Blog

Work stress has become an increasingly prevalent issue in today’s demanding professional world. Tight deadlines, overwhelming workloads, high expectations, and workplace dynamics can all contribute to stress that affects our overall well-being. However, while stress in the workplace is almost inevitable, it is crucial to address it in ways that prevent burnout and ensure long-term productivity and health. What is Work Stress? Work stress refers to the strain or pressure people experience when job demands exceed their ability to cope with those demands. It can arise from various sources within…

"I find too often we just go from one thing to the next without pausing to integrate along the way. " Lisa Dion The constant rush of daily life often leaves little time for introspection although there is a hum of conversation on social media to make resolutions and set goals for the new year. I read a blog by Lisa Dion the other day where she articulated the importance of what she called 'conscious endings'. This inspired to be to think about how many times I don't take a moment to breath before jumping back into the rush of my own checklist. This blog post is an invitation for you and I to…

Being open hearted means something very different to me after my last week's therapy session. I work with a somatic therapist and I had been working through early medical trauma coming up as fear and terror deep inside my chest. Being with this feeling without dissociating through coming back into my over chattering mind was a challenge. It is so much easier to just go into the stories I tell myself instead of being there with this cold discomfort. With the presence and witnessing of my therapist, I continued to stay with this feeling that felt older than my language. It came as an emptiness…

10 Cents to See My Chest: Building Pride and Confidence in Children with Surgical Scars As a parent, it can be a courageous challenge to be present for your child when they are born with medical challenges. I cannot imagine what this was like for my family when their first child was born with ten toes, a big smile and a blue skin tone. Right after I was born, I was whisked off and my family was broadsided with the news of my congenital heart deformities. I was blessed to have a strong family and a mother and grandmother that knew how much a child needed closeness and presence. They knew this…

This week, I had the most beautiful experience that resonated deep down to my toes. I was reminded that shared stories weave a tapestry of belonging, kinship, and the knowing feeling of being truly seen. As a counsellor who specializes in supporting children, youth, and families who have experienced medical trauma, I have walked alongside many who struggle with anxiety, dysregulation, disconnection, overwhelm and other mental health challenges. I know how important community and connection to others is, but this week it truly came home to my own heart. There is something uniquely powerful…

Aging brings many changes—retirement, physical health concerns, and shifts in social circles. While some of these transitions are expected, one of the most pressing yet often overlooked challenges faced by older adults is loneliness and isolation. Research show that social isolation can significantly impact both mental and physical health, contributing to depression, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality rates. Are You Caring for an Aging Parent or Grandparent? For many middle-aged adults, the struggle isn’t just about worrying for an aging parent—it’s also about balancing caregiving…

Have you ever looked around and thought, This isn’t where I thought I’d be? Maybe you imagined a different career path, a higher position, or a greater sense of fulfillment at this stage in life. Instead, you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your choices. If this resonates, you’re not alone. The Weight of Expectations Many of us enter adulthood with a roadmap—whether it’s one we crafted ourselves or absorbed from family, society, or education. We set timelines: By 30, I’ll have my dream job. By 40, I’ll own a home. By now, I should feel successful. When reality doesn’t…

My Heart Story Every life tells a story, and mine begins by being born "blue" with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect. As a newborn, I quickly learned how much strength I needed, even to breathe, move and eat. I was born with a mountain to climb for even simple human experiences. As I grew up, I learned to to hide my scar, both the physical one on my chest and the emotional one in my heart. I longed to blend in, to be seen as 'normal' and brave, but the truth is that my hidden story was far too powerful to remain silent. Like many others with congenital heart disease, my…

It’s easy to scoff at the word ‘addiction’ when it comes to screen time. After all, our phones, tablets, and laptops aren’t drugs or alcohol, right? But the way they engage our brains tells a different story. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives pleasure and motivation, is being hijacked by the rapid-fire stimulation of notifications, endless scrolling, and instant gratification. Dr. Anna Lembke, an addiction expert, explains that smartphones are designed to be addictive, reinforcing behaviours with rewards like social media interactions, akin to a slot machine's reinforcement schedule…

As 2025 begins, I am noticing that my clients need a more resilient, generous way of repairing the disharmony they create. Saying I am sorry is not nearly enough especially if the hurtful remark, the sarcasm, the domineering posture has been ongoing. We all come into our relationships with character flaws - bad communication habits that came from childhood hurts. Ie.,” Nobody will ever get close ever again. “ “ I get to tell you everything that I think and feel just like my mother did " These reactions are defensive in nature and so automatic we barely notice the effect on our loved ones or…