Choosing You Counselling & Psychotherapy

Happy Halloween - from the Choosing You team!

Learn about the different types of grief in our blog!
Visit: https://choosingyou.ca/blog/

Your grief is unique.
In addition, each grief you will experience within your life will also be unique. No two griefs look alike, even when it's experienced by the same person. There is value in grieving each one of our griefs separately.

Do you know the difference between grief and mourning?

Happy Thanksgiving, from the Choosing You team!

Grief is so much more than just the death of someone we love. We often find ourselves grieving so many other aspects of our life that has now changed. These are known as secondary losses.

Today, on National day of Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada. Reconciliation is a process rooted in action. We will be taking the day to listen, learn, support, acknowledge, advocate, and remember. To get started and learn more, the University of Alberta offers "Indigenous Canada" a free 12 module online course available in 22 languages.

When it comes to grief, there’s so many areas to explore and get curious about. Read our blog - https://choosingyou.ca/understanding-grief-basics-2/

We've revamped our website! Check out our new and improved content.

Celebrating tax free psychotherapy in Canada!

Managing back to school stress? This is normal! Here’s a few tips to help:
- Utilize your support system (friends, guidance counsellors, teachers).
- Don’t skip breakfast, being anxious on an empty stomach can increase those feelings.
- Have a journal you can write your thoughts in.
- Take a deep breath! In for four, hold for four, and out for four.

Healthcare workers are often hailed as heroes, and their dedication is often truly commendable. But let’s remember, their work shouldn’t have to be heroic. We must strive for better working conditions, so their incredible efforts are sustainable. Read more about this important topic in our latest blog.

Milestones, anniversaries, and holidays can bring waves of new grief for those who are mourning. It’s normal, but it can be incredibly challenging. Everyone copes in their own way, whether it’s taking time to remember their loved ones, engaging in old or new traditions, or simply having a regular day.

These events can be very isolating, especially when others don’t reach out or recognize the significance of the day. Checking in with those grieving can be incredibly meaningful, even if they don’t want to talk about it. The acknowledgment can make people feel seen and supported.

If you have been struggling with navigating new layers of grief, we see you. Our therapists are ready to support you as you navigate these complexities. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about how we can help.

Did you know that trauma can be stored in our bodies? Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a powerful therapeutic approach that helps release this trapped stress by focusing on bodily sensations.

Tune into your body: Become aware of physical sensations.

Connect the dots: Understand how these sensations relate to stress or trauma.

Shift focus: Move attention to positive or neutral sensations.

Feel the release: Experience calm and relief as your body lets go of past trauma.

SE is a transformative journey that starts with the body and leads to deep, lasting healing. Interested in somatic experiencing? Reach out to our team to learn if it is the right fit for you.

Over time, we internalize messages about our worth. Challenging experiences can make our inner dialogue critical. Bullying, discrimination, and oppression shape our thoughts, but often, these thoughts are untrue, and they hinder building a meaningful life. Next time you have a harsh thought, ask if you’d say it to a friend. If not, see if you can access a little bit of self-compassion.

Often, during traumatic events, people lose agency and control over situations and themselves. By offering them autonomy, respect, and support, you can help to restore your loved one’s sense of safety. Here are some ways to help:

Educate yourself: Learn how PTSD generally impacts people and the symptoms they may experience. Understand that PTSD is not your loved one’s fault.

Be patient and listen: Healing from PTSD takes time. Offer a listening ear, but do not pressure your loved one to talk about their experience. Build a foundation of trust and allow them to open up when they are ready.

Manage your own stress: Taking care of yourself will leave you better equipped to support your loved one.

Living with PTSD can be challenging, but your support can make a world of difference.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been a part of the human narrative for centuries, with symptoms resembling the disorder appearing in historical texts and accounts of warfare. Understanding PTSD is crucial as it acknowledges the profound impact that traumatic events can have on individuals, transcending time, cultures, and circumstances.
Check out the Canadian encyclopedia to learn more about the history of PTSD in Canada:

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-in-canada

There are so many harmful myths surrounding Gender Affirming Care, a crucial aspect of healthcare. Gender Affirming Care remains shrouded in misinformation and misconceptions. Dispelling these myths is crucial to fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

Check out this article written by Them to learn more.
https://www.them.us/story/anti-trans-gender-affirming-care-ban-disinformation-myths-debunked

Fat bias in healthcare makes people sick, although there is improvement to be found. Take a look at Time Magazine article about what weight bias in healthcare.

https://time.com/6251890/weight-bias-doctors-how-to-overcome/

Did you know, according to Psychology Today 96% of psychologists now see patients virtually. While online therapy has been available for a while, some feel hesitant to trying it. But for a great number of people, online therapy has huge benefits over in person therapy, while providing the same effectiveness as in-person therapy. Want to learn more, read this excellent article by Psychology Today:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy/what-works-best-online-or-in-person-therapy

Feeling on edge? That’s your body’s “fight or flight” response in action. When stress strikes, it’s like flipping a switch that primes you for action. Your heart races, breath quickens, and muscles tense. It’s an ancient survival mechanism, but modern life can trigger it too—think traffic jams or work deadlines. Want to dive deeper? Take a look at this pamphlet made by the University of Windsor!
https://www.uwindsor.ca/humanresources/sites/uwindsor.ca.humanresources/files/take_charge_of_stress_infomrmation_sheets.pdf

Depression is not a personal flaw but a treatable medical condition. Whether it’s through therapy, medication, or a combination tailored just for you, there’s hope. You’re not alone on this journey.

See CAMH for resources and information on depression and treatment.

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/depression

Escape the Perfection Trap: Discover why ‘good enough’ is the new perfect in our latest article. Learn practical tips to avoid overworking on everyday tasks and embrace a life of balance and self-acceptance. Click to find out how to save your best for the moments that truly matter.

Music has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Whether it’s soothing melodies, energetic beats, or soulful lyrics, music can lift our spirits, reduce stress, and provide an emotional outlet. PsychCentral has a great write up on music and stress, check it out!

https://psychcentral.com/stress/the-power-of-music-to-reduce-stress

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Connect, be kind to yourself, prioritize rest, dive into hobbies, and don’t hesitate to seek support. For those looking to dive deeper into self-care, the National Institutes of Health offers a variety of wellness toolkits that can guide you on your journey to a more balanced self.

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits