We all struggle with complicated feelings and emotions, conflicts, hurt, and pain. Learning how to take breaks to self-soothe is learning how to meet ourselves where we are at when going through tough stuff to move forward. Self-soothing helps us to have a better relationship with ourselves. Self-soothing helps the body to reset, particularly in response to acute stress. Instead of reaching for a drink, cigarette, etc. Self-soothe with healthier options, options that serve you better.

Nobody is perfect.  Everyone is flawed.  Everyone makes mistakes. Your desire to be perfect may be hurting you more than it is helping you.  Accepting your flaws is self-compassionate.

​It is never too late to start over and build the life that you want!

​Why is vulnerability important?  Vulnerability allows us to share our feelings and emotions, our experiences, as well as our mistakes, to improve self-awareness and to practice accountability.

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to journaling. 

​When I used to hear “emotional manipulation,” I’d usually think of a five-letter word that I despise - abuse. Four years later – I now think of myself.

​Like many other women out there, I have a love-hate relationship with my body. Sometimes I love it, but the majority of the time there is something I want to change about it. Even though we logically know that the expectations society puts on us are unrealistic, we still feel the need to try and live up to them. 

​The mental weight of body shaming can be heavy.

​Often after a breakup, you’ll see people cut or dye their hair, get a piercing or tattoo, or change their wardrobe. I, for one, am guilty of all of the above. But why do we do this?

By: Cassandra Nordal, PR & Marketing Coordinator

By Kelly Graham, MSW, RS

When you think of tattoos, you may not relate them to mental health. Tattoos can improve a person’s mental health by providing an outlet, making meaning for them, and helping them to process difficult feelings and thoughts.
 
People with tattoos get them for a variety of different reasons. Some feel that they make you love your body more because the outside better reflects who you are on the inside. They reflect your memories and experiences because you chose them and decided what you want represented on your skin. 

​I have now heard this account from several people, and am one of these people myself. Despite the ongoing trauma, state of chaos and challenges around this pandemic, there are some people who are relieved by the break from normalcy, and in fact maybe really needed the break. If this sounds familiar: don’t worry, you are not alone, nor is there anything wrong with how you’re feeling. 

By: Kelly Graham, MSW, RSW

​If you’re anything like me, you love sleeping in and hate waking up early for anything. While this lifestyle was alright in my teenage years, the older I got, the more I wanted to wake up and be productive in the morning. While this is much easier said than done, here are some tips that can help you learn to rise with the birds and get stuff done.

​I regularly see clients who are struggling with day to day functioning because of their mental health, and are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. This happens to all of us at some point, and it often feels like making positive change can be impossible. I would like to remind you about the importance of ‘getting back to the basics’ as this can have a significant impact on your well-being and health. We frequently (as a society and as individuals) take these things for granted. ​

By: ​Laura Groulx, MSW, RSW

​I talk to a lot of people. Like really talk. Typically, in my first meeting with a new client, I’ll ask what their goals are for counselling. As in, what is it that they are looking to change about themselves, or what can I support them through.

​An answer I often encounter is this: I want to be happy. This is a big goal. What does this even mean?? 

By: Kelly Graham, MSW, RSW

​Growing up you’ve probably been taught that you shouldn’t talk about masturbation, or maybe even that you shouldn’t masturbate. Because this is something that is not talked about and seen as a “taboo” subject, many people don’t know how good masturbating can be for you.