Alpha Mind

Headphones on deck with book and blue alpha waves

There are several different types of brain waves, 4 to be exact, alpha, beta, theta and delta.  Each are associated with a specific mental state.  In this blog and subsequent blogs I am going to talk about each and give each equal time.  Alpha waves are considered the relaxation waves, they occur when you are […]

Cultivating Resilience

Resilience on board with flowers.

What does the term resilience mean and why do we want our children to be comfortable and understand it, why is it so important?  The meaning of the word resilience is to withstand or to recover quickly.  The ability to return quickly after something bad has happened.  Why do trauma researchers emphasize that resilience is […]

Negotiating Through Care & Treatment Systems

Health Care Mental spelled out in Scrabble tiles on pink background.

When you fall ill and need help with your health, either mind or body there can be an overwhelming surge of information that overwhelms you and pressure to make decisions fast and immediate.  Don’t be afraid to take a moment, some time and have a clear picture of your desired outcome. Communication in these types […]

Resiliency

Resiliency spelled out in tiles with lightbulb on orange background.

What is resiliency in simple terms, it is the ability to adapt and recover from stressors, while maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity.  In other words, the ability to bounce back from difficulties you have experienced. Emotional resilience is the ability to deal with adversity in a constructive way, adapting and becoming stronger […]

Breathing

Woman with lungs illustrated on chest.

Breathwork is one of the most important starts to healing, people underestimate the power of breath.  When you think about it, it makes sense.  We know that your body reacts to breathing rapidly in an excitable manner.  The body engages in fight, flight freeze preparation when breathing rapidly. When you practice controlled abdominal breathing relaxation […]

Meditation

Woman seated cross-legged on a couch in a living room while meditating.

Meditation is a practice technique to train your attention and awareness and detach from reflective, discursive thinking. It is a way to exercise the mind to increase awareness. The practice of meditation originated in the ancient Vedic of India and is described in the ancient Vedic text.  Regular meditation practices help them be kind to […]

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT on wooden blocks with brain.

What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy otherwise known in the short form as CBT.  The practice of CBT was created in the 1960’s and Dr Aaron T. Beck is credited with the creation, who was a Professor Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania for almost 70 years.  Originally created as a way to recognize and change […]

DBT-Huh?

Do you need DBT with check boxes

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

Man working with therapist using art

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!

IFS spelled out on wooden pieces.

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 […]

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)

Jigsaw puzzle pieces over words obsessive compulsive disorder in red.

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 […]