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Finding Meaning and Purpose Through Your Values Many people come to therapy feeling lost, uncertain, or stuck in their lives. They may ask, "What is my purpose?" or "Why do I feel unfulfilled despite doing everything 'right'?" While these questions can feel overwhelming, the answers often lie in a deeper exploration of personal values. What Are Values? Values are the guiding principles that shape our decisions, behaviors, and sense of fulfillment. Unlike goals, which are specific achievements, values are ongoing and provide direction in life. For example, a person may value kindness, honesty…

In today's world of smartphones, tablets, and instant gratification, we are witnessing a crisis in frustration tolerance. Technology has revolutionized our lives, making everything faster and more accessible—but at what cost? While adults may struggle with patience in the face of rapid digital convenience, the impact on young children is even more profound. Their developing brains are being wired for immediacy, leaving them ill-equipped to manage delay, disappointment, and emotional regulation. The Effects on Young Minds Childhood is a critical period for developing emotional resilience. In…

Watching your child struggle with anxiety can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences as a parent. You want to fix it, to make it disappear, to offer the reassurance that everything will be okay. But anxiety doesn’t simply go away because we wish it would. Common Childhood Anxieties Anxiety can show up in many ways, and while every child is different, some common childhood fears include: Fear of separation from parents (separation anxiety) Worries about school, tests, or social situations Fear of the dark or sleeping alone Intense fear of specific things (e.g., dogs, insects, germs)…

Work stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue in today’s demanding professional world. Tight deadlines, overwhelming workloads, high expectations, and workplace dynamics can all contribute to stress that affects our overall well-being. However, while stress in the workplace is almost inevitable, it is crucial to address it in ways that prevent burnout and ensure long-term productivity and health. What is Work Stress? Work stress refers to the strain or pressure people experience when job demands exceed their ability to cope with those demands. It can arise from various sources within…

"I find too often we just go from one thing to the next without pausing to integrate along the way. " Lisa Dion The constant rush of daily life often leaves little time for introspection although there is a hum of conversation on social media to make resolutions and set goals for the new year. I read a blog by Lisa Dion the other day where she articulated the importance of what she called 'conscious endings'. This inspired to be to think about how many times I don't take a moment to breath before jumping back into the rush of my own checklist. This blog post is an invitation for you and I to…

Being open hearted means something very different to me after my last week's therapy session. I work with a somatic therapist and I had been working through early medical trauma coming up as fear and terror deep inside my chest. Being with this feeling without dissociating through coming back into my over chattering mind was a challenge. It is so much easier to just go into the stories I tell myself instead of being there with this cold discomfort. With the presence and witnessing of my therapist, I continued to stay with this feeling that felt older than my language. It came as an emptiness…

10 Cents to See My Chest: Building Pride and Confidence in Children with Surgical Scars As a parent, it can be a courageous challenge to be present for your child when they are born with medical challenges. I cannot imagine what this was like for my family when their first child was born with ten toes, a big smile and a blue skin tone. Right after I was born, I was whisked off and my family was broadsided with the news of my congenital heart deformities. I was blessed to have a strong family and a mother and grandmother that knew how much a child needed closeness and presence. They knew this…

This week, I had the most beautiful experience that resonated deep down to my toes. I was reminded that shared stories weave a tapestry of belonging, kinship, and the knowing feeling of being truly seen. As a counsellor who specializes in supporting children, youth, and families who have experienced medical trauma, I have walked alongside many who struggle with anxiety, dysregulation, disconnection, overwhelm and other mental health challenges. I know how important community and connection to others is, but this week it truly came home to my own heart. There is something uniquely powerful…

It's not uncommon for people living with persistent pain to be reluctant about seeking help from a therapist. For some, it feels like admitting that their pain isn't real and that it is "all in their head." Others don't see how a mental health provider could help with something they see as a physical issue. This blog explores what we know about pain and how therapy can help. What do we get wrong about pain? We tend to misunderstand pain as a symptom of tissue damage. But we didn't just make this idea up. It dates back to nineteenth-century medical textbooks, which stated either that pain had…

Aging brings many changes—retirement, physical health concerns, and shifts in social circles. While some of these transitions are expected, one of the most pressing yet often overlooked challenges faced by older adults is loneliness and isolation. Research show that social isolation can significantly impact both mental and physical health, contributing to depression, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality rates. Are You Caring for an Aging Parent or Grandparent? For many middle-aged adults, the struggle isn’t just about worrying for an aging parent—it’s also about balancing caregiving…