Every year, as the seasons change and the days get shorter, many of us notice a dip in our mood. We may feel more tired, less motivated to leave the house, and for some, feelings of sadness or even depressive moods can emerge. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in the winter, due to reduced sunlight and shorter days.

For years, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) reigned as the go-to modality in psychotherapy. However, a new approach is gaining momentum: Somatic Therapy.

With nearly a decade of experience, I’ve worked extensively with clients grappling with trauma, especially those who’ve endured multiple or complex traumatic events, often from childhood. Early in my practice, I became intrigued—albeit skeptical—about Somatic Therapy. It was a word that was veiled in mystery to me - what did it mean and entail?

Do you find yourself stuck in repeated patterns and struggle to break the cycle on your own? If you could picture yourself 6 months from now, what do you want to see for your life?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook our mental and emotional well-being. We invest in our physical health, education, and careers, but often neglect the importance of our mental health. Counselling, however, is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our quality of life. Engaging in counselling or therapy can lead to numerous positive gains, feelings, and behaviors. Here are some of the most common ones…

It’s finally (almost) here! In an exciting development for mental health care in British Columbia (BC), direct billing for registered clinical counsellors is soon to be available. This change marks a significant step forward in making mental health services more accessible and affordable for clients across the province. By reducing the financial and administrative burden on clients, direct billing is set to improve the overall experience of seeking mental health support.

EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy approach that aims to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the reprocessing of traumatic events through specific procedures and techniques. The therapy is based on the premise that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process information, leading to the persistence of distressing symptoms.

Following through on a personal boundary can be incredibly painful. It can mean saying goodbye to someone in our life.

What is a personal boundary? A personal boundary defines the limits of what actions are acceptable and comfortable for an individual. Boundaries are the lines we set for ourselves in various aspects of life, including the realms of emotional, physical, sexual, workplace, material, and time.

Following through on a boundary can be crucial for mental, emotional, physical, or sexual well-being.

Imagine stepping into a clinic, seeking guidance and support, only to be paired randomly with a counsellor who may not understand your unique needs and struggles. Such encounters can be discouraging and counterproductive, potentially deterring individuals from seeking help altogether. This is where the importance of a best-match approach becomes evident.

At the heart of the best-match approach is the recognition that every individual is unique, with distinct experiences, preferences, and goals. Therefore, the one-size-fits-all approach to counselling simply doesn't suffice. Instead, a personalized approach that takes into account the specific needs and characteristics of each client is essential.

Seeking counseling or therapy is a courageous and proactive step toward addressing personal challenges, fostering growth, and enhancing overall well-being. From navigating mental health issues to coping with life's stressors and seeking support during times of transition, therapy offers a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 reasons why people seek counseling/therapy, along with how therapy can help individuals overcome obstacles, build resilience, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.