Emotions can be a scary and overwhelming thing, especially if you have not been offered support and guidance on how to navigate them. A common trap people fall into is thinking that ignoring their feelings will be the solution and make them go away. The reality is that most mental health and addiction issues are […]
DBT Can Help Feelings Be Less Scary Read More »
The 12-Step programs, which originally began with Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935, have a bad wrap as far as I’m concerned. When people think of 12-Step meetings, many stereotypes come to mind: People sitting around in church basements (which there might be some truth to that since most fellowships can only find space at local churches
The Basics of Any 12-Step Program 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 »
Perfectionism is an example of a symptom usually rooted in trauma and dysfunctional experience that society has rewarded and viewed as helpful. I can tell you as a perfectionist in constant recovery, it has it’s significant downsides just as any symptom would. Where does perfectionism come from? As mentioned above, while perfectionism may have some genetic
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 »
For those who have struggled with an Addiction issue of any kind (whether it be alcohol, drugs, nicotine, sugar, work, sex, pornography, codependency, relationships, spending, food, gambling or beyond), you may already have spent some time thinking about the differences and similarities between recovery and sobriety. Or you may not have. A lot of people
Sobriety vs. Recovery 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 »
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 »
YES, I’D LIKE TO RECEIVE FREE WELLNESS TIPS, RESOURCES & MORE!
