Whenever my clients discover that I was previously a family physician before becoming a therapist, they would always ask why I switched careers. The answer is typically complicated, but I usually simplify it by saying that I am drawn to human connection. I have a deep curiosity for it. There is so much research to show that we are wired for it. Several psychological theories and recent research have shown that not only are we wired for connection, but it also affects our health. Being and feeling connected have been shown to have positive effects on our blood sugar levels, cancer recovery, cardiovascular challenges, depressive symptoms, and overall mental health. On the other hand, Isolation has been shown to worsen the symptoms of depression and increase anxiety. As a therapist, I typically encourage my clients to increase their social connections as it is a proven way to improve our mental health. Given that the benefits of connection are apparent, why …
Using Your Best Voice
Using Your Best Voice Your voice is one of your main ways of connecting to those around you. It’s a powerful tool that you use throughout your life, with many different people in many different places. The human voice can convey up to 24 different emotions (1) and may reveal more information about emotions compared with facial expressions (2). You may not think very much about your own vocal health since we can take our ability to use our voice the way we want to for granted. It may not be until you deal with laryngitis (3), muscle tension dysphonia (4) or polyps, nodules, or cysts on the vocal cords (or vocal folds) (5) that you realize how much your ability to use your best voice affects your life. Here are some things you can think about to maintain your best voice. Change the alignment of your body. In today’s world, we tend to use a forward head posture (6). …
How To Awaken Your Innate Ability To Connect And Maintain Healthy Relationships
By Rocio Maria Toledo, MC R.Psych As human beings, we are social creatures. Not only does connection give us a sense of aliveness, but we are biologically wired to connect. Next time you are sitting in front of a person you sympathise with, listening to what they have to say, check both of your body postures and facial expressions, they will probably look incredibly similar. This is your biology naturally connecting without you even trying. We are born ready to securely attach to our main caregivers, to love them and be loved. As a species, we thrive in cooperation with others, regardless of how independent you might be or how much you might appreciate your alone time. Given that we are inherently social beings, relationships are an important part of our life. Maintaining healthy relationships can be difficult. They take effort, intention, time, self-awareness and so much more. Have you ever been in a relationship with someone you deeply cared …
Signs Of Bipolar In Teenagers
As a parent, it is typical to have to navigate your child’s emotional ups and downs. Teenage angst is often the norm and is to be expected. But sometimes, significant shifts in your child’s or teen’s mood are a sign that there is more going on. Perhaps you are curious if they have Bipolar Disorder. If so, this article will explore what Bipolar Disorder is, how it shows up, and how to move forward with treatment and resources. What Exactly is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar is a mood disorder that affects both adults and children, most commonly showing up in early adulthood. The National Institute of Mental Health states that the key symptoms that these individuals usually experience episodes of Mania. Mania can be explained as a period of intense energy, happiness, or activity. These manic episodes are often compounded by depressive mood periods, where mood and energy levels are extremely low. While the exact causes are unknown, the NIMH states …
How To Handle Conflict In The Workplace
Conflict is an inevitable part of life and business. This discussion will explore the concept of and types of workplace conflict, as well as strategies that can be used to help reduce the associated stress and hopefully achieve productive outcomes. Managing Conflict in the Workplace Calgary psychologists will tell you conflict can be healthy when there is a challenge to push past boundaries and expand our ways of thinking and navigating work. Diversity in the workplace is an extremely powerful tool as it can lead to greater creativity and innovation, expanded ways of thinking about others, and meaningful organizational change. Imagine if we all thought the same, there would be so much less creativity and innovation in our work. The problem with conflict is the emotional reaction that is elicited. When we feel emotionally triggered, stressed, and passionate, it can be difficult to behave in constructive and productive ways that align with our best intentions. This emotional stress can lead …
Is Couples Counselling Worth It?
Modern relationships are often motivated by love, companionship, and compatibility. There’s often significant pressure to find your perfect partner so that you can have the perfect relationship, and for some, a perfect family. It can be a lot of pressure. Here’s the truth, perfection is not real. When you found someone you want to commit to, there will inevitably be challenges. These challenges may stem from: Differences between you and your partner regarding values, relationship expectations, past experiences and triggers, physical or mental ability, culture, sexuality etc. Influences from other environments and people: employment, children and extended family, other partners, cultural groups etc. Significant life changes: financial stress, medical news, significant economic/social/political events etc. While many relationship challenges are often managed naturally, marriage and couples counselling can be an excellent resource when creating and maintaining a healthy and loving relationship. Even the healthiest and deepest relationships must conquer life’s obstacles. Regardless of your ideal or current relationship, therapy can allow …
Should I See a Counsellor or a Psychologist in Calgary?
When we talk about working with a mental health professional, there are many different terms thrown around, such as a counsellor, therapist, and psychologist. It can be kind of overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. Let’s begin by breaking down these types of mental health professionals. The Difference Between a Counsellor & A Psychologist In Calgary What is a Counsellor? The terms “counsellor” or “therapist” are both unprotected titles in Alberta, which means that anyone providing counselling can use them. That being said, professionals may register as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Registering as a CCC requires the individual to hold a relevant Master’s degree with coursework in specific areas. Once registered, CCC’s are qualified to provide psychological treatment for mental health and wellbeing. What is a Psychologist? Psychologist is a protected title in Alberta, and may only be used by therapists that have registered with the College of Alberta …
The Benefits of Couples Counselling Earlier in The Relationship
Relationships are an essential part of being human. The people we choose to share our lives with foster the opportunity to continue exploring and understanding the world and ourselves in new ways, as well as expand our support system and coping. While there are inevitable excitement and pleasure to be found in selecting a romantic partner, it also exposes us to opportunities to feel a wide range of emotions. In any relationship, romantic or not, there will be instances where there is conflict, miscommunication, misaligned values or desires, all of which can be challenging for couples. Significant challenges likely feel more visible, but smaller problems often go undetected or unaddressed, especially early on in a relationship. A beautiful aspect of couples counselling is that it allows the couple to reflect on their relationship while gaining meaningful tools and insights that can improve their relationship. How Couples Counselling Can Help Think about the examples you have seen of couples in therapy …
Can You Find Positivity During COVID-19? Absolutely!
The word positivity is not a word one would think aligns with COVID-19. The question is, WHY NOT? In a moment of individuals losing their jobs, stock market volatility, children home from school, sickness and death, and last but not least, being quarantined, positivity does not seem like it should be the word of choice. Let’s challenge this thinking for a minute. Thinking Positive During Covid-19 Losing jobs and having massive layoffs is truly difficult to manage. It affects lives, families, and financial welfare. When we think about it, however, human beings have lost their jobs for years, recessions have caused massive layoffs, but yet…we survive. We recover. Human beings are resilient, and during such times of stress and fear, we still move forward. Stock market volatility is simply said “A GIVEN”. It’s up, its down, and even when the economy fell apart in 2008, being labelled the largest point drop in history. Guess what… it regained its strength, and …
When Should I Take My Child To Counselling In Calgary?
For a lot of parents, taking their child to a therapist or psychologist in Calgary might seem drastic. Children acting out now and then maybe seen as ‘normal’, and most parents will say that the child will grow out of it. Sometimes this is good advice. Sometimes it’s not. When children have emotional or behavioral problems, the earlier they get support and treatment, the better control they will have in the future. The trick is to notice the clear patterns that showcase that your child might have emotional and behavioural issues. Noticing the following patterns are a clear sign that your child might need counselling. Signs To Take Your Child To A Child Counselling In Calgary Violently Acting Out There is acting out, and there is acting out violently. While children and growing teens can explode in anger at times, when it becomes consistent and violent, it is a cause for concern. The disruptive, explosive or dangerous behavior can be …