Understanding Suicide
This is a two-part video series on suicide. The first video outlines some of the common misconceptions or areas of confusion, such as the conception of suicide as an event caused by a biologized depression, as opposed to a deeply personal act. I then suggest two very general (though noninclusive) pathways to suicidal contemplation: as…
Read More“Everything Happens for a Reason”
We’ve all heard people say it. We might have thought it ourselves. But what do we really mean when we believe that “everything happens for a reason”? Is it a harmless form of wishful thinking that provides comfort and reassurance when times are tough? Or, is there something potentially problematic in endorsing this sentiment? When…
Read MoreThe Secret is Out: Exposing the Imposter Phenomenon
Imagine this: after months and months of hard work, you have been accepted into the incredibly competitive graduate program you’ve applied to. Or, after countless applications and draining interviews, you’ve landed your absolute dream job with a prominent and influential company. You’re thrilled – what a relief! You can’t wait to get started. All’s well…
Read MoreStaying on Track: Setting Successful Resolutions for 2016
As 2015 is quickly coming to a close, many of us are likely thinking of how we want to start the New Year. After the excess and indulgence that so often accompany the holiday spirit, it can feel especially important to make changes. Many of us, however, can identify with the feeling of failure when…
Read MoreKeeping the Joy in the Holiday Season
While the holidays can evoke thoughts of happiness and joy, sharing and caring, the preparation can also bring negative emotions, such as frustration, worry, and even fear at the never ending list of things to do. Some of the basic tenets of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may help in escaping the overwhelming crush of…
Read MoreRighting the Ship: What to Expect from Couple’s Therapy
Making the decision to work on your relationship through couple’s therapy can be difficult, and for most people, there are a lot of questions about what to expect. This article will attempt to demystify the process, and address three of the most common concerns that couples have coming into therapy. 1. It’s about figuring out…
Read MoreBook Review: The 5 Love Languages. The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman
Over the last year, I’ve had many couples mention that they’ve read The Five Love Languages (Chapman, G; 2015). This prompted me to read it myself, so that I may form my own opinion about whether this book could be helpful to couples who are struggling, or those who want to improve on an already…
Read MoreSpring Mental Health Tips for Halifax Residents
As the weather is finally starting to feel like Spring, Haligonians are slowly but surely emerging from hibernation. After the rough winter we’ve endured, it seems as though many of us are still feeling its effects, both physically and mentally. In light of Mental Health Week, it is important to remind ourselves of the psychological…
Read MoreGoodnight, and Good Luck: Tips for Sleeping and Feeling Better
As human beings, we spend between a quarter to a third of our lives sleeping. Given all this practice, one might think that we would be great at it; and yet, many people struggle with getting a good night’s rest. With so many distractions and stressors in our waking life, it can be difficult to…
Read MoreTalking with Teens
By: Madeleine Stobbe, RCT-C, CCC Adolescence can be a challenging time for both teens and families. It’s a time of not only physical changes, but cognitive, social, and emotional development as well. This may take the form of spending more time with friends and less time with family, pushing boundaries, and experimenting with new behaviours.…
Read More