The holiday season can be a wonderful time filled with joy, connection, and festivities. But for some, it also comes with its own set of challenges and a whirlwind of emotions- stressful social events, Christmas parties, family obligations, financial pressures, and the hustle of preparing for everything from gift-giving to travel. The combination of these ..read more

As winter settles in, the shorter days and colder temperatures can bring more than just a chill to the air. For many, this time of year also brings a noticeable dip in mood and energy, often referred to as seasonal affective disorder.  This form of depression, triggered by the change in seasons, can leave people ..read more

November isn’t just about the crisp autumn air or the countdown to the holiday season, it’s also the month when men around the world grow out their mustaches for a cause—Movember. While the iconic mustache has become a symbol of Movember, the initiative goes far beyond what meets the eye…Movember started in 2003 when a ..read more

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honors the children who never returned home and the survivors of Canada’s residential school system, as well as their families and communities.  Reconciliation is not just about addressing historical wrongs; it is about taking active steps toward ..read more

As the busy season gets underway, it can be tough to balance your packed schedule with finding time for your loved ones. Just like achieving a goal takes steady effort, nurturing a positive relationship to build your support system requires intention and care! Despite the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, burnout or stress, carving out time ..read more

The transition from the leisurely pace of summer to the structured demands of school, university, family obligations, extracurricular activities, and work often brings a flurry of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to stress and anxiety. For many families, this period is especially poignant as young children start full-time kindergarten for the first time, adding another ..read more

Have you ever determined to achieve something, worked steadily at it, and finally got it! Happiness is the same way; it can be obtained. You may have heard the saying it takes more muscles to smile than to frown. There is some work involved in being happy. And the reward is great. First, let yourself ..read more

Have you wondered what it would take to not feel so bad? Any offering of quick and easy solutions is out of the question, because becoming happy is not an outcome or goal to be achieved in a direct way. There are many layers. It is a complicated thing. Nevertheless, it is possible to practice ..read more

Have you ever wondered why therapists play with children? Aren’t they supposed to be talking to them? You may be surprised to find out that this is exactly what they’re doing! Play is the most natural and comfortable way for children to communicate. Think of play as a channel through which children can express a full range of thoughts and feelings. Depending on age, children may have difficulty thinking about abstract things like grief that they cannot see or have a limited vocabulary to express their emotions. Non-directive play allows them to show us what’s going on inside and is the most de ..read more

Is my partner, ok? Now that you can recognize the signs of depression, you may be wondering if your partner is struggling with it. You may be feeling frustrated that your efforts to get them going are not yielding lasting results. It feels like two steps forward and then we are right back to where we started. Don’t blame yourself. When symptoms last for more than two weeks, then it is possible your partner is struggling with depression. And they will need some help. What can you do? Encourage them to seek mental health support. Research and help them find a psychologist, support group, psychi ..read more