Recently Dr. Gayle MacBride was interviewed by Beth Ann Mayer from Parade magazine, about that very topic. Here’s a link to that article. And, here’s her longer response: Why might someone be inclined to be negative? Learned behavior/family of origin (FOO) – Sometimes we just grow up in families where negativity is the norm. These early life experiences shape or form how we…

Generational trauma refers to the psychological effects that the trauma experienced by one generation can have on subsequent generations. While this topic has garnered increasing attention in the realm of mental health, its impact on our work and personal lives is a conversation that is just beginning to unfold. In this blog post, we delve…

ABCs of Self-Care “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” – Audre Lorde Oftentimes, we treat self-care as an afterthought. We wait until we reach our lowest, the point at which we realize something needs to change and hence, we turn to self-care. However, this positions self-care as a band-aid, a temporary fix. It is…

Not everyone connects with their inner child or even have the desire to. What made you want to explore this concept? Well I had to realize that all my adult ways weren’t working. I tried therapy, I tried to handle the here and now, I tried to mask, I drank, I tried to handle each…

Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life, not only in terms of their immediate physical and emotional reactions, but also in terms of the long-term beliefs and attitudes they develop about themselves and the world. These beliefs, often referred to as “core beliefs,” can significantly impact a person’s mental health and overall…

Unraveling the Chains: How Negative Core Beliefs Shape Our Lives Introduction: In the complex tapestry of human experience, our beliefs serve as the invisible threads that weave together the fabric of our reality. These beliefs, often formed in the crucible of our early experiences, can either propel us toward success and fulfillment or shackle us…

Trauma Encoding in the Brain: Understanding the Impact of Adverse Experiences Trauma is a complex experience that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Trauma can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, natural disasters, accidents, and more. The human brain has a remarkable ability to…

Finding Happiness in the Face of Life’s Uncertainties An incident from my early childhood on my parents’ small farm left a lasting impression on me about the fragility and preciousness of life. A family friend, in a moment of recklessness or curiosity, fired a .22 rifle, narrowly missing me, a mere 6-month-old baby sleeping peacefully…

Stress, an ever-present aspect of modern life, is a complex system designed to mobilize several bodily functions. Whether it be psychological or physical, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering multiple physiological responses. Understanding these mechanisms behind stress can empower us to take control and manage the impact stress can have on our well-being. In…

Why do immigrant women would benefit from psychotherapy?   Immigrant women in Canada represent a diverse mosaic of cultures, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the fabric of Canadian society. Despite the opportunities and promises that migration offers, these women often face multifaceted challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. Their journey…