One week after my 50th birthday, I crossed the stage to officially become a therapist. I was wearing the cap and gown, holding my diploma, and thinking, I wish I had done this earlier in life.

At the same time, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

The trouble is, when you’ve been so good at caring for everyone else, you often forget — or never learned — how to identify what you need and how to ask for it. And here’s the kicker: people can’t read your mind.

I often hear women in this stage say they’re tempted to scrap a relationship because “it’s not working anymore.” But sometimes, it’s not that the relationship is broken — it’s that what you need from it has changed, and you haven’t yet named it.

People often ask me, “Isn’t it hard listening to people’s pain all day?” and yes, it can be. Sitting with grief, anxiety, trauma, or long-held emotional wounds isn’t light work…and what people don’t always see is the other side of it: the human connection, the quiet strength, and the small but powerful shifts that happen in the counselling space.

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. 

When we think about alternative healing practices, acupuncture often comes to mind as a centuries-old therapy known for its ability to ease pain, promote balance, and encourage overall wellness.  But did you know that acupuncture isn't just about needles?  There are three complementary techniques that are often integrated into acupuncture treatment - Cupping, Moxibustion, and Tuina (acupressure massage).  Together, they form a powerful toolkit for addressing everything from acute pain to trauma stored in the body. Let’s explore each modality!

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.

Time management is about prioritizing and organizing tasks to make the best use of each day. Many studies show that when practiced intentionally, it helps us accomplish more, reduces stress, and improves well-being. Effective time management can boost self-esteem and help create a positive cycle of productivity and satisfaction. Rather than just tracking hours, it’s about focusing time and energy on what’s important. The process starts with raising awareness of your own tendencies and experimenting with what works best for you

We often don’t realize how much our breathing habits affect our bodies. Sitting for long periods can cause the muscles between our ribs to become cramped, and our neck and shoulder muscles to take on more work. But there’s a simple solution: Diaphragmatic Breathing!

Modern life can leave us in positions that pull our heads and shoulders forward, creating discomfort in our neck, back, and shoulders. But don’t worry! There are simple ways to counteract this.

In our tech-driven world, we spend a lot of time looking down, which can lead to what’s known as “forward head posture.” This posture causes the muscles in the front of your neck and shoulders to tighten and the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back to overwork. Over time, this imbalance can lead to discomfort and even pain.

Importantly, trauma-informed massage does not involve reliving or discussing past traumatic events. Instead, it focuses on gently and respectfully tracking sensations in the body as tension is released. This ensures that tension is not released too aggressively, which could cause the body to revert to its protective holding pattern.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is helpful for managing anxiety at the start of a high school or college year in many ways!

As a parent, one needs to be ready to face all kinds of challenges. Like receiving a serious or sudden news regarding your child’s health, which can be destabilising in many ways. So, here’s a quick checklist of how you can responsibly handle your child’s health crisis and care for them without compromising your own emotional and mental well-being.

Trying to convince a child that they should not be afraid does not ease anxiety, but rather continues to fuel it. So, if you shouldn’t ease your child’s anxiety in this way, what can you do to support your child with their worries and fears through this season?

Signs of unforgiveness can include negative emotions when thinking about the person or event, bursts of anger disproportionate to the situation, feelings of depression or anxiety, inability to trust, and overgeneralization.

Every mom experiences postpartum uniquely, and some may have challenges related to executive functioning, sensory sensitivities emotional regulation and parenting style. If you're navigating these challenges, I want to reassure you that your feelings and struggles are valid and not uncommon.

If you are looking to get help through counselling, RMT or acupuncture in Langley or Surrey and need direct billing options, we may be able to help. There are a number of providers that now allow counsellors to access direct billing.

A common concern among newcomers and seasoned clients alike is the sensation experienced during acupuncture sessions. The dichotomy of comfort versus discomfort in acupuncture can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment and the your overall experience.

Neurodivergence encompasses various perspectives and experiences, which may differ from conventional societal norms. As a counsellor, I recognize the unique assets it brings to relationships. Rather than focusing solely on challenges, let's explore how neurodivergent traits can enrich and enhance our connections. We can refer to these traits as strengths or forces!

Navigating the challenges of ASD often involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing emotional support, education, and encouragement. If you are navigating the different challenges of parenting a child with ASD, I want to share some effective strategies to navigate this journey.