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The Roles We Play: An Intro to Family Systems Theory
Family Systems Theory helps us understand how families operate as interconnected emotional units. Each member plays a role, and these roles can shape not only how we interact with our family but also how we approach relationships, work, and even our sense of self. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common family roles and discuss how becoming aware of these roles can help us break free from unhealthy patterns and build healthier, more balanced relationships.
Befriending Your Inner Critic with IFS Therapy
For many of us, the inner critic is a persistent, often unwelcome voice that undermines our confidence, sows seeds of doubt, and leaves us feeling inadequate. But what if there was a way to not only quiet this voice but to transform it into a helpful ally? IFS offers a compassionate framework to understand and work with this inner voice, reframing it as a part of us that, however harsh it may seem, ultimately wants to help.
Finding the Right Therapist for You
Finding a therapist is a big step toward improving your mental health, and it's not always easy to know where to begin. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already dealing with some form of mental health or emotional concern. We hope to make the process simpler and give you (and the people who care about you) strategies to get started.
Rewriting the Past: How Memory Reconsolidation Heals Trauma
If you’ve been considering trauma therapy, you may have come across the concept of memory reconsolidation—a fascinating process that’s transforming how we heal from the past. Rooted in neurobiology, memory reconsolidation offers a way to address the emotional weight of traumatic memories and free yourself from their grip. Let’s take a closer look at what memory reconsolidation is, how it works in trauma therapy, and how it can help you rewrite the painful stories your brain holds onto.
Attachment Theory and Our Relationship with God
Attachment theory, which explains how early relationships shape trust and connection, can also provide valuable insights into our relationship with God. Understanding this connection helps us deepen our faith and heal relational wounds. Whether through self-reflection, counselling, or contemplative practices, the journey toward secure attachment with God is worth the effort.
Getting Back on Your Feet When You Feel “Stuck”
Have you ever faced a significant event that left you feeling paralyzed, unable to move forward? These events or experiences can hit us hard, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and deeply depressed. If you're feeling “stuck,” know that you’re not alone. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and encountering the unexpected is part of the process.
Am I a “Christian Counsellor?”
For the most part, I’m an open book and feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and life experiences. But when it came to writing a blog post discussing my faith and spirituality, this gave me pause—not because I’m uncertain of my convictions, but because of the legacy and reputation attached to the terms “Christian” and “Christian counselling.”
I’ll be as clear as possible about what I believe and what I mean when I use the term “Christian counsellor” …
How Do I Get My Teenager to “Like” Me? (Part 1)
Parenting teenagers is a wild ride… and I’m confident in saying that even the best parents have their communication and relationship skills stretched to max capacity when their kids hit the teen years.
Thankfully, it’s not all bad, and there is lots you can do to make these years enjoyable for both you and your child…
What Does it Mean to be “Trauma-Informed?”
The issue with jargon is that it becomes common place language that loses it’s meaning over time. Or, in the case of the term “trauma-informed”, everyone adds the tag to their website or Psychology Today profile because it sounds good—even though both the therapist and client might not know what it actually means…
Will I Always Feel This Way?
“Never let them see you sweat ,” is what I thought to myself. I could feel the weight of the stressful event clinging to me throughout the afternoon and into the evening, but I carried on—until I couldn’t carry on anymore…
When Coping Skills Aren’t Enough…
“You mean, a ‘counsellor’? Heck no. I’ve tried that before and it didn’t work. They just gave me some dumb coping skills and sent me on my way.”
I operate with a simple principle for my health, and it translates into my work as a counsellor: don’t work at coping with the issue harder than you are willing to work to resolve it. In other words, don’t waste your time and energy getting a temporary fix, if you could instead experience true and lasting relief…
Why Should I See a Counsellor?
I’ve recommended tons of people to different counsellors around Saskatoon over the years. But the common objection I hear in response is, “Why? How could that help?”
I must admit—I’m only ‘slightly’ biased... but please hear me out.
Before I was a counsellor, I was a client…