse. He or she was never expected to be part of a…
Our primary job as parents is to teach our children healthy habits of self-discipline and self-regulation. I wholeheartedly believe the most successful way to do this is by connecting to our children in a calm, safe, attuned, and curious manner. When children feel safe, they have the freedom to explore, take risks and develop in…
I start almost every parenting blog with the statement “parenting is hard; really really hard”, and that’s because every time I sit down to reflect on parenting issues, that is the first thought that pops into my mind. I am a professional licensed counselor, and I too mess this parenting thing up… often…. maybe almost…
Many spiritual tradition caution against judgement. It is certainly not consistent with being loving, much less unconditionally loving. In a way it suggests that we know what something or someone should be or do—and we never have the whole context of what God’s plan is or what anyone else’s process and evolution is. Judgement goes beyond evaluation in…
Learning that your partner has cheated on you can bring out your deepest pain. It hits in waves of emotions – anger, betrayal, confusion, shame, and sadness. Just as in any difficult situation, you will process your feelings. The healing process gets confusing as your emotions bounce around, trying to find peace and clarity. As…
I attended a book talk by James Clear on his book ‘Atomic Habits’ at the Rotman School here in Toronto in December 2019. The following post is my highlight notes of the event. ”Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – James Clear A New Take…
So you or someone you love is a student working online….at the clinic we find that students have been hit pretty hard with mental health challenges since the pandemic including increased anxiety, loneliness, and even hopelessness. It’s been hard to adapt to online learning and stay inspired! For online learning, you have to set boundaries,…