Airdrie Counselling Centre

Airdrie Counselling Centre As Registered Psychologists and Social Workers serving the Airdrie area, we are here to help you find yourself and move forward in a mindful manner.

The Friendship Shift: Why Making New Friends Gets Harder (And How to Do It Anyway)Ever notice how making friends feels t...
09/20/2025

The Friendship Shift: Why Making New Friends Gets Harder (And How to Do It Anyway)

Ever notice how making friends feels tougher as we get older? If you've felt this, you're not alone. In a busy city like Airdrie, building new connections can seem like a challenge.

Over time, many of us naturally settle with familiar circles, and our social routines become set. Research shows that our brains favor routine, making change uncomfortable—even when it comes to friendships. Think of it like sticking with your favorite coffee shop rather than exploring a new one. While familiarity brings comfort, it can also limit opportunities for new connections.

Here are three actionable tips to shift your friendship approach:

1. Expand Your Environment: Try joining local clubs or classes that interest you. Stepping outside your routine can introduce you to like-minded people.
2. Practice Open Listening: When meeting someone new, focus on asking questions and truly listening. This not only eases tension but builds genuine rapport.
3. Set Small Goals: Aim to introduce yourself to one new person each week. Reflect later on what went well and what could improve—small steps lead to big gains.

Remember, every meaningful friendship starts with a simple hello. If you want to learn more about overcoming social challenges, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn more at our website: www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com

"I have been bent and broken, But - I Hope - Into a Better Shape."By Charles Dickens
09/14/2025

"I have been bent and broken, But - I Hope - Into a Better Shape."

By Charles Dickens

Emotional 1st Aid KitScraped knee? You grab a bandage. But what do you reach for when your day leaves you feeling emotio...
09/07/2025

Emotional 1st Aid Kit

Scraped knee? You grab a bandage. But what do you reach for when your day leaves you feeling emotionally scraped and bruised?

With the summer in full swing, life can get busy and overwhelming. Just like you'd pack a first-aid kit for a camping trip, preparing an *emotional* first-aid kit helps you handle stress before it takes over. It’s about having tools ready when you need them most.

Here are 5 essential items to pack in your Emotional First-Aid Kit:

1. A Grounding Object: A smooth stone, a small piece of fabric or a stress ball. Holding it can pull your focus away from anxious thoughts and into the present moment.
2. A Soothing Scent: A small bottle of lavender oil or a familiar, calming hand lotion. Scent is a powerful tool to quickly calm your nervous system.
3. An Emergency Playlist: Create a short playlist of songs that reliably boost your mood or bring a sense of peace. Music can instantly shift your emotional state.
4. A Simple Distraction: A puzzle book, a favourite podcast or a funny video saved on your phone. A brief mental escape can stop a negative thought spiral in its tracks.
5. A Supportive Contact: The number of a trusted friend who listens without judgment. Knowing who to call reminds you that you aren't alone.

Being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst; it's about valuing your well-being enough to plan for it.

If you want to learn more about building and using these tools, don't hesitate to contact us. Learn more at our website: https://www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com/.

"Even in the darkest moments, light exists if you have faith to see it"By Dean Koontz
08/31/2025

"Even in the darkest moments, light exists if you have faith to see it"

By Dean Koontz

Back to School Being supportive during back-to-school time can look different for every kid.It might mean... extra hug...
08/23/2025

Back to School

Being supportive during back-to-school time can look different for every kid.

It might mean...
extra hugs and kisses
words of encouragement
notes in lunch boxes
a prepared snack after school
quietly reading next to them

Ask your child what they need from you — and keep in mind, this may change as often as their favorite veggie choice (yes, that often!). Just the act of asking “How can I support you best?” or “What do you need from me?” shows them you care.

Adapted from the Gottman Institute

“Just Snap Out of It” MythEver been told to "just snap out of it" when you’re feeling overwhelmed? As summer approaches,...
08/17/2025

“Just Snap Out of It” Myth

Ever been told to "just snap out of it" when you’re feeling overwhelmed? As summer approaches, the pressure to be happy and active can make this advice feel even more isolating. But mental health is far more complex than a simple choice to be happy.

Let's bust a common myth.

Myth vs. Fact: The Willpower Debate

The Myth: Mental health challenges are a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower. If you just tried harder, you could feel better.

The Fact: This is like telling someone with a broken leg to "just walk it off." Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression involve real, biological changes in your brain/body's chemistry and function. They are genuine health issues that require care and support, not just a stronger will. True strength lies in acknowledging the struggle and seeking help.

Remember, your feelings are valid, and reaching out is a courageous step toward healing.

If you want to learn strategies to navigate these challenges, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn more at our website: https://www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com/.

When Work Becomes Your Identity: Finding Balance Without Losing DriveEver feel like your work is all you are? This simpl...
07/11/2025

When Work Becomes Your Identity: Finding Balance Without Losing Drive

Ever feel like your work is all you are? This simple yet powerful question resonates with many of us, as busy schedules often blur the lines between career and self. Today, we explore how to maintain your professional passion while nurturing a balanced life.

Our brains thrive on routine and achievement, which is why we often tie our self-worth to our work. However, over-identifying with your job can lead to resentment and burnout. Imagine a smartphone that runs non-stop without charging—it will eventually drain completely. Similarly, taking time to recharge is essential for sustained performance.

Here are three practical strategies:

1. **Set Clear Boundaries:** Avoid blurring the line between work and personal life. Don't bring work home—not even mentally. Leave your job at the office. This separation helps signal downtime to both your mind and body.
2. **Schedule Regular "Mental Breaks" at Work:** Whether it's a brief walk, stretching, or reading a few pages of a book, commit to taking intentional breaks during your workday. Ask yourself: "What small activity can give me a mental reset at work?"
3. **Connect with Others Outside Work:** Engage in conversations that have nothing to do with your job. Sharing different experiences and perspectives can remind you that you are multifaceted—much more than your professional role.

Remember, balance isn't about sacrificing drive; it's about recharging so you can perform even better. If you're struggling to overcome work-centric living, don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Learn more at our website: www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com

The Pressure Treadmill: Why Success Feels Like It's Never EnoughYou landed the promotion, bought the house and your soci...
06/28/2025

The Pressure Treadmill: Why Success Feels Like It's Never Enough

You landed the promotion, bought the house and your social media looks perfect – so why do you still feel like you're falling behind?

Do you feel like you're constantly moving goalposts and feeling like your achievements don't count? Many of us experience this relentless drive that never seems satisfied, no matter what we accomplish.
Our brains are wired with something called the "hedonic treadmill" – essentially, we quickly adapt to positive changes and return to our baseline happiness level. Think of it like buying a new truck. The excitement lasts a few weeks, then it becomes just your regular vehicle. Your brain literally gets used to success, which explains why that promotion or pay raise doesn't give you the lasting satisfaction you expected.

Three Ways to Break the Cycle:
1. Celebrate micro-wins daily – Acknowledge completing tasks, not just major achievements. You managed that difficult conversation with your boss? That counts.
2. Define "enough" in advance – Before starting a project or goal, write down what success looks like. This prevents endless revisions to your standards.
3. Practice gratitude for process, not just outcomes – Notice your effort and growth, not just results. "I handled that stress better than last month" is worth recognizing.

Remember, sustainable satisfaction comes from appreciating your journey, not just reaching destinations.

If you want to learn how to deal with the pressure of never feeling "enough," don't hesitate to contact us. Learn more at our website: https://www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com/

When Everything Feels Like It's Your Responsibility: Breaking Free from the Mental LoadPicture this: You're at work, foc...
06/14/2025

When Everything Feels Like It's Your Responsibility: Breaking Free from the Mental Load

Picture this: You're at work, focused on a project deadline, when suddenly your brain starts its familiar checklist. Did I pack lunches? Is there milk for tomorrow? When's the next dentist appointment? What about dinner? Should I text my mom back? Sound familiar?

This constant mental juggling act has a name: the mental load. It's the invisible work of remembering, planning and organizing that keeps families and households running smoothly.

Our brains have limited cognitive resources, much like a smartphone battery. When we constantly run multiple mental applications – remembering school forms, planning meals, tracking schedules – our mental battery drains faster. Research shows this cognitive overload activates our stress response system, leading to exhaustion and irritability. Think of it like having 50 browser tabs open on your computer – eventually, everything slows down.

Three Ways to Lighten Your Mental Load:
1. Make the invisible visible – Write down all the tasks you mentally track. Share this list with family members to show the full scope of what you manage.
2. Delegate ownership, not just tasks – Instead of asking someone to "help" with laundry, assign them complete ownership of this responsibility, including remembering when it needs doing.
3. Create family systems – Establish shared calendars, meal planning rotations or weekly family meetings to distribute planning responsibilities.

You deserve to feel lighter and more present in your own life.

If you want to learn how to overcome the mental load and reclaim your peace of mind, don't hesitate to contact us. Learn more at our website: https://www.airdriecounsellingcentre.com/

"The Only Difference Between a Flower and a W**d is Judgement"by Wayne Dyer
05/24/2025

"The Only Difference Between a Flower and a W**d is Judgement"

by Wayne Dyer

"When Well-Being Comes from Engaging Our Strengths and Virtues, Our Lives are Imbued with Authenticity"by Martin Selgman...
05/17/2025

"When Well-Being Comes from Engaging Our Strengths and Virtues, Our Lives are Imbued with Authenticity"

by Martin Selgman

"Talk to Yourself Like You Would Talk to Someone You Love"by Brene Brown
05/10/2025

"Talk to Yourself Like You Would Talk to Someone You Love"

by Brene Brown

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5, 620/1st Avenue SW
Airdrie, AB
T4B2R3

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Airdrie Counselling Centre

Our Vision

In 2011, the Airdrie Counselling Centre was opened with the vision of helping clients break through the obstacles that hold them back in life. The Airdrie Counselling Centre was opened as an alternative option to existing public and non-profit services with long wait times and limited treatment options. Each therapist at the Airdrie Counselling Centre has a united goal of high quality care, no wait lists, prevention and treatment. We believe in our community and focus on being part of this community. We, at the Airdrie Counselling Centre, believe that healthy individuals, couples and families help make our community great.

History of the Airdrie Counselling Centre

The Airdrie Counselling Center was founded in 2011 as a location with three clinicians sharing a space. Two of those clinicians, Dianne Federation and Clayton Falk, went on to form a partnership along with Dason Harker, who joined as a partner in 2017. Over the past three years, the Airdrie Counselling Centre has continued to grow with additional psychologists and social workers joining the Centre as associates.