Executive functions are like an orchestra conductor, coordinating various cognitive abilities to create a harmonious symphony of actions and thoughts. Weaknesses in executive functioning can present significant challenges in your daily life. It’s Irene on the blog this week – I want to explain what executive functions are. Executive functions work together to regulate our behaviours. Our frontal lobes, specifically the prefrontal cortex, are primarily responsible for executive function. Executive functions develop overtime as the brain develops, but they can also be enhanced through intentiona ..read more

Hi, it’s Kim on the blog this week. I wanted to talk about what it’s like to turn 50 years old. Unpopular opinion: turning 50 doesn’t bother me. It’s just another year older and that’s a good thing; it means I’m still alive and kicking. My perspective might stem from dealing with a fear of death since I was young, which I’ve done a lot of work to combat. Expectations Around Turning 50 One of the most annoying aspects of turning 50 is the expectations from others. People expect us to make a huge deal about it or suddenly act old and frail. There are even stereotypes about how 50-year-olds shou ..read more

Amelia here on the Dochas blog this week! I’m here to talk about the reality of getting engaged, a topic that makes some people squeal with excitement and others shut down completely. Our society puts a LOT of pressure on the relatively short time frame of a proposal, and expectations of the moment being ‘perfect’ can cause anxiety and disappointment if either party doesn’t feel that the moment lives up to movie and magazine standards. My Rollercoaster of Emotions When my partner proposed, I had TONS of feelings that ranged from ecstatic excitement to almost grief. I had a hard time talking a ..read more

Hi everyone, Sierra here on the blog today. In my first-ever blog post, we’ll dive into understanding fawning as a trauma response. We’ll look at how people-pleasing behaviours can stem from past abuse or perceived danger. We’ll explore where these behaviours come from, how they show up in our lives, and the path to healing. This journey is all about building resilience and self-empowerment. Understanding Fawning as a Trauma Response Fawning is a trauma response where individuals try to deal with perceived threats by being overly helpful and accommodating. This behaviour often stems from trau ..read more

With warmer weather, longer days, and summer months fast approaching, there’s no better time to talk about the positive effects of spending time outdoors. Those long, bitter, cold months make the sunny days all the more exciting and usually bring better moods right along with them. It’s Tat on the blog today and I’d love to explain how enjoying time in nature on those beautiful summer days can positively impact our mental health. The Benefits of Getting Outside Whether it’s something as big as a camping trip, or something as simple as spending an hour walking through a park, spending time in ..read more

Diagnosis can be a controversial topic. It’s Skye on the blog today and I want to discuss this pressing subject, as many clients wonder: “Do I need a diagnosis?”. Simply put, a diagnosis may not be suitable or beneficial for everyone. Can a diagnosis be harmful? For many clients, psychological care is tailored to the client’s presentation rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Some would argue that diagnosing all clients is leading to the overmedicalization of psychological care. In some cases, it may solidify the idea that the client is worse off than they thought, when they may just need a coup ..read more

With warmer weather, longer days, and summer months fast approaching, there’s no better time to talk about the positive effects of spending time outdoors. Those long, bitter, cold months make the sunny days all the more exciting and usually bring better moods right along with them. It’s Tat on the blog today and I’d love to explain how enjoying time in nature on those beautiful summer days can positively impact our mental health. The Benefits of Getting Outside Whether it’s something as big as a camping trip, or something as simple as spending an hour walking through a park, spending time in ..read more

Diagnosis can be a controversial topic. It’s Skye on the blog today and I want to discuss this pressing subject, as many clients wonder: “Do I need a diagnosis?”. Simply put, a diagnosis may not be suitable or beneficial for everyone. Can a diagnosis be harmful? For many clients, psychological care is tailored to the client’s presentation rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Some would argue that diagnosing all clients is leading to the overmedicalization of psychological care. In some cases, it may solidify the idea that the client is worse off than they thought, when they may just need a coup ..read more

Did you know that there is a worldwide community dedicated to answering the question “How can we help people flourish in their lives”? The Center for Self-Determination Theory is comprised of scholars, researchers, and practitioners who want to see you thrive in all areas of your life, including your mental health. The concepts highlighted in this blog are rooted in what this community is focused on.   It’s Nyamal on the blog today. Let’s talk about psychological human needs essential for optimal human functioning – Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness. There was a time when I felt ..read more

Everyone navigates various types of conflict in their everyday life, ranging from conflict in the workplace, in relationships, at home, and more. When these conflicts go unmonitored, they can cause significant stress on our system. Interestingly, there are numerous ways one can go about navigating conflicts as they arise, many of which are influenced by conflict management styles.  It’s Cheyanne on the Dóchas blog, and today I am going to explain the five conflict styles and how they impact our life experiences. The Five Styles Accommodating: this conflict style occurs when individuals ..read more