Declaration Deck

Today I'd like to introduce you to the Declaration Deck. This deck is a valuable tool for both clients and counsellors - it invites you to discover more about yourself and your own journey as you explore the themes and words of empowerment on each card.   Theresa Thomas at In-Power Counselling uses a trauma-informed, feminist, non-oppressive, decolonizing framework in her therapeutic approach.  When she noticed that the available resources to support her clients were lacking, she developed the Declaration Deck.  For those of us coping with…

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A Resource

In looking for referral resources, I came across this site: Healing in Colour I encourage you to check out the directory if you are looking for a counsellor and the resources if, like me, you are looking to learn.   Thank you to the founders (Yasmin and Premala - https://www.healingincolour.com/about) for creating the space. 

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Compassionate Limits

I recently saw this posted on Sharon Salzberg's Facebook page. She is an inspiring Buddhist teacher who is renowned for her work on loving kindness (metta) practices. It's a beautiful reminder of the importance and wisdom of boundaries. We need them in order to be well and to serve ourselves and others. So when we set those limits, aim to bring kindness and love to that experience.

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Awareness is the First Step

Spring is fast approaching. For me, the season always brings thoughts of change and hope. I am not one for New Year's Resolutions, but as the weather warms to I find myself reflecting on what areas of my life might need a little fresh air, a gentle dusting off or perhaps an entirely new coat of paint. As I start this process of inner refreshment, I am reminded of the importance of just allowing a soft awareness of the sticky areas. I can find the tools…

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Three Tips on Helping a Loved One with a Chronic Illness During the Holidays

As the holidays are upon us, here are some tips to supporting a friend or family member who is dealing with a chronic condition: Ask about his or her experience.  Each person has a unique set of symptoms (even within a single disease) and each person deals with these symptoms in a unique matter.  It can be a gift when someone cares to check in and ask what is going on. Unless otherwise specified, keep inviting them.  Although you might hear the answer 'no' a lot…

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Who Are You?

We all wear many different hats in the various parts of our lives.  The person you are at work is slightly different than the one you are with your children and they are both different than who you are when you are at the doctor's office.  This is normal and adaptive.  Life's many contexts require us to share aspects of our personality with discretion. From time to time, though, you may start to ask the question "who am I really?".  This might occur after a particularly…

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Repeated Learning

Have you ever felt embarrassed that you needed to be learn the same lesson more than once?  In today's video, I explore this common human experience.  I also provide tips on how to deal with the frustration of finding yourself learning a lesson you thought you had already learned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxffwRHWhI

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Triangle Breathing

Today's video introduces triangle breathing.  It's a simple calming technique that you can use at any time. https://youtu.be/O7xI76BJujE Music courtesy of Kai Engel (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel/Chapter_One__Cold/Kai_Engel_-_Chapter_One_-_Cold_-_04_Snowmen)

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