Over the last 15 years working as a helping professional, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many clients through periods of crisis, growth, transition, and healing. I’ve also spent a lot of time reflecting on how to offer the most effective support— not just when things fall apart, but in the quiet, in-between moments too. After careful consideration and a growing body of research in the field, I’ve made the decision to transition my practice to offer therapy primarily on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This shift is rooted in both clinical evidence and my own experience of what leads to the deepest, most sustainable growth for clients.

Here’s a few reflections on why.

Have you ever noticed how a walk outside can help clear your mind or make it easier to talk about something difficult? Walk & Talk Therapy builds on this natural connection between movement, nature, and mental well-being.

Every newsletter, I like to share about a practitioner whom I believe my readers would benefit from knowing. The good work that they do in the world inspires me, and this month I am writing to share with you a bit about my friend and colleague Jennifer-Lee Koble, MSW.

Jennifer-Lee (she/ her) is Métis/Cree and of mixed European ancestry. She belongs to the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. She is a proud mother, auntie, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, partner, and friend.

It’s humbling to reflect on the ways our paths have woven together over the years.

I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients as a helping professional in the field of trauma for over 15 years. Over time, I’ve noticed a specific group of people who consistently show up in my practice: helpers, first-responders, and healthcare professionals. Many of them don’t get is the same care, presence, and support they so generously provide to others. This is why I’m shifting the focus of my counselling practice to supporting those who support others.

First responders and healthcare professionals across the spectrum of healing and crisis-response are on the frontlines of emergencies, loss, and extremely high-stress situations. They give so much of themselves to others—often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Counselling for offers a safe, confidential space to debrief, process and integrate both on the job experiences as well as personal concerns.

Life doesn’t always make sense. Sometimes, terrible things happen—sudden loss, violence, natural disasters, or quiet, aching heartbreaks that go unseen. In these moments, the world can feel upside down. Our bodies may tremble, shut down, or go numb. Our minds race to make meaning. We search for the right thing to do, or say, or feel.

Dreams have fascinated humans for centuries, serving as both a source of mystery and a wellspring of insight. Whether seen as messages from the unconscious, reflections of daily life, or symbolic narratives of inner conflict, dreams can offer profound guidance for self-discovery and healing. In the realm of psychotherapy, various approaches to dream analysis provide valuable tools for personal growth. This post explores different methods of interpreting dreams, their therapeutic benefits, and how they can support emotional well-being.

Many of my clients experience shame, a deeply painful and universal human emotion that can significantly impact self-worth, relationships, and overall well-being. While everyone experiences shame at some point, understanding its nature and learning how to address it can help us cultivate resilience and self-compassion.

In a world often overwhelmed by despair, injustice, and uncertainty, it is easy to succumb to hopelessness. Many of us feel disconnected, anxious, and disillusioned—struggling to find meaning in a society that frequently prioritizes power, materialism, and division over compassion and connection. Yet, as bell hooks reminds us in All About Love, love is not simply an emotion but an active choice, a radical commitment to healing, and the antidote to the deep wounds of hopelessness.

Life is a dance of opposites. Joy and sorrow, activity and rest, light and shadow—these dualities shape our experiences. In Buddhist and yogic traditions, embracing and balancing opposites is seen as one path to inner harmony, self-awareness, and personal growth. Let’s explore how these ancient practices guide us in cultivating opposites to lead more balanced and connected lives.

As a clinical counsellor, I know that January can feel like a particularly heavy month. The holidays are over, daylight is in short supply, and many of us are grappling with cold weather, post-holiday bills, and unmet New Year’s resolutions. It’s no wonder the third Monday in January has been dubbed “Blue Monday,” often described as the most depressing day of the year. While the idea of Blue Monday is largely a marketing construct, the emotional and mental challenges associated with this time of year can be very real. Whether or not you’re feeling the winter blues, here are seven strategies to help you thrive during this darker time of the year.

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and challenges, from family stress to grief and overwhelm. As a clinical counsellor, I’m sharing strategies to help you navigate this time with resilience and intention. Whether you’re managing expectations, coping with loss, or feeling disconnected, these tips can support your emotional well-being—because you deserve to thrive, not just survive, during the holidays.

As our parents age, many adult children find themselves stepping into the unexpected and challenging role of caregiver for those who once nurtured them. This transition—often a role reversal filled with a complex mix of responsibility, love, frustration, and grief—can be profoundly life-changing. Navigating this period with compassion, clarity, and care requires adjusting both our day-to-day lives and our expectations, while also understanding the unique challenges and rewards of caring for aging parents. Here’s a guide to help you manage this transition with empathy and insight, supporting both your well-being and that of your parents.

Grief and loss are universal experiences, but the journey of healing is deeply personal. Whether you're coping with the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or another form of loss, navigating grief can feel overwhelming. In this post, we’ll explore practical steps and strategies to help you process your emotions, recover, and find hope after loss.

In today's highly stimulating world, our nervous systems often bear the brunt of chronic stress, leading to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and even physical ailments. While many approaches can help manage these symptoms, yoga therapy offers a unique, holistic, evidence-based approach to support and balance the nervous system. This post explores how yoga therapy can be a powerful tool in your journey toward nervous system health and overall well-being.

Earlier this month, I embarked on a transformative 12-day vision fast ceremony in the breathtaking Inyo Mountains of California. Accompanied by three guides and ten other participants, this profound experience offered a unique opportunity to reconnect with both the land and ourselves in a deeply meaningful way.

Trauma is a profound and often life-altering experience that can leave us with the  challenge of navigating its’ often complex aftermath. While the pain and struggle associated with trauma are undeniable, there exists a phenomenon known as Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). This concept underscores individuals' potential to recover from trauma and experience significant personal, social, political and spiritual  growth and transformation as a result.

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.