Columbia Counselling Associates

30/05/2025

Growth is a journey, not a milestone. Honour the progression.

~ Haide

08/03/2025

Candid Conversations Between Friends

The new podcast is up!

I had the privilege of hosting two dear friends, Darice and Laura, on my podcast.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragement/episodes/Candid-Conversations-Between-Friends-e2vsab2

In this engaging conversation, Haide, Darice, and Laura explore the dynamics of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of maintaining New Year's resolutions. They reflect on their journeys through various life seasons, emphasizing the importance of community, intentionality, and creating environments that foster creativity and alignment with personal values. The discussion highlights the significance of embracing change and the ongoing quest for meaning and purpose in life, regardless of age.

15/10/2024

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF GRIEF

"A number of years ago I finally got to realize a childhood dream of visiting Mt. St. Helen's. The memory of the eruption was seared into my recollection. Even though we lived in the Lower Mainland of BC, more than 4 hours north of the volcano, I recall waking up on a Sunday morning with ash coating car windows, stairs, and outside surfaces in general. That was the day I became aware of the fact that we live in the shadow of volcanoes."

Our counsellor Haide's new blog post is up at:

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/living-in-the-shadow-of-grief

People sometimes ask me if my blog has a specific focus or intent. My main intent is to walk alongside my readers, sharing my experiences, addressing questions people ask me, and learning together. This post will lean heavily into storytelling and my own experience. It may be a little on the longer....

21/09/2024

Relationship matters. As a team, we deeply value our relationships with our clients as well as our relationships with each other. Regular connection is an important part of our intentional team building. What activities do you enjoy for team building?

28/08/2024

Losing a beloved furry family member brings with it a grief all its own.

This blog post was originally planned to be about the bravery needed to feel and express emotions. That post will yet come at a later date, but this post - due to life's unexpected circumstances - is about loving and losing our furry family members.In September of 2012, we spent a weekend dog sittin...

05/07/2024

Grief is one of those journeys none of us willingly chooses, yet the reality of life is that all of us will face loss at some point in our lives.

Check out my latest blog post, "The Empathy of Grief" at:

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/empathy-of-grief

08/05/2024

A post by one of our counsellors as we approach Mother's Day weekend

"Mother's Day is Not Just a Hallmark Moment" is live on my blog ~ Haide

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/mother-s-day-is-not-just-a-hallmark-moment

19/03/2024

Are you a teen or tween? Has your parent been suggesting you come meet with me? Come take a listen to this short podcast to get a sense of what hanging out with me in my virtual or physical office might be like!

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragement/episodes/For-Teens-and-Tweens-e2ha0uf

08/03/2024

Although logically I had said nothing incorrect and had done nothing wrong, a conversation I had with someone earlier that day was playing on a loop in my head. What if? Could I have? Why did I? The accusations my own mind was bombarding me with left me feeling a deep sense of distress that I could best describe as ‘ick.’

Have you ever found yourself in that place of self-condemnation and frustration? Feeling like you should have, somehow, done better or known better?

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/holding-regret-tenderly

09/12/2023

9-8-8 is a new phone number in Canada that allows people to easily reach out for mental health support. If you are struggling, please call!

https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/988.htm

02/12/2023

Exciting news for clients and counsellors!

As a counsellor, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland's recent announcement in her address for the Fall 2023 Economic Statement gives me great joy for my clients. She announced that the Canadian Government's intention is to lift GST/HST from counselling and psychotherapy services.

The CCPA and BCACC have been advocating alongside members for the removal of GST/HST from counselling and psychotherapy services. We are proud that our efforts have come to fruition.

For clients, this will mean that fees will be less, as we will no longer need to charge GST, once the legislation is in effect.

Legislation will be introduced and (very likely) passed in the house in the coming months. I will keep you updated as we receive more information.

12/10/2023

During Mental Health Awareness Week, our counsellor Haide Giesbrecht shares a blog post at https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/mental-health-day

During Mental Health Awareness week, this memory post serves as a reminder that we all struggle sometimes, that it is good to reach out for help, and that you are not alone.

Check out my new blog post at https://haidecounsellor.wixsite.com/encouragement-along/post/mental-health-day