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Signs Of Bipolar In Teenagers

Kate Kolskog Bipolar 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 Kolskog Workplace 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 …

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Is Couples Counselling Worth It?

Kate Kolskog Blog, Calgary, 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 Kolskog Psychology

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 …

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The Benefits of Couples Counselling Earlier in The Relationship

Kate Kolskog Uncategorized 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 …

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Can You Find Positivity During COVID-19? Absolutely!

Kate Kolskog Blog Leave a Comment

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 …

Child Counseling

When Should I Take My Child To Counselling In Calgary?

Kate Kolskog Blog Leave a Comment

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 …

Marriage counselling

What Are Some of The More Familiar Signs That You & Your Partner Need Marriage Counselling?

Kate Kolskog Marriage counselling Leave a Comment

No one said marriage was easy. There are going to be ups and downs, like any relationship. It’s a matter of working on a relationship, so the marriage strives. If your marriage goes through ups and downs, and you and your partner are happy in the end, it’s a positive sign.  Unfortunately, there are times when you are going to need guidance from a professional to help get your marriage back on a positive path. If you notice any of the following signs, it could be time that you and your partner seek marriage counselling in Calgary.  Communication Isn’t Consistent Or Overly Positive  Most relationship problems boil down to communication. But if there is a lack of communication, or worse, when the talking is always negative, such as one partner feeling judged, disregarded, or insecure, then it’s a sign that support is needed. If you cannot communicate properly with your partner, you won’t be able to restore your relationship. A …

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How To Deal With Difficult People – According To Your Calgary Psychologist

Kate Kolskog Therapy Leave a Comment

Everyone deals with difficult people. Whether it’s at home, at work, or even within a friend group, it can always be challenging to handle these types of people, as they place a strain on your relationship and in the surrounding environment.  They may make social situations tense by criticizing or making fun of others openly or passive-aggressively. Or they might explode emotionally and have volatile mood swings. Others might be overtly aggressive, forcing you to walk on eggshells around them. However, there are ways to cope with these individuals. With the help of your psychologist in Calgary, here is how you can gain control of interactions, reduce tension and protect yourself.  Make Self-Care a First Priority Regardless of how the other person might be feeling, your psychologist in Calgary will always recommend that you put your mental and emotional safety first. If you are struggling with interacting with difficult people, and they are making your life worse, then it is …

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Give Your Child the Skills to Succeed with Regular Counselling

Kate Kolskog Uncategorized Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that our kids are under a lot of stress and pressure to excel at school, home, and in extracurricular activities. While some children can manage competing priorities well, others struggle with these demands and expectations.  Regular child counselling with a psychologist in Calgary can help your child develop the coping skills they need. In doing so, they can manage the stress and challenges they’re facing. This type of investment in your child’s mental health can also go a long way towards putting your mind at ease. The Pressure to Succeed is Everywhere Regardless of how old they are, we tell our kids that their ability to succeed is of the utmost importance. These messages could be in the form of feedback coming from well-intentioned teachers and classmates, or in directions from a favorite coach on the soccer field. Though what success looks like will vary in each situation, the consistent message is that it is crucial. As …