Grounding supports the mind-body connection, which is particularly important during times of stress. When we feel triggered or overwhelmed, our fight-flight-freeze response may activate, even if there is no real danger. While this response is designed to protect us, it can sometimes leave us feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected. Grounding techniques help regulate this response by calming the nervous system and inviting a sense of safety back into the body. Reconnecting with the body is key in reducing fear, anger, or dissociation and fostering emotional balance (Van der Kolk, 2014).

Martin is a trauma survivor. Growing up, he experienced extreme violence at home. His father was an alcoholic, and his mother endured relentless abuse. Many days, Martin dreaded coming home from school, never knowing if his mother would be alive when he returned. As a boy, he was taught that expressing fear or sadness was a sign of weakness. "Men don’t cry," he was told. "Be strong, swallow your pain." So, he did—until the weight of it nearly crushed him.

Effective clinical supervision is foundational to the development of competent and confident therapists. We believe that supervision should be a supportive and reflective process, fostering the therapist's professional and personal growth. By creating a safe and trusting environment, we encourage therapists to explore their clinical work, develop self-awareness, and enhance their therapeutic skills.

In that moment, I was reminded that compassion - especially for ourselves - can be difficult to practice. It often feels like it should be a natural thing to do, yet when we’re in the throes of frustration or discomfort, it can be incredibly challenging. But there it was, the gentle invitation to soften, to embrace compassion in the face of my impatience. But how?

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a lot, but it’s also a powerful decision toward healing and growth. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming emotions or simply seeking clarity, here are three things to know before you begin.

It is completely normal to feel exhausted and wanting to disengage from time to time when you enter motherhood. One can face postpartum challenges even with their partner and with approaching intimacy as new parents. Read on to know about how you can work together as a team and focus better on your relationship during the trying post-pregnancy phase.                

Neurodivergence describes the natural differences in how people think, learn, communicate, and experience the world. These differences shape how individuals engage in relationships and daily life (Singer, 1990).

“Does Qi (vital energy) flow influence mental health?” a client asked me.  The short answer is yes.  From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it absolutely matters. Qi is the central concept of TCM – it permeates everything and connects all things, from our cells to the universe itself.  Everything is manifestations of Qi.

According to theory, all habits are equally hard to break, whether bad or good. But there is debate and uncertainty regarding this assumption in the mental health community. Though the facts remain that it is certainly easier to succumb to habits than to overcome them. And that destroying old habits is relatively more difficult than forming new ones. So, whether it is improving your diet or establishing a better sleep hygiene, your habits are the fundamental blocks that you must focus on changing. 

In today’s fast-paced world, navigating the maze of health advice and conflicting nutrition trends can be overwhelming. But health isn’t about following the latest fad or jumping on the trend bandwagon. It is about understanding your unique body, your specific needs, and nourishing it in a holistic, evidence-based way that promotes long-term vitality and balance. A personalized, holistic health plan is the key to unlocking optimal health and wellness, and here’s how it can help you thrive.

In the pursuit of overall well-being, the link between our eating habits and mental health is an important aspect that is often overlooked. Beyond physical health, the foods we consume play a crucial role in nurturing our mental and emotional states. This blog explores the intricate relationship between dietary choices and mental well-being, shedding light on the impact of blood sugar, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and mindful eating.

If you are a man, you may feel a bit uneasy at the thought of going to counselling and you wonder what practical benefit there could possibly be from sharing about yourself. If you are reading this, one part of you likely has a hunch that counselling could be beneficial, yet another part of you wants to stay still and not risk the unknown.

If nature calls to you and you have a family, you may want to think about how you can pass on your love of the outdoors. Getting your kids outside when they’re young is ideal and helping them associate outdoor adventures with fun is essential.

When you have a family member who has been injured, it can often feel like you’re going through some things that others don’t understand.  You now have a role to fill, and you might be wondering how best to do that. Serena Graf shares some practical ways of navigating this.