Neurofeedback Calgary

Healing With the Electro-Equiscope

Kate KolskogElectro-Equiscope

Written by Erica Andries  Have you or someone you know experienced an injury, undergone surgery, has a chronic illness, and experiences pain or inflammation that just does seem to go away? The Electro-Equiscope uses a technology that offers a unique and advanced approach to healing the body at a cellular level. Using a minute electric current (microcurrent), electricity is directed into the body using probes, plates, and other various attachments.  Typically, when people think of electric therapies, they think of an invasive treatment that can be uncomfortable. One of the amazing things about the Equsicope is that it is noninvasive and virtually pain-free. A lot of the time the client cannot even feel the current.  What is the Electro- Equiscope used for? The better question is, what is it not?!  This device has a diverse approach to aid in the healing of a wide variety of conditions, ailments, and illnesses. Working with the body’s brain and nervous system, the results …

Red Deer Office

Mindfulness Meditation & Emotional Elevation

Kate KolskogTherapy

Meditation is a state of consciousness in which you are bringing your attention to only one thing. Typically, this mindfulness comes from taking deep breaths, removing distractions, and being present. So often I hear “I need to start meditating, but I’m not good at it”.   When we think of meditation, we tend to visualize someone sitting cross-legged, palms facing the sky, with their eyes closed.   Have you ever been out in nature, stopped to take in your surroundings and thought, wow, this is so peaceful? Have you ever been so into a song that you sing every lyric and feel every word? Or have you sat at home with your pet, reading your favorite book, basking in each other’s company? If you have done one of these things, you have successfully meditated! Remember, meditation is a state of being and can be altered to whatever works best for you. These are not the only examples of alternative meditation. Others include:  …

Dealing With Your Shame Through Therapy

Dealing With Your Shame

Kate KolskogTherapy

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 …

A Speech Therapist Helping A Child

Using Your Best Voice

Kate KolskogTherapy

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).  …

Healthy Relationships being Formed

How To Awaken Your Innate Ability To Connect And Maintain Healthy Relationships

Kate KolskogRelationship Therapy

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 …

Child sitting alone in living room

Signs Of Bipolar In Teenagers

Kate KolskogBipolar Disorder Leave a Comment

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 …

calgary-psychologist

How To Handle Conflict In The Workplace

Kate KolskogWorkplace Conflict Leave a Comment

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 …

marriage-counselling-calgary

Is Couples Counselling Worth It?

Kate KolskogBlog, Marriage counselling Leave a Comment

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 …

calgary-psychologist

Should I See a Counsellor or a Psychologist in Calgary?

Kate KolskogPsychology

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 …

couples-counselling-calgary

The Benefits of Couples Counselling Earlier in The Relationship

Kate KolskogUncategorized Leave a Comment

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 …