Despite being a psychologist since 2009, I have to admit that my knowledge about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is relatively small. As with any area, there is so much to know in the field of psychology that people develop specialties. Thankfully, I was able to discuss what OCD is, how it gets identified, and what OCD […]
The Facts About OCD: Symptoms, Diagnosis and OCD Counselling Calgary Read More »
Eating Disorder rates are on the rise since the COVID pandemic. It is estimated that at least 600,000-900,000 people are struggling with an Eating Disorder in Canada at any given time and this number is likely higher than we know due to the ongoing shame, secrecy, and stigma that still exists with this health condition.
What to Look for in an Eating Disorder Therapist in Calgary and Beyond Read More »
On the surface, people pleasing can look like being kind, helpful, and offering support to other people. You may wonder how this could be unhealthy and unkind to our mental health? In and of themselves, these are great qualities and not where people pleasing can create issues. People pleasing’s harm comes from its intensity, frequency,
How Do You Know If You’re a People Pleaser? Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment. Read More »
Mental health and addiction recovery are so important for overall quality of life for many people, yet can seem like a quagmire when it comes to the options available to help you get there. As a practical and realistic person, I think it is helpful to sometimes pull things down to the basics and start
The Importance of Making the Bed Read More »
Have you ever heard of the geographical cure? It is the idea that moving one’s physical location will have a significant impact on whatever symptoms the person is experiencing, to the point that it will cure them. This term stems out of Addiction recovery lingo (which, as you may or may not know, has its
The Problem with the Geographical Cure Read More »
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 »
In a previous blog post, I wrote about ‘The Dopamine Chase’ and how our brains can seek out increasing amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that tells our brain when something was rewarding and that we should do it again (and probably more of it). This can come from feelings, relationships, substances, food, and
People like to think they have total control over themselves, including their brain. This is the reason that physical disability and mental and cognitive health issues can be so devastating; because they show us that we do not have total control over what is happening internally. In fact, as you start to learn more about
The Dopamine Chase Read More »
*This blog post was edited in January 2024 after the original was published in May 2020. At the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, many people were predicting that divorce and birth rates were going to increase, or even skyrocket, as a result of social distancing and people being at home. It’s impossible to
PMO is on the Rise Read More »
Addiction involving video games is in its own pandemic while the global pandemic is occurring. Addictive risk and vulnerability are generally high, so layer in a greater ease to isolate and escape and you’ve got yourself an unhealthy situation. To quell the boredom of being at home and eat up time, many have turned to
Leveling Up or Leveling Out? Addiction, Gaming, and Relationships Read More »
