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.
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
Managing Life Transition Anxiety
Managing Life Transition Anxiety How to cope when change is inevitable Anxiety during life transitions and changes Life transition anxiety is a common experience when we encounter change. This is especially true when the change is unpredictable or perceived to be largely out of our control. In this article, we will discuss What life transitions are Common triggers for life transition anxiety How change impacts mental health The signs and symptoms of anxiety Coping strategies for managing anxiety Resilience during life transitions The benefits of counselling support when navigating change What are life transitions? Life transitions refer to significant changes in an individual’s life that can have a profound impact on their daily routines, roles, relationships, and overall sense of identity. These transitions encompass a
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.
What to Do If Your Family Member Won’t Go to Therapy
When a Loved One Won’t Go to Therapy Dealing with therapy refusal from others When a Family Member or Friend Won’t Go To Therapy In therapy, there is a funny adage which says, “People in therapy are often in therapy, to deal with the people in their lives, who won’t go to therapy” When a family member, partner, or friend is resistant to seeking therapy, it can be challenging and frustrating, especially if you believe therapy could greatly benefit them – and perhaps even more so if their lack of therapy attendance seriously disadvantages you. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, and you cannot force someone to attend therapy against their will – nor should you, as this could actually backfire.
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.
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.
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.
Counselling Benefit Coverage
Counselling Benefit Coverage Insurance Benefit Coverage for Mental Health Counselling Taking care of our mental health is vital for overall well-being, and having access to adequate psychological support is essential in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. In Alberta, Canada, various benefit coverage options exist to help individuals access mental health services and treatments, providing much-needed support during challenging times. In this post, we will delve into the particulars of counselling benefit coverage in Alberta, exploring the different types of coverage available, eligibility criteria, covered services, and the various pathways to accessing mental health support. Understanding how counselling benefit coverage works is crucial for making informed decisions about our mental health care, ensuring that we can access the services we need when we need them.
Can Therapy Make You Feel Worse?
Can Therapy Make You Feel Worse? When mental health therapy doesn’t leave you feeling great Therapy is often hailed as a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. However, the therapeutic journey isn’t always smooth sailing. In some cases, people may find that therapy makes them feel worse before they start feeling better. In this post, we’ll delve into this topic and explore why therapy can sometimes elicit difficult emotions, the importance of pacing, what to expect during therapy, and the distinction between short-term discomfort and long-term progress, conflicted therapy goals, and how to address if you do end up feeling worse. Difficult Emotions Therapy can bring up a wide
Why Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone
4 Reasons Why Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone Considerations when therapy doesn’t seem to be helping Reasons Why Your Mental Health Therapy May Not Be Working The truth is, therapy doesn’t work sometimes. Therapy can be a transformative experience for many individuals, providing a safe space to explore their emotions, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. However, it is important to acknowledge that therapy doesn’t work equally well for everyone or across every circumstance. In this blog post, we will discuss some key factors that can influence the effectiveness of therapy and why therapy doesn’t work as well under certain conditions. Therapist client mismatch Finding the right therapist is crucial for a successful therapeutic experience. Every individual has unique needs, preferences, and personality traits, and
Entire Library of Posts
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
Managing Life Transition Anxiety
Managing Life Transition Anxiety How to cope when change is inevitable Anxiety during life transitions and changes Life transition anxiety is a common experience when we encounter change. This is especially true when the change is unpredictable or perceived to be largely out of our control. In this article, we will discuss What life transitions are Common triggers for life transition anxiety How change impacts mental health The signs and symptoms of anxiety Coping strategies for managing anxiety Resilience during life transitions The benefits of counselling support when navigating change What are life transitions? Life transitions refer to significant changes in an individual’s life that can have a profound impact on their daily routines, roles, relationships, and overall sense of identity. These transitions encompass a
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
Why Do I Feel Anxious for No Reason?
Feeling Anxious for No Reason Coping with physical anxiety symptoms Do you feel anxious for no reason? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to experience moments of anxiety even when there seems to be no apparent reason. This post aims to delve into the various aspects of this phenomenon and shed light on why you might be feeling anxious for no reason. Somatic Anxiety Symptoms Understanding the Physical Manifestations of Anxiety Anxiety often manifests itself in various somatic (aka physical symptoms). These symptoms can be confusing and distressing as they are the same sensations as those occurring from physical health issues unrelated to anxiety. Physical anxiety symptoms can include: Feeling that your heart is pounding, racing, or skipping Chest pain, heaviness, tightness, or discomfort
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
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
Counselling Benefit Coverage
Counselling Benefit Coverage Insurance Benefit Coverage for Mental Health Counselling Taking care of our mental health is vital for overall well-being, and having access to adequate psychological support is essential in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. In Alberta, Canada, various benefit coverage options exist to help individuals access mental health services and treatments, providing much-needed support during challenging times. In this post, we will delve into the particulars of counselling benefit coverage in Alberta, exploring the different types of coverage available, eligibility criteria, covered services, and the various pathways to accessing mental health support. Understanding how counselling benefit coverage works is crucial for making informed decisions about our mental health care, ensuring that we can access the services we need when we need them.
What to Do If Your Family Member Won’t Go to Therapy
When a Loved One Won’t Go to Therapy Dealing with therapy refusal from others When a Family Member or Friend Won’t Go To Therapy In therapy, there is a funny adage which says, “People in therapy are often in therapy, to deal with the people in their lives, who won’t go to therapy” When a family member, partner, or friend is resistant to seeking therapy, it can be challenging and frustrating, especially if you believe therapy could greatly benefit them – and perhaps even more so if their lack of therapy attendance seriously disadvantages you. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, and you cannot force someone to attend therapy against their will – nor should you, as this could actually backfire.
Can Therapy Make You Feel Worse?
Can Therapy Make You Feel Worse? When mental health therapy doesn’t leave you feeling great Therapy is often hailed as a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. However, the therapeutic journey isn’t always smooth sailing. In some cases, people may find that therapy makes them feel worse before they start feeling better. In this post, we’ll delve into this topic and explore why therapy can sometimes elicit difficult emotions, the importance of pacing, what to expect during therapy, and the distinction between short-term discomfort and long-term progress, conflicted therapy goals, and how to address if you do end up feeling worse. Difficult Emotions Therapy can bring up a wide
Why Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone
4 Reasons Why Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone Considerations when therapy doesn’t seem to be helping Reasons Why Your Mental Health Therapy May Not Be Working The truth is, therapy doesn’t work sometimes. Therapy can be a transformative experience for many individuals, providing a safe space to explore their emotions, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. However, it is important to acknowledge that therapy doesn’t work equally well for everyone or across every circumstance. In this blog post, we will discuss some key factors that can influence the effectiveness of therapy and why therapy doesn’t work as well under certain conditions. Therapist client mismatch Finding the right therapist is crucial for a successful therapeutic experience. Every individual has unique needs, preferences, and personality traits, and
Understanding Therapist Credentials in Alberta
Understanding Therapist Credentials in Alberta The regulation of counselling and mental health professionals Mental Health Therapist Credentials in Alberta When seeking mental health support, it’s important to understand the different therapist credentials and their distinct roles. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counsellors each bring unique qualifications and expertise to the table and there is significant overlap in various mental health treatment roles. In this post, we will explore the differences between each therapist credentials professional designations, and helping you make informed decisions when choosing a mental health practitioner in Edmonton. Therapist Credentials for Psychologists in Alberta Psychologists are mental health professionals who specialize in the study of human behavior and the mind. They hold advanced degrees in psychology and are licensed and regulated by the
Choosing a Mental Health Therapist
Choosing a Mental Health Therapist Considerations when selecting the best mental health therapist for you Finding the right mental health therapist Choosing a mental health therapist can be a pivotal step towards achieving emotional well-being and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, the process of selecting a mental health therapist can feel overwhelming. In a city like Edmonton, where numerous psychologists offer their services, it’s crucial to understand what to look for to ensure you find a therapist who suits your needs and preferences. In this post, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing a mental health therapist in Edmonton. Therapist qualifications and credentials When beginning your search and choosing a mental health therapist
