Find your pillars of strength #counsellortalk #edchat #scchat #resilience #schoolcounsellors #counselor #psychology pic.twitter.com/LFSPIh9y60 — Susan Spellman Cann (@SSpellmanCann) April 23, 2024 In life, we often encounter ups and downs that can challenge our mental fortitude. It is during these times that our mental strength comes into play. The ability to navigate through life’s challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and stay focused on our goals isn’t always easy. It’s not about ignoring feelings or suppressing emotions, but about developing a helpful set of skills and attitudes that ..read more

Life is complex for most people. If you are fortunate and grateful to reach my age you never take life or anything for granted. You live, truly live life to the best of your ability. Seeing Change as an Adventure When I first started having vision issues, I felt like I was stumbling through a foggy maze. It was scary, frustrating, and honestly, pretty overwhelming. I remember coming back from the ophthalmologist and thinking if I eventually need a seeing-eye dog, so be it. The reality of that is something different. Over time, I realized that this new chapter wasn’t the end of my story—it was ..read more

We feel so lucky to work with talented youth, like the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede. Their dedication and creativity are awe-inspiring, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share their tips and experiences with you! Performance anxiety is a personal experience that can range from minor jitters to overwhelming nerves. Here are some ideas we believe can help: Confront Negativity: Recognize and address any negative thoughts or perceptions about performing. Accept the need for change and work on these one at a time. Cultivate Confidence: Believe in your unique gift and your purpo ..read more

It has been a process, to say the least in creating this book, but it is almost here. So much learning as we did not hire anyone to help us. We look forward to sharing Counsellor Talk with you and are so grateful for all the input from others. We believe our book is real and relatable, and we hope it will be truly inspiring. We invite you to explore a multitude of ideas that we hope will get your creative juices flowing. Get ready to embark on a journey where we will share several tips, tools, and techniques to empower you in finding your path, and discovering what works best for you and your ..read more

As Valentine’s Day approaches we often ramp up our intentional thoughts to gift someone we love something special. I want to point out one of my all-time favourite quotes, The Smallest Good Deed Is Better Than The Grandest Good Intention J Burroughs I’ve discovered that the most memorable moments are often born from the tiniest acts of kindness and I try my hardest to do them as often as I can not just on Valentine’s Day. A simple smile or “thank you” can brighten someone’s day, and a small favor can create a ripple effect of positivity. One instance of a small gesture that stands out for me ..read more

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller Valentine’s Day is typically associated with romance and couples. But what about those who prefer to celebrate in an unconventional way or perhaps not all? There’s no rule saying you have to stick to the norm. Here are 10 Anti-Valentine’s Day ideas for you to consider. 1. Self-Love Day Why not celebrate the most important person in your life – you? Use this day to treat yourself. Have a spa day, go shopping, read a book, or watch your favourite movie. Give yourself ..read more

Welcome to a journey of self-expression Art is a form of self-expression that goes beyond words. It allows us to be who we are, without judgment. It’s ok to be childlike and create from your heart that is what I do. To guide you through this journey, I created a series of affirmations. These affirmations are words of encouragement and inspiration that will help you tap into your inner artist and create freely. Affirmations to inspire your creative side “I will be ok with mistakes, they make marvelous art pieces.” “I will use the whole box of crayons and enjoy the moments.” “Today, I will cre ..read more

Canva, with its incredible AI features, can help you create engaging resources, infographics, and much more. Let’s explore how to use these tools in your role as a school counsellor. Section 1: Creating Engaging Visual Content Personalized Posters: Start with the basics – design personalized posters for your school events, workshops, and counselling sessions. Canva’s AI suggests colors, fonts, and layouts that resonate with your message. Emotional Intelligence Infographics: Use Canva’s AI to visualize emotional intelligence concepts. It can help simplify complex topics and make them more rel ..read more

As we all navigate through life, it’s crucial to remember that our mental health matters just as much as our physical health. Despite the stigma that has surrounded mental health for many years, it’s important to break these barriers and openly discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy mind. Mental health literacy is crucial for all of us. Learn more so that we do not overdiagnose. With this in mind, let’s delve into the significance of mental health. World Mental Health Day Every year on October 10th, we observe World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental ..read more

Testing out the new AI Magic switch on Canva which turns something I put together into a blog post … In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of oneself has become a critical, but often overlooked aspect of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Here, we present a daily guide that will aid you in carving out time for self-care. Monday: Embrace Physical Activity Start your week with a good dose of physical activity. Set a goal to exercise for at least 30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout; a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing to your favorite tunes can do the trick. The idea is to get ..read more