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 …
Seasonal Affective Disorder – How to Cope!
After a beautiful, bright and hot summer, it can be difficult to adapt to autumn’s rain, cooler weather and grey sky. Leaving work with little daylight left can be difficult on our energy and motivation levels. Many people begin to …
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 …
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 …
Defeating Depression
Many of my clients suffer from depression and it’s distressing symptoms. Depressed mood, pessimistic thinking, lack of motivation, low energy, poor sleep, suicidal thoughts and excessive feelings of guilt are only some of the symptoms that plague those with depression. …