Recently I was asked to discuss resilience and its importance for body workers and yoga therapists at the Vancouver School of Healing Arts where I have taught for over a decade. I initially hesitated. Given my position of privilege, I wondered what I could offer on this topic. This initial doubt revealed my assumption that resilience is primarily honed through adversity as if it were a muscle solely developed as a result of surviving life's challenges.

Amidst our bustling lives, stress is seen as a disruptive force that can lead to a cascade of health issues. However, shifting our perspective on stress can reveal its potential as a tool for self-awareness and wise action. As a counselor and yoga therapist, I work with clients to utilize a variety of tools to embrace stress as a catalyst for personal growth, 

In our hyper-connected world, where communication can happen instantaneously across various platforms, the phenomenon of "ghosting" has emerged as a perplexing and often painful experience. 

After surviving a violent sexual assault in my early 20s, I was taken to a hospital to be examined and tended to by the doctor and nurses working there. They were one of my first points of safety after the most terrifying experience of my life. The safety that those healthcare providers created for me was certainly one (although not the only) of the contributing factors to my avoiding developing PTSD.

As the global environment shifts and humans (and all planetary species) experience the very real and devastating impacts of climate change, there is an increasing need for mental health professionals to better understand the psychological repercussions that climate-related losses have on the population.

In her podcast, Dr. Thema focuses on survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sex trafficking. She provides important tips for reconnecting with our bodies so we can be at home with ourselves. In this audio journal, I discuss my impressions of Dr. Thema’s speaking to the listener as client what I noticed that stuck with me. I also conceptualize working alongside trauma and what may be helpful in creating a safer space for clients.

The Spring of 2020 brought with it more than a shift in season. That year, the world became a different place. While the cherry blossoms began to unfold into the crisp sunlight, we were told to stay indoors.