I often discuss core beliefs when it comes to topics such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and abusive relationships. The idea is that we ALL have distorted beliefs that we develop about ourselves throughout our childhood that are usually strengthened …
The Anxious Mind & Catastrophic Thinking
Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling anxious, your thoughts can get blown out of proportion? You might look back on a day that you were feeling especially anxious and upon reflection, you might think, “what was I thinking? …
Feeling Overwhelmed?
In my private practice, I often assist clients who report feeling overwhelmed in life. Feeling overwhelmed involves feeling highly anxious and disorganized, bombarded with obligations, depleted of energy, and feeling unproductive. The person’s mind is often overloaded with unhelpful / …
“Taming” Perfectionistic Tendencies
Are you a Perfectionist? Perfectionists are the individuals who hold a full time job, work over-time, volunteer, plan the family trips, are the friend who is always available, and the “glue” that holds the family together. They are the overachievers, …
Processing emotions from the past
We all experience emotional events during our lives that we all wish we could forget and leave behind us. Situations that involve loss, betrayal, violence and abuse, and also misconduct on our part! Oftentimes these events will come back to …
Catastrophic Thinking – Another Cognitive Distortion
Everyone engages in catastrophic thinking from time to time, this is when one’s reaction to an event is overly intense, emotional and anxious. We often see this type of thinking in individuals who struggle with anxiety, their reactions are highly …
Disqualifying the Positive
Another common cognitive distortion that arises in counselling sessions is “disqualifying the positive”. This is when one overlooks and downplays their positive qualities and / or accomplishments and focuses on their negative traits, and perceived failures. People who regularly find …
Overcoming Anxiety
Many people struggle with anxiety. Anxiety can result in many life difficulties such as problems at work and social problems. Anxiety can be manageable for some or completely overwhelming and distressing for others. In my experience, the individuals who do …