Read our Blog of Mental Health Posts
Explore our library of mental health and counselling content
Anxiety Blog Posts
Explore the many facets of anxiety and how it can affect your thoughts, emotions, and daily life. Whether you’re navigating occasional worry or living with persistent anxious thoughts, our articles are designed to offer insight, support, and evidence-informed strategies to help you better understand your experiences.
Imposter Syndrome
Understanding Imposter Syndrome Why You Feel Like a Fraud (Even When You’re Not) Have you ever achieved something significant—whether a promotion, praise from a supervisor, or acceptance into a competitive program—only to feel like you didn’t truly earn it? Do you secretly fear that others will “find out” you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone. This internal struggle is often referred to as imposter syndrome—and it’s more common than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore what imposter syndrome is, why it shows up (especially in high-achieving women), and how therapy can help you reconnect with your confidence. What Is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome refers to the phenomenon of self-doubt experienced by high-achieving individuals (Huecker et al., 2023).
The Achievement Anxiety Loop
The Achievement Anxiety Loop Why Success Doesn’t Always Feel Good For many high-achieving individuals, success isn’t followed by a sense of ease or lasting fulfillment—it’s followed by anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to move onto the next goal. Despite accomplishments, praise, or promotions, there’s often a lingering sense that it’s not enough—or worse, that it could all fall apart. This pattern of achievement anxiety can create an endless loop. It’s a cycle where anxiety drives achievement, and achievement feeds more anxiety. In this post, we’ll explore why success doesn’t always feel good, what sustains this loop, and how therapy can help break free. What Is the achievement anxiety loop At its core, the achievement anxiety loop is the process where anxiety becomes both the motivator
Understanding Relationship Anxiety
Understanding Relationship Anxiety When Worry Gets in the Way of Connection Relationships can be a profound source of connection, love, and growth—but for some, they also become a source of intense worry. Relationship anxiety is more common than many people realize, and when left unaddressed, it can create unnecessary conflict, erode trust, and ultimately damage the very bond someone longs to preserve. This article explores the nature of relationship anxiety, including a related experience known as relationship OCD (ROCD), and offers insights into how to manage this anxiety and build healthier, more secure connections. What Is relationship anxiety? Relationship anxiety refers to persistent worries or fears about one’s romantic relationship. These anxieties can surface early in dating or well into a long-term commitment. People
Relationships and Boundaries Blog Posts
Read blog posts about the complexities of human connection. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, friendships, romantic relationships, or professional interactions, these articles offer insight into setting healthy boundaries, improving communication, and building more meaningful, respectful connections.
Attachment Styles: How to Improve Relationships
Attachment Styles: How to Improve Your Relationship Based on Research Understanding attachment styles in adult relationships Introduction to attachment styles Relationships shape so much of our lives—our happiness, our mental well-being, and even how we see ourselves. But let’s be honest: maintaining a healthy relationship isn’t always easy. We all bring our own emotional needs, habits, and communication styles into a partnership, and sometimes, they don’t quite align. That’s where understanding why we connect the way we do can make all the difference. A big piece of that puzzle comes from attachment theory. Simply put, the way we bonded with our caregivers as kids influences how we love, trust, and handle conflict as adults. Psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth identified four main attachment
Navigating Professional Boundaries at Work
Navigating Professional Boundaries at Work Understanding how to set and maintain professional boundaries What are professional boundaries at work? In the intricate web of professional interactions, professional boundaries serve as an important parameters preventing burnout and protecting mental health. Defined as the limits and guidelines that govern acceptable behavior and interaction, workplace boundaries are essential for maintaining professionalism, fostering productivity, and nurturing positive relationships among colleagues. From physical spaces to emotional dynamics, time management to social interactions, boundaries delineate the contours within which individuals navigate their roles and responsibilities. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted nature of workplace professional boundaries, exploring their significance, types, and the challenges associated with navigating them effectively. Importance of establishing professional boundaries at work There are many reasons
Adult Bullying and Mental Health Impacts
Adult Bullying and Mental Health Impacts A mental health perspective on adult bullying behaviours Defining bullying Adult bullying involves persistent, intentional, and harmful behavior directed towards another adult. This can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, exclusion, intimidation, manipulation, or spreading false rumors. Unlike childhood experiences, adult bullying is often subtle and can occur in professional, social, or even familial settings. Direct aggressive behaviours Includes acts of aggression directly such as: physical aggression (ie. pushing, hitting, shoving) verbal aggression (ie. name calling, put downs, or belittling) stealing Indirect aggressive behaviours Behaviours that are not direct from the perpetrating bully to the victim, such as: social exclusion spreading rumors speaking poorly behind the one’s back The impact of bullying behaviours Mental health impacts of
Trauma and PTSD Blog Posts
Compassionate resources for understanding the lasting impact of overwhelming experiences of trauma and PTSD. Here, you’ll find blog post articles that explore the nature of trauma, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and evidence-based approaches to healing.
Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders
What is Dissociation? Understanding Dissociation, Types of Dissociative Disorders, Symptoms & Treatment Understanding dissociation: types, symptoms, and causes The definition of dissociate is “to disconnect or separate”. In the field of mental health this refers to the experience of feeling of detachment, disconnection, loss of contact, or separated from yourself or the world around you. While dissociation is a complex phenomenon in the field of psychology it is also a concept that exists within a spectrum. That is, most people can relate to experiencing mild and occasional aspects of dissociation at times whereas others experience dissociative symptoms that are more substantial and longstanding. This spectrum of experiences exists from the feeling of being on autopilot during your drive home from a stressful day, all the
Childhood Emotional Neglect
Childhood Emotional Neglect Understanding the impacts of emotional neglect from childhood Childhood emotional neglect is a profoundly impactful yet often overlooked aspect of a person’s early development. As a psychologist I have observed the far-reaching consequences of emotional neglect on individuals throughout their lives. In this post, we will explore the complex subject of childhood emotional neglect, shedding light on its nature, signs, and lasting effects, while also examining strategies for healing and prevention. Emotional neglect, unlike other more overt forms of abuse, can be hard to identify, even for those who experience it. It occurs when caregivers fail to provide the emotional nurturing, support, and responsiveness that children need to develop a sense of self, well-being, and ability to regulate emotions. Emotional neglect can
ACES in Mental Health
ACES in Mental Health Understanding ACES in Mental Health: Adverse Childhood Experiences Understanding the factors that shape our psychological well-being has become crucial and are an important area of interest in preventative care and addressing health disparities. One such factor that has garnered attention is ACES, or Adverse Childhood Experiences. These experiences, often invisible to others outside the childhood family home, can have a profound impact on our mental health throughout our lives. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of ACES, exploring what they are, why they matter, what it means if you’ve had many of them, and what the current research landscape looks like. What are ACES in mental health In the world of mental health, ACES are short for Adverse Childhood
Depression and Low Mood Blog Posts
Explore the emotional, cognitive, and physical effects of depression and low mood, as well as practical strategies and therapeutic approaches that can help. Whether you’re experiencing persistent sadness, lack of motivation, or simply not feeling like yourself, these blog post articles aim to offer compassionate insight and encouragement for your path toward healing.
Loss of Interest in Depression
Not Enjoying Things The Way You Used to? Understanding Loss of Interest and Pleasure in Depression There is somewhat of a misconception that feelings of sadness are the primary feature of low mood and depression. Many people associate depression with deep sadness or persistent crying. While these symptoms can be part of the experience, depression often shows up in more subtle and misunderstood ways. One of the most telling—yet frequently overlooked—signs is a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that once felt enjoyable. This symptom, known clinically as anhedonia, can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating. In this post, we explore why this happens, how it connects to depression and other low mood states, and what can be done to support healing. Depression is
Mental Health Spiral
Navigating a Mental Health Spiral How to cope with a downward spiral, tolerate distress, and reduce overwhelm Spiraling mental health? In mental health discussions, you may have come across the term “spiral.” But what exactly does this mean in the context of our mental health? Simply put, a spiral or downward spiral refers to when thoughts, emotions, or behaviors begin to become negative, overwhelming, and worsening. This sometimes leads to a chain reaction, which can serve to amplify distress. A downward mental health spiral can manifest in various ways. For instance, someone experiencing heightened anxiety might find themselves trapped in a spiral of negative thinking, where each anxious thought leads to more anxiety, deepening their distress. In the following sections, we’ll explore strategies for recognizing and
Therapy and Counselling Blog Posts
Inform, empower, and support you on your mental health journey toward emotional well-being. These blog post articles explore what therapy is, how it works, and the many ways counselling can help. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to deepen your understanding, our goal is to provide clear, compassionate information to help you feel more confident in seeking support.
How Therapy Helps Mental Health
How Therapy Helps Mental Health Mental health counselling for prevention, support, coping, and treatment You may be wondering, “but how exactly does therapy help mental health?”. There are many different ways that mental health therapy can be beneficial. Just as there are many different approaches we can take to improve our physical health, we can work to improve our mental health from a number of different ways. Mental health therapy can look very different depending on the type, purpose, and provider. In this post we discuss four roles of mental health therapy which can help to improve overall health and well-being Preventative treatment Improving relationships and social supports Management and coping with symptoms Treating diagnosed mental health conditions Mental health therapy as preventative treatment Mental
A Guide to Self Improvement Counselling
Unlocking Your Best Self: A Guide to Self-Improvement Counselling Understanding attachment styles in adult relationships Beginning counseling or mental health therapy for self-improvement is a powerful step towards personal growth and well-being. Self improvement counselling offers a holistic approach to enhancing various aspects of your life. In this article, we will delve into key areas of self improvement counselling, focusing on emotion regulation, assertiveness skills, body image counselling, and self-esteem counselling. Emotion regulation Emotion regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and change one’s emotional experiences and reactions to things that occur. It involves the conscious and unconscious processes through which individuals recognize, understand, and influence their emotions. Emotion regulation is essential for maintaining psychological well-being, as it allows individuals to navigate various situations
5 Reasons To Choose A Local Therapist
5 Reasons to Choose a Local Therapist Benefits of working with a local mental health therapist Choosing a therapist? Here are 5 reasons to go local In the quest for mental health therapy treatment and emotional well-being, seeking the help of a qualified therapist can be a transformative step. As previously explored in several other posts (What to Look for When Choosing a Therapist and Why Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone), finding a therapist that is the right match for you is actually quite important. With a multitude of options available, it can be difficult to decide where to start. The rise of multinational healthcare organizations and online therapy platforms has provided those seeking counselling with many options to pick from. Here are five compelling
Entire Library of Posts
Imposter Syndrome
Understanding Imposter Syndrome Why You Feel Like a Fraud (Even When You’re Not) Have you ever achieved something significant—whether a promotion, praise from a supervisor, or acceptance into a competitive program—only to feel like you didn’t truly earn it? Do you secretly fear that others will “find out” you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone. This internal struggle is often referred to as imposter syndrome—and it’s more common than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore what imposter syndrome is, why it shows up (especially in high-achieving women), and how therapy can help you reconnect with your confidence. What Is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome refers to the phenomenon of self-doubt experienced by high-achieving individuals (Huecker et al., 2023).
The Achievement Anxiety Loop
The Achievement Anxiety Loop Why Success Doesn’t Always Feel Good For many high-achieving individuals, success isn’t followed by a sense of ease or lasting fulfillment—it’s followed by anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to move onto the next goal. Despite accomplishments, praise, or promotions, there’s often a lingering sense that it’s not enough—or worse, that it could all fall apart. This pattern of achievement anxiety can create an endless loop. It’s a cycle where anxiety drives achievement, and achievement feeds more anxiety. In this post, we’ll explore why success doesn’t always feel good, what sustains this loop, and how therapy can help break free. What Is the achievement anxiety loop At its core, the achievement anxiety loop is the process where anxiety becomes both the motivator
Understanding Relationship Anxiety
Understanding Relationship Anxiety When Worry Gets in the Way of Connection Relationships can be a profound source of connection, love, and growth—but for some, they also become a source of intense worry. Relationship anxiety is more common than many people realize, and when left unaddressed, it can create unnecessary conflict, erode trust, and ultimately damage the very bond someone longs to preserve. This article explores the nature of relationship anxiety, including a related experience known as relationship OCD (ROCD), and offers insights into how to manage this anxiety and build healthier, more secure connections. What Is relationship anxiety? Relationship anxiety refers to persistent worries or fears about one’s romantic relationship. These anxieties can surface early in dating or well into a long-term commitment. People
Loss of Interest in Depression
Not Enjoying Things The Way You Used to? Understanding Loss of Interest and Pleasure in Depression There is somewhat of a misconception that feelings of sadness are the primary feature of low mood and depression. Many people associate depression with deep sadness or persistent crying. While these symptoms can be part of the experience, depression often shows up in more subtle and misunderstood ways. One of the most telling—yet frequently overlooked—signs is a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that once felt enjoyable. This symptom, known clinically as anhedonia, can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating. In this post, we explore why this happens, how it connects to depression and other low mood states, and what can be done to support healing. Depression is
Unhelpful Perfectionism
When Perfectionism Becomes Problematic How unhelpful perfectionism can hurt us and how to change it Perfectionism often sounds like a positive trait — after all, what’s wrong with having high standards or wanting to do your best? But when perfectionism behaviours becomes rigid, unrelenting, and tied to your sense of self-worth, it can quickly become exhausting, isolating, and anxiety-provoking. Many people seeking counselling in Edmonton come to therapy because perfectionism has started to negatively impact their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Unhelpful perfectionism can fuel anxiety, burnout, procrastination, and chronic self-criticism — leaving people feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Let’s explore what unhelpful perfectionism looks like, why it’s so hard to change on your own, and how counselling can support
Overthinking and Decision Paralysis
Overthinking and Decision Paralysis Why we get stuck overthinking, and how to move forward The Overthinking Trap Most of us have experienced moments of overthinking — replaying conversations, second-guessing a choice, or feeling stuck in uncertainty. While it’s normal to want to make thoughtful decisions, overthinking can become a trap that makes decision making feel exhausting, stressful, and sometimes impossible. If you often feel paralyzed by decisions — big or small — you’re not alone. Let’s explore why overthinking happens, how it affects decision making, and what you can do to break free from decision paralysis. Overthinking happens when thoughts spiral in circles — worrying about what could go wrong, replaying past mistakes, or obsessing over making the “right” choice. While it can feel like
Attachment Styles: How to Improve Relationships
Attachment Styles: How to Improve Your Relationship Based on Research Understanding attachment styles in adult relationships Introduction to attachment styles Relationships shape so much of our lives—our happiness, our mental well-being, and even how we see ourselves. But let’s be honest: maintaining a healthy relationship isn’t always easy. We all bring our own emotional needs, habits, and communication styles into a partnership, and sometimes, they don’t quite align. That’s where understanding why we connect the way we do can make all the difference. A big piece of that puzzle comes from attachment theory. Simply put, the way we bonded with our caregivers as kids influences how we love, trust, and handle conflict as adults. Psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth identified four main attachment
Mental Health Spiral
Navigating a Mental Health Spiral How to cope with a downward spiral, tolerate distress, and reduce overwhelm Spiraling mental health? In mental health discussions, you may have come across the term “spiral.” But what exactly does this mean in the context of our mental health? Simply put, a spiral or downward spiral refers to when thoughts, emotions, or behaviors begin to become negative, overwhelming, and worsening. This sometimes leads to a chain reaction, which can serve to amplify distress. A downward mental health spiral can manifest in various ways. For instance, someone experiencing heightened anxiety might find themselves trapped in a spiral of negative thinking, where each anxious thought leads to more anxiety, deepening their distress. In the following sections, we’ll explore strategies for recognizing and
Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders
What is Dissociation? Understanding Dissociation, Types of Dissociative Disorders, Symptoms & Treatment Understanding dissociation: types, symptoms, and causes The definition of dissociate is “to disconnect or separate”. In the field of mental health this refers to the experience of feeling of detachment, disconnection, loss of contact, or separated from yourself or the world around you. While dissociation is a complex phenomenon in the field of psychology it is also a concept that exists within a spectrum. That is, most people can relate to experiencing mild and occasional aspects of dissociation at times whereas others experience dissociative symptoms that are more substantial and longstanding. This spectrum of experiences exists from the feeling of being on autopilot during your drive home from a stressful day, all the
How Therapy Helps Mental Health
How Therapy Helps Mental Health Mental health counselling for prevention, support, coping, and treatment You may be wondering, “but how exactly does therapy help mental health?”. There are many different ways that mental health therapy can be beneficial. Just as there are many different approaches we can take to improve our physical health, we can work to improve our mental health from a number of different ways. Mental health therapy can look very different depending on the type, purpose, and provider. In this post we discuss four roles of mental health therapy which can help to improve overall health and well-being Preventative treatment Improving relationships and social supports Management and coping with symptoms Treating diagnosed mental health conditions Mental health therapy as preventative treatment Mental
Navigating Professional Boundaries at Work
Navigating Professional Boundaries at Work Understanding how to set and maintain professional boundaries What are professional boundaries at work? In the intricate web of professional interactions, professional boundaries serve as an important parameters preventing burnout and protecting mental health. Defined as the limits and guidelines that govern acceptable behavior and interaction, workplace boundaries are essential for maintaining professionalism, fostering productivity, and nurturing positive relationships among colleagues. From physical spaces to emotional dynamics, time management to social interactions, boundaries delineate the contours within which individuals navigate their roles and responsibilities. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted nature of workplace professional boundaries, exploring their significance, types, and the challenges associated with navigating them effectively. Importance of establishing professional boundaries at work There are many reasons
A Guide to Self Improvement Counselling
Unlocking Your Best Self: A Guide to Self-Improvement Counselling Understanding attachment styles in adult relationships Beginning counseling or mental health therapy for self-improvement is a powerful step towards personal growth and well-being. Self improvement counselling offers a holistic approach to enhancing various aspects of your life. In this article, we will delve into key areas of self improvement counselling, focusing on emotion regulation, assertiveness skills, body image counselling, and self-esteem counselling. Emotion regulation Emotion regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and change one’s emotional experiences and reactions to things that occur. It involves the conscious and unconscious processes through which individuals recognize, understand, and influence their emotions. Emotion regulation is essential for maintaining psychological well-being, as it allows individuals to navigate various situations
