Calm Harbour Counselling

03/27/2026

It’s been a lot lately, hasn’t it?

The constant stream of news and social media can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, raging, or even a bit numb. Our minds are wired to notice threat, and it can still feel like an immediate danger even if it's a world away. When the threat is closer to home, it can feel even more difficult to keep on keeping on.

There’s no perfect way to cope with these feelings. Sometimes it looks like stepping away from the scroll, taking a short walk, or returning to small habits that help you feel grounded. Sometimes focusing on others can have us feeling more regulated, like checking in with someone, connecting with your community, or offering care to others in small ways.

The way you're feeling is understandable, but you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your own. It's ok to step back and recognize you need a break. Support, connection, and reaching out can make it feel a little lighter.

For a deeper dive into this topic check out our blog, linked in our bio.

We'd also be so honoured to have you follow our monthly newsletter, where we share blogs like this, highlight free resources we're using and sharing, spotlight local organizations we love who are making a difference. Sign up link also in bio!

03/19/2026

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re reflecting on what affirming support can look like for neurodivergent folks.

For us at Calm Harbour Counselling, that means making room for different communication styles, sensory needs, pacing, and strengths. We believe support should feel respectful, collaborative, and uniquely tailored to you.

03/13/2026

Series: Books We Love!

I like to jokingly refer to this as the "Autistic Burnout Bible". The Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff offers a deeply affirming guide for neurodivergent folks navigating autistic burnout – a topic still often misunderstood or overlooked.

This workbook stands out for how it invites self-reflection without shame and provides language that helps many people finally name what they’ve been experiencing. It’s especially helpful for clients exploring late-diagnosed autism (I sometimes recommend it to my ADHDers too) and those seeking a more compassionate relationship with their sensory, emotional, and energetic needs.

Check out our blog (link in bio) for a more in depth look at neurodivergent burnout.

02/19/2026

New series - books we're recommending for 2026!

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

This book continues to be a favorite for good reason. Who doesn’t want more peace in their life? It’s a big promise, and Tawwab writes with clarity and compassion about how to identify your limits and communicate them in everyday life. Her writing is straightforward and validating, especially for those who grew up in environments where boundaries were discouraged or ignored. I often recommend this to clients who feel overwhelmed or unheard, are recovering from people-pleasing, or unsure how to ask for what they need.

See more of her content here -

12/18/2025

Not every holiday looks like a postcard, and that’s okay. You don't need a big meal or a packed schedule to make it meaningful. Maybe today is quiet, or feels complex, or you're holding space for something difficult. Here are some gentle reminders:

❆ You’re not “doing it wrong” by skipping traditions that don’t resonate.

❆ You’re allowed to rest, disconnect from social media, and enjoy the day your way. If you want to connect with others, you can be intentional about who and how, on your terms.

❆ You can create new traditions or memories - whether it’s a favorite meal (who says you can't have chicken strips on Christmas?), a cozy night in with a not-so-Hallmark movie, or something totally unconventional.

Celebrate you this season, your way, because you are enough

12/11/2025

Is the holiday chaos feeling like too much? Here are some ways to protect your peace, because you're allowed to:

❄️Say “no” to gatherings, even last-minute

❄️Set time limits for social events or activities. It’s okay to leave early if you need/want to!

❄️Prioritize rest and recharge - your mental health comes first.

❄️Celebrate in quieter ways that feel manageable, like watching a favorite movie or enjoying a comforting meal.

The holidays aren’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Choose what works for you and say no, thank you to the rest.

12/04/2025

For those with ADHD, the holiday season can feel like sensory overload. Here are some tips to help:

Simplify holiday tasks - bring or buy pre-made meals (store bought is fine!), give a gift card from the heart, or skip non-essentials.

Build in downtime between events to reset your focus and energy, and don't be afraid to protect it if others try to intrude on it.

Know your sensory triggers (music, lights, hunger) and try to get ahead of them with earplugs or pocket-sized snacks.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental bandwidth over traditions. Your well-being matters.

11/26/2025

If this year has been overwhelming, the holidays might feel like another mountain to climb. It’s okay to slow down.

❄️Give yourself permission to say no to traditions or events that don’t feel right.

❄️Seek out small joys - cozy blankets, a favorite snack, or a comforting book.

❄️Celebrate small wins, like making it through another day, however imperfectly.

You’ve carried so much this year. Take this time to nurture yourself - you deserve that peace.

11/10/2025

❄ Thriving Through the Holidays: Care, Connection, and Boundaries. ❄

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting another free community workshop in collaboration with ***r_calgary on Nov 22nd!

Join me, Angela Dore, MSW (she/her) and Stacey Squires, MSW (they/them), for a relaxed and welcoming gathering and discussion centered on caring for ourselves, our friends and our communities during the upcoming holiday season. We will be spending our afternoon together going over various topics and methods that will hopefully help you get through this holiday season feeling relaxed and thriving.

All are welcome, but this workshop will mainly focus on q***r and trans folks looking to reflect, share, and recharge in good company.

⏰ Date & Time: Nov 22nd - 4:00PM - 5:30PM
📍 Location: The Atrium in the Sloane Square Building - 5920 1a St SW. Enter at the #600 door and follow the signs. See image 2 for specific directions.
💸 Price: Free or by Donation! - You are able to donate online or at the event itself!
📝 How to Sign up: Sign up via our Eventbrite or Meetup! You can find links to both in ***r_calgary 's bio.

If you need assistance with transportation to this event, please email Hello@Q***rcalgary.ngo to coordinate their community access support.

Alt Image Text:

Image 1 - The image features drawn green and red holly, blue snowflakes and yellow stars. The name of the workshop "Thriving through the Holidays" is featured in the center in bold red writing. Followed by the subtitle "Boundaries, Care & Connection", The date of the workshop "Nov 22nd - 4:00PM - 5:30PM", and the address " #112, 5920 1A ST SW, Calgary, AB". The bottom of the image features the logo for Calm Harbour Counselling & Q***r Calgary.

Image 2 - This image shows a map with the entrance we recommend entering from to find the Atrium of the building which says # 600 on top.

09/23/2025

We're hosting a free community workshop on Oct 1st, and we'd love to have you join us!

After Pride: Balancing Self-Care and Community Care in the Season Ahead.

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming gathering and discussion centered on caring for ourselves and our communities after the celebration and connection of Pride month.

Stacey and I will be presenting some information and ideas, and facilitate some discussion about how to stay grounded, connected, and nurture q***r joy as the seasons change and at times looking ahead can feel overwhelming.

This space is open to everyone, with a focus on q***r and trans folks looking to reflect, share, and recharge in good company.

Check out Eventbrite to RSVP, get details & directions - https://shorturl.at/1Z8IN Can't wait to see you there, and spread the word if you can!

08/30/2025

We are so excited to welcome Stacey (they/them) to the Calm Harbour Counselling team!

Stacey is a q***r and neurodiverse therapist who brings warmth, humour, and authenticity into their work. They create a safer and welcoming space where you can feel accepted exactly as you are.

Working from a Narrative Therapy approach, Stacey helps clients explore the stories that shape their lives and re-author them with resilience, choice, and hope for the future.

Learn more about Stacey and book a session here: https://calmharbourcounselling.ca/our-team/stacey-squires/

Explore ADHD & Couples Therapy With Calm Harbour Counselling

08/30/2025

Come find us at the Pride Market, today only, at Prince’s Island Park! We’ll be there from 5-9pm gabbing and chatting, with fun activities, a chance to win a gift basket, and candy of course! Hope to see you there 😊🌈⚓️