Cancer trauma: Recognizing the depths of the emotional impact

Cancer isn't just a disease; sometimes it can feel like a collection of traumatic experiences – from the stigma and misconceptions that surround it to the sheer terror of the unknown. It's a journey marked by loss – of health, of identity, of the illusion of invincibility. Yet within this, seeds of resilience can be sown, and from them can sprout moments of profound personal growth, illustrating the transformative power of post-traumatic growth, leading to newfound strength, purpose, and fortitude.

It's not you, it's your social anxiety

Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. It is “an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.” These feelings can come up when doing every-day activities such as going to a restaurant or going to the grocery store, speaking up in class or at a meeting, and involve the fear of being judged or being on display while being with others, by doing things like sharing your thoughts, answering a question or giving a presentation.

ADHD Therapy: The case for psychotherapy as a vital component of ADHD management

For the vast majority of adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), medication management is the first line of treatment. The good news is that medication is highly effective and can be revolutionary in the lives of people with ADHD. Adding psychotherapy to the management of ADHD, along with medication, can impact the trajectory of treatment in an incredibly positive way.

World Cancer Day: Five Things You Should Know

World Cancer Day is an important opportunity to reflect on how cancer has impacted our own lives, the lives of our loved ones and the lives of people within our community. Carly Fleming wanted to help raise awareness by writing this blog and sharing some of her experiences working with people affected by cancer. There are five things she wants you to know…

Signs of Depression? What You Need to Know.

We live in a society that often talks about the pursuit of happiness and very little about depression. While sadness is a part of life and we all have days where we may feel down, depression affects multiple parts of our life - behaviour, mood, and thoughts and can last for days, weeks, or even months.

New Year, Same Expectations. What if you are great, just the way you are?

Loving and accepting ourselves as we are is challenging for many of us. Often, we are more comfortable criticising ourselves and telling ourselves what a bad job we have done rather than appreciating ourselves for our unique qualities and accomplishments.

Burnout in Nursing: You’re Not Alone

You likely chose the nursing profession because of your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Nurses are driven by compassion and a commitment to the well-being of their patients. However, these noble values that draw individuals to nursing often clash with the harsh realities of the healthcare environment. This may give rise to a unique set of challenges that can lead to burnout.

Setting Holiday Boundaries – Coping Strategy or Avoidance?

One of the things that may come up for people around this time of the year is setting boundaries and coping with environments or interactions that are uncomfortable. The holidays can be a very joyful time, but that joy can also be uncomfortable or come along with other uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. But how do we know how to cope? How do we know when our coping strategies are healthy?

Emotional Awareness: A New Approach

A lot of the time, when we have difficult emotions, it can feel intimidating to experience them, which is why we may try to intellectualize the discomfort. What if we tried to watch what was happening inside with the curiosity and wonder a child has when they discover something new?

Communicating About Finances as a Couple

Many couples attempt to communicate about money but find themselves in familiar, unhelpful patterns each time they try. Instead of giving up hope and sweeping these conversations under the rug, it can be really helpful to understand what’s going on under the surface.

Mental Health and Cancer: Nurturing the Inner Self During the Unseen Journey

As a cancer survivor, just hearing that six-letter word used to send a chill down my spine, stirring up feelings of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability. But here's the thing – it's because of these very emotions that we shouldn't shy away from talking about cancer. Changing the way we think and talk about this life-changing experience isn't just a good idea; it's crucial for our emotional well-being and overall healing journey.

When setting a SMART goal might be counter-productive

If you are neurodiverse or are otherwise struggling with executive functioning – like recovering from burnout, setting a SMART goal can be really difficult even if you have assessed it as attainable. Read on for some alternative ways to goal-set that may be more supportive.

How Polyvagal Theory explains why we do what we do.

Sometimes we have responses that are just as quick when we experience a threat. Sometimes we call this a freeze response because our bodies may shut down or feel numb. In this state it is common to feel helpless, trapped, or depressed.

We also have a mammalian part of our brain which developed later. Polyvagal theory says the mammalian brain is responsible for things like co-regulation which means that how one mammal acts effects another.

Improved sleep can lead to improved mental health. Here’s how.

It is commonly understood that good sleep is a component of a healthy lifestyle. But how does sleep tie into our mental health? Let’s take a closer look.

If you’ve ever struggled with insomnia, fatigue, or sleeplessness you know that these things can lead to low mood, irritability and difficulty managing stress.

Why 2SLGBTQIA+ and not LGBTQ anymore?

Happy Pride! (this month and every month beyond)

Recently in Canada there has been an important shift in language from LGBTQ+ to 2SLGBTQIA+. We thought you might be curious about why this shift has taken place and what it means. But before diving into our own (un)learning process (facilitated by none other than Google), it is important that we take a moment to recognize the impacts of power and privilege in our own process.

Learning How to Process Emotions (difficult but worth it!)

If you grew up in a family anything like mine, feelings were ignored or stuffed down in an attempt to seem stoic and strong. I took pride in holding back tears or fleeing uncomfortable emotions. Feelings got in the way of work. Emotions made communication more difficult and deflated your argument. Even comfortable emotions were discouraged.

Spring Cleaning and Mental Health: Why Decluttering is Good for your Body, Mind and Soul

For many of us, Spring begins with an annual ritual - the spring cleaning. A chance to declutter and say goodbye to our unwanted stuff - to refresh our living space by getting neat and tidy. However, spring cleaning can actually bring about other, unexpected benefits when it comes to your mental health.

Executive Dysfunction - What is it and how do I manage it?

Society puts a lot of pressure on us to meet executive functioning demands. If we have a lot of these demands on us at work, for example, then we may not have the energy left over for this kind of functioning at home. When the dishes have piled up for 3 days and the laundry has sat in the washer overnight, plus maybe there was a conflict at work, or there is tension in a personal relationship, things can feel very overwhelming and frustrating.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Cancer Journey

Cancer can have a profound impact on one’s identity. From the outset, cancer confronts us with a loss of “normality.” Diagnosis often comes as a shock and life can grind to a halt. It can be helpful to consider this experience through the lens of ‘parts’ or ‘internal family systems’.

Thinking About Divorce? Let’s look at 5 ways you can make sense of these thoughts.

Thinking about divorce?

As a couples therapist, I have worked with many couples where divorce is “on the table”. Usually one or both partners have found themselves thinking about divorce for some time and these thoughts can be the reason for seeking couples therapy. For some, the damage to the relationship is so extensive that divorce may be the best resolution. However, for many more couples, there are ways to navigate the conflict, the unhappiness or the disengagement that allows for the relationship to stay intact. Take a look below for 5 ways that you can make sense of your current relationship difficulties.

Mental Health Blog

We’re glad you found us.

Resources, Information and Support

It is commonly understood that good sleep is a component of a healthy lifestyle. But how does sleep tie into our mental health? Let’s take a closer look.

Happy Pride! (this month and every month beyond)

Let’s connect

(905) 527 - 6337
admin@everwellcounselling.ca

Action

Inspiration

Info

Online Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

Mental Health Blog

We’re glad you found us.

Resources, Information and Support

It is commonly understood that good sleep is a component of a healthy lifestyle. But how does sleep tie into our mental health? Let’s take a closer look.

Happy Pride! (this month and every month beyond)

Let’s connect

(905) 527 - 6337admin@everwellcounselling.ca

Action

Inspiration

Info

Online Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

(905) 527 - 6337
admin@everwellcounselling.ca