Grounding – I’m sure you’ve heard the word before! But what does grounding actually mean, and how can we practice it? Grounding techniques are tools we use to stay in the present moment. These tools might help reduce your feelings of anxiety, panic, or other forms of distress. Grounding tools can be helpful when we’re […]
When we think about Valentine’s Day, we might think, flowers, chocolates, and extravagant dinners. But if you’re looking for something more meaningful this Valentine’s day—a way to foster a deeper, more vulnerable connection with your partner—why not focus on building emotional intimacy? Inspired by research on healthy relationships from the Gottmans*, here’s a Valentine’s Day […]
Join Jenna Fortinski and Nicki Kirlin from Simply Counselling Services as they explore the wild world of body modification! From Ötzi the Iceman’s ancient tattoos to today’s tattoos and piercings, humans have been altering their bodies for over 5,000 years. While some practices feel “normal,” others—like branding, scarification, neck stretching, or lip plates—are a bit […]
While talking gets a lot of attention in relationships, listening is just as important (if not more so). Experts in relationships at The Gottman Institute highlight that listening isn’t just about hearing words — it’s about truly understanding where your partner is coming from. So, let’s break down the art of listening, Gottman style, to […]
With any transition, we’re often greeted with a mix of emotions. Welcoming the new year can bring on hope, excitement, and sometimes even anxiety. A new year will bring both opportunities and challenges for all of us, especially those of us actively trying to maintain our mental well-being. Here’s a guide to embracing the new […]
How is it already December? Time has flown by and we’re back in the busy holiday season! In today’s blog post, we’ll be discussing ways that we can nurture our mental health during this time of year. While this season may bring joy for many, it may also bring stress, grief, and sadness. Considering this, […]
As I mentioned in the last post, positivity is (obviously) a good thing, but forcing oneself to be positive all the time can have some negative consequences. Again, these problems arise from the reality that life is both good and bad, pleasure and pain. When we only acknowledge half of our lived experience, this type […]
Talking to children about death can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Many parents, relatives, and caregivers have the desire to protect their children from the heavy feelings associated with death. However, children should be given the opportunity to grieve just as we do when faced with the death of someone close to them. Choosing not to […]
Your brain is wired in a certain way to protect you from danger. When there is a threat, your brain triggers what is known as the fight/flight/freeze response. This response changes the way your body feels in an effort to keep you safe. Imagine for a minute that you are walking through the woods, and […]
When the final bell rings at the end of the last day of school, it’s easy to expect students to jump for joy and throw their papers in the air in celebration. However, there are more than a handful of students who struggle with the changes of routine that come with the transition into summer. […]