Category: Mental health
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Am I a People-pleaser or a Perfectionist?
How perfectionism and people-pleasing traits develop As with many personality traits, these may develop as adaptive coping mechanisms which allow us to better react to the conditions of our childhood, such as the values, beliefs, rules, or general tone in our family of origin. Specifically, we are told directly or indirectly by our parents/caregivers that…
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5 Reasons Why Fall is the Perfect Time for Counselling
Fall. It’s that time of year when you can really notice the seasons change before your eyes. Maybe you catch the sun setting earlier each day, or the little nip in the air that wasn’t there a few weeks before has you reaching for your scarf. As therapists, we notice certain times when more clients…
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Overcoming Psychological Inertia: How to make a change stick
Have you ever started a day or a week with a long to-do list, but ended it feeling disappointed that they weren’t achieved? How often have you set goals for your well-being like getting to bed earlier or eating healthier, only to resort to the same old habits? Everyone wants to be better and do…
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Should I see a therapist?
Many people ask themselves whether therapy is right for them because it can feel like an intimidating process. We completely understand this, and feel that it’s important to break down some of these barriers. WHO goes to therapy anyways? There are many false assumptions out there that counselling is only for people who are…
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Common Thinking Patterns that Increase Anxiety
Our Brain is Wired to see Worst-Case Scenarios Our brain is very good at putting things into categories – it has evolved to do this as a way of keeping us safe from danger. We learn to discern things as “good/bad”, “safe/unsafe”. Our brain also has the propensity toward preparing for worst-case scenarios, with the…
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Depression in new dads
Damaging Assumptions about New Dads “Dads don’t know what they are doing with babies.” “Dads need to check decisions with the ‘lead’ parent.” “Dads don’t have good instincts.” Do these assumptions about new dads sound familiar to you? Unfortunately, these societal beliefs are common but can reinforce new fathers’ negative feelings, which then further contribute…
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Supporting a partner suffering from Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) is defined as distress that arises during pregnancy (perinatal) and throughout the first year after pregnancy (postpartum). The intensity of PMAD can range from mild to severe. It can be overwhelmed or confused when your partner is given a diagnosis of PMAD. You may not know where…
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Understanding Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
The transition to becoming a new mother is HARD – one which is certainly not talked about enough! If you have recently had a child and are experiencing a huge emotional rollercoaster, know that this is completely expected and common. Many mothers experience the baby blues, especially within the first few weeks postpartum. This is…
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Pregnancy After Loss (PAL): In the Midst of Fear and Joy
Being pregnant after previous pregnancy loss(es) can be a time of confusing and mixed emotions. With 50-80% of women becoming pregnant again within 12-18 months after their loss, this topic is not spoken about nearly enough. Why does Pregnancy After Loss (PAL) feel different? When a woman is pregnant after loss, there is often…
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How to Support Someone who is Pregnant After a Loss (PAL)
Is your loved one pregnant after a loss and you’re not quite sure how to support them, or even what to say? You are not alone in this. There’s a common assumption that they must be happy to be pregnant given their previous loss(es). This can be true and yet it’s not the full picture……