In this blog post, we explore the profound impact of self-compassion during Mental Health Week 2024. Discover practical strategies for embracing emotions, fostering meaningful connections, and celebrating personal growth. Join us on a journey toward enhanced well-being as we navigate the path to self-discovery with empathy and resilience. Let's cultivate a mindset of kindness and self-love together, empowering you to prioritize your mental health and thrive.

I have never been much of a journaler. Someone that is able to pour out my feelings and thoughts onto the page, gaining insights and drawing connections deeper into myself. A more accurate statement would be that I am more of an aspirational journaler. I want to want to journal. I came to realize what I needed was some guidance. Some structure. Some way to help get me out of my head and into my process. This is where I discovered guided journaling.

Whenever I tell others that I work with people on their body image, all the terminology gets intermingled and muddled together. Languaging is important, so let's start with learning the basics.

You don’t need to be in distress or to have experienced a significant event or trauma before going to counselling or art therapy and asking for support. Here are some of the themes for you to consider exploring in therapy to help strengthen your awareness and connection with yourself.

Do you ever get stuck with where to begin and what to say? Do you find yourself putting things off until they are perfect? Worry about what others will think and say?⁠

This personal post explores the topic of procrastination, the connection between perfectionism, and my experience of putting things off unless they are 'perfect'’ ⁠

Even counsellors seek counselling! As a clinical counsellor, I recognize the importance of seeking support for ethical practice and for my own mental health. We provide a confidential space to explore thoughts and challenges, offering guidance to set boundaries and foster self-compassion. If you're new to counselling, know that counsellors understand—it's a step towards growth we've taken as well.

Life's twists and turns can disrupt even our most cherished self-care practices. In my journey, I've experienced how stepping away can lead to profound self-discovery and renewal. Grad school upheaved my self-care routine, leaving me anxious and depleted. One practice I let go of was aromatherapy, despite its soothing effects on my anxiety and migraines. It took time to realize I'd sacrificed my needs for others, but through this, I learned the importance of boundaries and self-advocacy. Now, I'm reclaiming aromatherapy on my terms, mindful of prioritizing my well-being while balancing others' needs.