DBT-Huh?
In my practice I am trained in a a therapeutic practice called Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This form of therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began in order to treat personality disorders. Evidence developed that it became helpful with mood disorders and suicidal ideation. It is also used in self-harm and substance abuse. DBT evolved […]
Art Therapy Opens Doors
As a certified art therapist, I of course have to open the discussion of Art Therapy. I love Art Therapy as it engages the mind and body in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone, it opens the door to interpret how they are feeling in a different way. This form of therapy invites […]
Internal Family Systems – Works!
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of therapeutic practice that I have been trained on and use extensively in my practice. The theory is that every person has a a protective and inner wounded parts that are led by the core Self. The model provides a framework for understanding the complex mosaic of parts […]
Taking Responsibility for Your Own Health
There is a need for you to take responsibility for their own health. This means to take active measures to keep and improve your health, accept help, such as an exercise coach, or taking meditation classes and not offloading all your health responsibility onto your doctor or other professionals. This means being active in managing […]
Biochemical Individuality
and the Walsh Institute We underestimate the importance of nutrients to assure that we are well balanced, both physically and mentally. Dr. William Walsh has been researching and proving that the effects of nutrients can have a profound effect on mental health. Walsh has been studying behaviour and effects of nutrients for over 40 years. […]
Glucose – Diabetes
Gut Health and Mental Well-Being In previous Blogs I have discussed the relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing. An additional relationship we need to consider is between glucose and mood. Plus, how gut health has a connection between glucose levels and mental health! The idea should come as no surprise as the brain runs […]
Exploring Copper and Zinc:
Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Copper also helps maintain the nervous and immune systems and activates genes. Your body also needs copper for brain development. Copper interacts with Vitamin C, iron and […]
Mineral Deficiencies
Minerals are defined as those elements on the earth and thus found in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally. Those essential for health include, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromosomes, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese’s, and selenium. What does this have to do with mental health? Minerals fulfil […]
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be debilitating for some. Obsessions are recurrent and intrusive thoughts, which can occur with or without compulsions. These thoughts induce anxiety, discomfort, or distress regarding unlikely consequences (an example is contracting a disease or hurting someone) and are not simply typical worries about real-life problems (e.g. friends, school). Common obsessions […]
Negative Thinking
Often, I have clients who are plagued by negative thinking. I define negative thinking as thoughts about yourself, others, or the world in general that are characterized by negative perceptions, expectations, and attributions. These thoughts can be associated with unpleasant emotions and adverse behavioural, physiological and health outcomes. Literally you can make yourself sick from […]
Anxiety
Anxiety, the feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Psychiatry defines anxiety as excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats, typically easing to avoidance behaviours and often leading to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and muscle tension. We all have experienced anxiety, as […]
Depression and Biotype
Depression is characterized by a pervasive low mood, usually accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in normal enjoyable activities. Depression exists in all cultures and ethnic groups throughout the world. It strikes about one-sixth of Americans, but only about 50% of those seek medical treatment. In the 1900’s the predominant belief […]