What is codependency? Historically, someone who struggled with codependency was caretaking a loved one with severe illness and/or Addiction. They focus all time, energy, and resources on that loved one and leave little to no energy for themselves. Today, this understanding of codependency can be expanded to anyone who struggles with a dependence or over-reliance […]
5 Steps to Healing from Codependency Read More »
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental depletion. It comes when the stressors and demands put on us outweigh our ability to replenish energy. The consequences of burnout can be profound and, in the worst cases, result in people being unable to function in their daily lives. On the less extreme end,
How to Recover from Burnout Read More »
Many people who present for Addiction and Mental Health problem have something in common: Challenges with their emotional world (or feelings). In my years of practice as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta, Canada, I have observed some general trends and thought it would be helpful to put forward some common myths vs. realities to support
The Top Myths About Feelings Read More »
Relationships require effort. Whether that relationship be with ourselves or an external individual, they are something we need to constantly invest energy in, with obviously a great payback. Sometimes, however, people get stuck in this pursuit. Conflict and triggers are difficult moments to navigate and can feel overwhelming even to the most open and eager
The ABC’s of Dealing with Conflict and Triggers Read More »
People continue to associate Addiction with substance use. I hear many people reflect that, since they don’t have problems with drugs or alcohol, then they don’t have Addiction. I am here to burst the bubble on this myth. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but to actually help people in their quest for health. I
The Top 5 Areas Addiction Impacts After Alcohol & Drugs Read More »
I have kept coming across articles talking about family estrangement. One article I read talked about how mental health practitioners were responsible for the increase in estrangement because of promoting this from toxic people (it was a pretty scathing, blaming and shaming article). I was initially going to write a response to this article but
The Many Reasons for Estrangement Read More »
Food: Our collective drug As an Addiction Psychologist, I recognize there are many people who do not identify with having Addiction. Yet, the more I talk to people, the more commonalities I find amongst people who identify having Addiction and those who do not. What exactly do I mean by this? I certainly do not
Food-Our Collective Drug Read More »
Things can and have gotten pretty ugly in the world and the news, of course, is all over their constant reporting of this. It’s impossible to escape from. With the advent of the 24 hour news cycle and the growth of the internet, there is a plethora of sites and resources and information that is
Coping with the Ugly News Read More »
There is lots of discussion in popular media about narcissism and narcissists. What is a narcissist? In a nutshell, they are somebody who can be very manipulative, cold (though act warm and charming as part of their manipulation), calculating, controlling, and lacking empathy. Inherently they are very unhealthy within themselves but do not see this
How it Feels On the Good Side of a Narcissist Read More »
Some people spend time and attention getting to know the signs that it is time to start a relationship: There is mutual interest and attraction; you are feeling a connection to the person; you would like to get to know that person more; you have the energy and time to enter into a relationship. As
When Is it Time to Say Good-bye? Read More »
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