The Family Centre of Northern Alberta

Remember, disagreements (not fights) are a natural part of life. ⁠
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It's perfectly normal to have contrasting opinions and ideas. In fact, it's a healthy way to learn and understand different perspectives. So don't be afraid of disagreements; instead, see them as opportunities for growth and open-mindedness.

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers, father-figures, grandfathers, trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming parents in our community.

In the spirit of , we encourage the men in our lives to make space for mental health care. There still exists a lot of stigma around men’s mental health struggles. We explored this issue on our blog in November: the article “Movember: Why Men’s Mental Health Matters”.

You can read the blog post here: https://tfcna.com/4dDo5GU

We all feel anxious sometimes - after all, it is a natural response to stressful situations! But when anxious feelings become too frequent, it can take a toll on your wellbeing.

That's why we have the Anxiety Therapy Group. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3V9bsMr

Sometimes it can be confusing to distinguish your beliefs and values from someone else’s. We can all be influenced by others or feel pressure from society to conform. But your journey is, in many ways, completely unique to you.

Struggling to discover your personal ‘why’? Consider signing up for our Journey to Self-Discovery workshop: https://tfcna.com/3QJDGeb

Today is Action Anxiety Day, and we have a question for you.

What’s pushing you along every day: anxiety or your ambition and interests?

While not a recognized mental health diagnosis, ‘high-functioning anxiety’ is often used to describe people who have frequent anxiety but function well (or at least appear to).

If you struggle with procrastination, perfectionism, or relaxing, you may be exhibiting signs of high-functioning anxiety.

Learn about some other signs on our blog: https://tfcna.com/4bxOpQR

These are just a few ways you can find peace on this . Accepting who you are, what you have, and what you’re worth are foundations to improved mental and physical wellness.

The next time you swing by our 106 Street office, you might notice a new splash of colour! Thanks to our team's Garden Club, the front of our building is in bloom.

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!

The Family Centre is on TikTok!

We’re sharing mental health tips, parenting strategies, relationship goals, and a few memes, too.

Plus, stay tuned for our TikTok series on coping with anxiety, with insights from a few of our mental health therapists.

Follow our profile here: https://www.tiktok.com/

In the beginning phase of a relationship, couples can often be shy or reluctant about discussing some important issues because they may believe that it is enough to just “be in love.”

However, you can alleviate many future challenges by talking about some critical key issues before deciding to make a long-term commitment.

Here are some prompts to help you begin: https://tfcna.com/3WDUXJw

Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Empowerment Team, in partnership with the Altview Foundation and the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, created a free digital resource for those who experience harm online.

The Online Safety Toolkit provides information for 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, youth, parents, women and girls, men and boys, and for anyone in the community who needs support to have a safe and healthy online presence.

The tool kit includes:
- step-by-step instructions
- tips
- resources
- definitions

View and download the OST here:

The Online Safety Toolkit The Online Safety Toolkit (OST) is a free digital resource for those who experience harm online and includes tools and resources to feel safe(r)online.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

The Rainbow Pages is our free resource guide for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the Edmonton and surrounding community, and our newest printed edition is made free to you through the generous sponsorship of Northwest Edmonton!

If you’re looking for health and wellness, spiritual, or community events and activities in the city – this resource guide has got you covered.

Visit TheRainbowPages.ca to request your free copies!

LGBTQ | Edmonton | The Rainbow Pages The Rainbow Pages is a resource guide developed by The Family Centre to provide Le***an Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer+ (LGBTQ+) youth and the youth-serving community with a consolidated guide of supports available in Edmonton.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. This is a time to create space to learn about and celebrate the rich heritage and resilience of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members.

We are committed to enhancing our practice by increasing our knowledge and understanding of the history of Indigenous people, combined with opportunities to experience ceremony, traditional teachings, and activities.

Here is a collection of photos from our team attending these cultural events and ceremonies facilitated by our Knowledge Holder. This includes smudging and making smudge kits, tipis, and regalia.

Have you joined our newsletter list yet?

Sign up to receive regular updates on therapy group and class dates, mental health resources and flyers, and the latest news about The Family Centre.

Just a few clicks to get on the list: https://tfcna.com/3UAyTOy

Newsletter Signup The Family Centre | Counselling, Classes, and Translations

Did you experience hardships, setbacks, or unforeseen events in your childhood?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can include witnessing your parents’ divorce, emotional or physical neglect from caregivers, living through unstable economic times, or experiencing bullying growing up. These experiences can cast a long shadow over your life.

Our new Overcoming Adversity class helps you navigate through periods of dysregulation and move towards a more peaceful life where you can thrive.

There are many ways for you to take your power back, and there is hope in every situation for overcoming your adversities. Register today: https://bit.ly/44NG89v

We were honoured to host accreditors from Social Current for the COA Accreditation last week. The accreditors spoke with our team and clients and reviewed numerous documents to learn about our programs and service standards.

COA Accreditation is a framework for effectively managing resources, implementing best practices, and incorporating community voice. This process helps us to continue enhancing our services and professional development for our team.

We all deserve to be in a healthy relationship. How do you know if you’re in one?

Check out our blog post on 7 signs of a healthy relationship: https://tfcna.com/3Uy0gc8

This includes a sense of safety, secure boundaries, and having equal say. If any of these seem missing for you and your partner, you may benefit from attending our Couples Communication class: https://tfcna.com/44g0eIY

You might not realize what counts as progress. But you are growing, little by little, every day. You deserve to celebrate that! Self-care should always include some self love.

You’re pretty sure you know what’s coming… but open communication is still important!

Aim to listen to understand, have empathy, and be present with your child.

Creating routines that reinforce our connections with others is essential for our mental wellbeing.

Whether it's catching up with friends over coffee, joining a community project, or prioritizing quality time with loved ones, these interactions can help us feel more supported, connected, and fulfilled. ⁠

Bonus points if this time together is free from interruptions. Truly listening to someone is a key step to strong communication and understanding.

No one said parenting was easy. Children of all ages have their own unique personalities and characteristics. They know how to make you proud and they also learn very quickly what buttons to push to make you angry or pay attention.

Take a look at some of our classes for parents facing similar struggles: https://tfcna.com/4bv8LKI

Not even the rain could stop the Spruce Ave Spartans from marching against Gender-Based Violence with the yesterday.

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join together to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest… it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.”

Depression doesn’t discriminate. It only seeks to keep you in a cycle of sadness. That’s why we’ve produced a variety of resources that can help you cope.

Depression: Symptoms, Triggers, and Tips for Coping: https://www.familycentre.org/news/post/depression-symptoms-triggers-and-tips-for-coping
4 Small Steps to Feeling Better: https://www.familycentre.org/news/post/4-small-steps-to-feeling-better
10 Common Negative Thinking Patterns and 5 Steps for Change: https://www.familycentre.org/news/post/10-common-negative-thinking-patterns-and-5-steps-for-change

These blog posts serve as a great starting off point in your journey to mental wellness. We highly recommend you also consider counselling or joining one of our therapy groups.

Susanne is a resilient woman who found mental health support through The Family Centre, a United Way-funded partner agency. Empowered by these tools and resources, Susanne reclaimed control of her life. Her journey of self-discovery and recovery is a reminder that everyone deserves a chance at their best life.

“My instructors taught me how to set healthy boundaries, how to communicate effectively, and how to focus on my mental wellbeing.”

Our Healthy Relationships Group for women focuses on building more fulfilling relationships and balanced life with less conflict.

Join us today for a free virtual information session at 4:30 PM, or RSVP to another info session date on our website: https://tfcna.com/4b8ce1s

Susanne's Story: "Better access to mental health support helps me live my best life" The Family Centre | Counselling, Classes, and Translations

The Rainbow Pages Edition 7 is now available in print! Want to get your hands on a copy?
Visit TheRainbowPages.com and submit an inquiry! The Edition 7 print edition is made available for FREE to the community by Toyota Northwest Edmonton – thank you for the generous sponsorship!

Happy Mother’s Day to mothers, mother-figures, grandmothers, trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming parents.⁠
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Caregivers need help sometimes, too. We hope you remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Give yourself grace today.

Come on in and take a seat.

It’s not always easy to take that first step toward mental wellness. We make the process as welcoming as possible - starting with the first room you see, our reception area.

Check in, have some water, and take a deep breath. You may also choose to use our smudging station before you meet with one of our therapists.

Your first counselling session at The Family Centre is free, and you can walk-in or schedule your appointment online: https://tfcna.com/4bvwxq3

Our Counselling Hours:⁠
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Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM ⁠
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM⁠
Closed Sundays & Holidays.

There are a lot of ways to do self-care and show yourself compassion when you are struggling. Hugging a dog is certainly one of them.

When you woke up, what first crossed your mind? Did you embrace the day with eagerness, or do you find yourself hesitating and perhaps feeling a bit apprehensive about what’s to come?

Our latest blog post dives into the power of your inner monologue and the impacts of negative and positive self-talk.

Give it a read here: https://tfcna.com/3JxThJY