Embrace Counselling

09/08/2024

I have opened an office in Magnolia Court in Bowser, BC and will be available for in-person sessions. My availability is limited to Fridays and some weekends for now. Call, text, or email me for more info!

05/24/2024

Members of the public have one month to give feedback on this proposal.

06/18/2023

This weekend is Fathers' Day in the United States. And, like many holidays of this nature, it can be incredibly difficult for survivors of childhood trauma. Unfortunately, many have had really challenging or even abusive relationships with their fathers, others may themselves be fathers and are struggling with how to parent when they were never shown how. Some had dads who were their rock, their protector, but who are no longer here today. That grief can be all-consuming, with the familiar thread of loss that so many complex trauma survivors wrestle with crushing an even heavier weight - no matter how you arrived in such an isolating space. So many possibilities and ways survivors can be hurting this holiday and in the days to follow.
Please know that we will be thinking of you throughout the weekend, and have been since the public reminders and ads have sprinkled our screens. We know it can be a really hard time on social media, especially when everyone is sharing photos and stories about their wonderful families. ..or even posting heartfelt, but whitewashed, tales and characterizations of a man you may know was not good to them. It can stir up so very much that's hard to know what to do with. Please know you are not alone and there are many of us out there who truly understand and are with you. You are not alone. Not anymore.
This one's for you:
🌳 beautyafterbruises.org/blog/fathersday 🌳

05/24/2023

I've been following Tim Urban for a while, and always enjoy his style of thinking, and his humour. I hope you enjoy it too!

My first child was born the literal day after the launch of my first book. 3 months later, I have some thoughts.

04/23/2023

Endometriosis causes pain and suffering, including effects on mental health, for millions of people world-wide. Treatments are often ineffective and the suffering unacknowledged. I hope that this treatment works in human trials as well as in monkeys.

An anti–IL-8 antibody reduces lesion volumes and ameliorates fibrosis and adhesions in a monkey model of endometriosis.

04/12/2023

Healing can come in many different forms.

I landed at the destination of my vacation. And I cried.

At the time, I could not understand why. I was surrounded by warm sunshine, palm trees, and blue water. I waited years for a vacation.

Then it hit me.

This was the same place, seven years ago, my ex-husband told me he fell for another and no longer wanted to be married.

My soul remembered this place and its painful memory.

But I did not want this memory to define my vacation. And I did not want this memory to define my life anymore.

For years I hung onto the pain. So long it became my identity.

But since I began my healing journey, I have been seeking ways to finally close that chapter of my life. Since seven years represents renewal, I wanted this seventh year to signify that.

I looked on the map and noticed the same resort I spent with my ex-husband was near my current resort.

On a rainy day, I walked for hours along the beach to that resort. I wanted to sit in the same spot I sat when he told me he no longer wanted me. I wanted to sit there and have a conversation with 26-year-old Candace. I wanted to tell her that things will be okay. She will be angry and sad for a while, but love will always follow her.

Then I laid to***co down and prayed. I expressed gratitude for the lessons I learned these past seven years: the courage to let go; the strength to choose love; the humility to sit with the pain; the wisdom to alchemize it.

I felt like something huge lifted from me that day.

In the lobby of that resort seven years ago, I remembered thinking, “I can’t wait until I’m 33 and it doesn’t hurt anymore.” Not sure why I thought 33, but I vividly remember thinking it.

Well, I’m 33 this year. And it doesn’t hurt anymore.

That chapter of my life has finally closed.

-

[Image Description:

A photo of Candace Linklater, Founder of Relentless Indigenous Woman, leaning against a lowered palm tree. In the background you see a group of palm trees and a clear blue sky. It looks like a nice warm day.

Candace wears a black romper with light blue and pink flowers. Her hair is clipped up and wears pink and white beaded dangly earrings with sunglasses. Candace has her hand on her waist and the other on her side. She smiles as she looks to the side, as if looking into a hopeful future.]

03/28/2023

https://neurosciencenews.com/childhood-trauma-sex-differences-22875/

Child abuse and neglect affect men and women differently, a new study reports. Women are more affected by childhood emotional trauma and sexual abuse, whereas men are more affected by childhood physical and emotional neglect.

03/16/2023

1 in 5... 20% of pregnant and postpartum people suffer from anxiety or a related condition during pregnancy or postpartum. These rates are greater than postpartum depression (we know you've heard of that), which affects around 12%. Are you 1 in 5? You are not alone! Talk to your healthcare provider.

12/01/2022

Accepting clients for the new year.

12/01/2022

06/20/2022

Mothers aren't the only ones who can suffer from postpartum depression.