Maria Schmid & Partners, Psychologists and Mental Health Services

Home
Canada
Calgary, AB
Maria Schmid & Partners, Psychologists and Mental Health Services

As a Calgary psychologists, we're passionate and committed to the health and wholeness of individuals

03/05/2023

What are the two sure things in life that everyone wishes to avoid?
But as your therapist I invite you to speak of?
That’s right: death and taxes.

Today let's talk about taxes.
It’s tax season again (due April 30th). I want to be sure that everyone who doesn't have benefits paying for all or some of their counselling expenses knows that you can claim our session fees as a tax credit on your personal income tax returns. While I am not an accountant or tax attorney and cannot give financial or legal advice, according to the Canadian Revenue Service, Psychologists and Social Workers are authorized medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit in most provinces and territories.

The medical expense tax credit is a “non-refundable tax credit that you can use to reduce the tax that you paid or may have to pay. If you paid for healthcare expenses, you may be able to claim them as eligible medical expenses on your tax return.”

Look for Line 33099 or 33199 on your or your dependent’s claim forms.

Should you require more information regarding the medical expense tax credit, I would recommend speaking with your accountant, www.accountants calgary.com or referring to the information on the CRA website.

Thank you,
Maria.

12/01/2022

Hello Friends. We have recently learned just how scarce housing is for recently arrived Afghan and Ukrainian evacuees. In one conversation with the Centre for Newcomers, we heard that only 120 homes (in all of Calgary!) have hosted over 900 families until they find permanent accommodation (and jobs). There are new families arriving daily. I hope we can assist by spreading the word that many families are without options at the end of their two week government supported hotel stay.

If you have any space in your home to host an individual or a family (for an interim of time up to two months approximately), please contact the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society or the Centre for Newcomers. Reach out to them if you have any questions and please also help spread the word to friends and neighbours (and post on social media if you can).
Thank you.

Kateryna Bryzh
Housing Liaison for Ukrainian Project Initiative
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
403-991-7081
kbryzh@ccisab.ca
www.ccisab.ca

Nataliia Shen
Housing Coordinator for Vulnerable Populations
Centre for Newcomers
403-542-6169
n.shen@centrefornewcomers.ca
www.centrefornewcomers.ca

11/07/2022

This year's Halloween allowed me a new glimpse into my children’s worlds.

I always appreciated Halloween as a time to reflect on death as part of life in our modern-day culture that doesn't have many rituals left. The spectacle of gore and horror, however, did little to amuse or impress me, not to mention the equally horrifying nature of a ritual being saturated with consumerism and sugar. Begrudgingly we went trick or treating with our children. But this year was different.

It started out as the community walk that I always idealised from places like Spain or Italy. Children gleefully gathering together in natural formations; some fast and competitive, some slow and awestruck, the old helping the young as they all ran from house to house, weaving in between the community of trusted adults they have come to know. It was perfect. Once the small ones had more than enough grams (pounds) of sugar, parents slowly returned to what might be described as an excited power struggle over what gets to be eaten before bed. The older kids, now more closely connected in age groups; showing personality and preferences through such creative costume choices, continued on their trick or treating mission through the community, receiving acceptance, delight and enjoyment in their loaded bags and pillowcases.

Returning home, the math skills of elementary school prove indispensable as kids sort and count what my son calls a “kids currency”. Candy is the commodity and the wheeling and dealing begin. First, a promise that we don't siphon off treats without permission. This is their hard-earned capital, and they want to do with it as they see fit. Again, I was impressed. After the sorting, occasional consuming and exclaimed delight of their diverse treasure and bounty, a pile of favorites was gathered and guarded, the “saving pile”. Next several mounds were made to share with friends who were sick and unable to trick or treat and for the preschool who collects for the food bank.

What followed was true “horse-trading” as they bartered treat for treat, accounting for differences in perceived value and quantity, the spending. When satisfied with their haul, the generosity of gift piles and the satisfaction of their work and negotiations, it appeared to me that Halloween is not just a consumer event, but a true lesson in what the real commodity is: the safety of community that collects our children and connects them to individual preferences and communal wealth.

07/19/2022

You might have heard me say that a secret to life's happiness is in the anticipation. Let me share what this means and a valuable idea of how to generate this in your life!

As we are shifting and optimistically emerging from the COVID pandemic, many of us are setting our minds to planning summer holidays or the next big trip. One of the many lessons I’ve learned from travelling is the importance of anticipation. Most of the buzz about a holiday happens in the weeks and months leading up to the vacation, and in the weeks and months after the vacation; more so than during the trip itself.

While that last minute spontaneous getaway may seem exciting, romantic and adventurous, studies have shown that “consumers derive value from anticipation” and that “people derive more happiness from the anticipation of experiential purchases" and that "waiting for an experience tends to be more pleasurable and exciting than waiting to receive a material good.”

Beyond the mental health benefits of early holiday planning, there is also a financial upside. Most travel deals for flights and accommodations are found three or even six months in advance of departure. For example, google.com/flights is a powerful tool that can be used to track flights and prices, set alerts for when prices change, plan vacations using a price calendar and map and research if the price you are seeing is historically high, low or average.

Planning in advance of your next trip is not at all dull or boring, rather it can be one of the most beneficial and gratifying aspects of the whole travel experience.
There’s the secret... pass it on!

06/07/2022

You know what it’s like coming back to work after taking a long break; all the adjustments that come with that? You have so much to catch up on, you need some time to adjust to new expectations and a new schedule, you need to get used to being around people again, you need to calibrate your energy, volume, eye contact, etc. Here are some useful ideas I have heard from what made a true difference to those who needed support in their readjustments to the office environment.

1. Have a wide perspective – remember everyone is dealing with the transition in their own way. Some people may be struggling with anxiety or depression, and others may be dealing with family stressors, pet worries, financial constraints, self image or shifting productivity levels.

2. Be patient and open – things may not be running as smoothly as they were before the pandemic. For healthy changes to be made let’s not think things have to go back to what they once were but rather take the time and conversations to create meaningful shifts.

3. Be understanding, kind and supportive – everyone is dealing with different things right now. Stress creates short-tempers and irritability, give everyone the benefit of knowing they are doing the best they can.

4. Offer help or acknowledgement – if you see someone struggling, know your acknowledging their changes, and offering support be it with an ear, a hand, or a foothold can make a big difference.

5. Lean in and listen – sometimes all it takes is a simple question like “how are you doing?” and taking time to listen is the difference between a rough day and a rewarding day.

6. Share your story – connection through your own experience of the unknown and sharing strategies for action and hope are invaluable sources of inspiration and security for someone already feeling alone.

05/08/2022

The U-Shape Curve of Happiness: A New Way Of Viewing Life

I love ideas that make us take a second look and here is one where our happiness may be geometrical?!

Do you ever have those days where it feels like the everything is going against you?, You know, those days when you wonder how it can possibly get any worse. And while these hard days can certainly be the case some of the time, it turns out that they are more rare than we think: in fact, it appears as though our happiness tends to follow a U-shaped curve throughout life.

What is the U shaped curve?

The U-shape curve is a way of looking at life that can be helpful in understanding our own journey. The basic idea is that we go through three major phases in life: a learning phase, a plateau phase, and a decline phase. Each of these phases has its own challenges and opportunities.

The learning phase is when we are young and starting out on our journey. We are open to new experiences and eager to learn. This is the time when we make the most progress and see the biggest gains. The plateau phase is when we reach our peak performance and found our stride. Or feel We may have hit a wall and stopped making progress. . The decline phase is when we start to see a decline in our abilities. This can be scary, but it's also an opportunity to learn new things, pass on some of our knowledge and enjoy life in a different way. And ending up happy is typically where we end up at our end in life.

The U-shape curve is based on the idea that our level of happiness changes throughout our lives. We start out happy as children, but our happiness level drops as we enter adolescence and young adulthood. This is expected because we face more challenges and responsibilities during these years with so many pressures, options and demands., our happiness level begins to rise again once we reach middle age and beyond. This is because we have a better understanding of ourselves and. We also tend to have more stable relationships and careers during this time and an awareness of what makes us inwardly happy.

So, what does this all mean for us? Well, it means that if we want to be happy, we need to focus on creating a good foundation for our children and adolescents. As we get older, our young people cope better through their tough times and we reap the rewards of our investment as well as enjoy a time of more freedom ourselves. This foundation will help us weather the tough times during young adulthood and set us up for a happier middle age and beyond.

And then It's no secret that some people are just naturally happier than others.

Researchers have found that there is actually a happiness gene, which may account for up to 20% of a person's overall level of happiness. But even if you don't have the happiness gene, there are still things you can do to increase your level of happiness.

Here are some examples of people who are extremely happy, despite not having the happiness gene:

1. People who live in close-knit communities.
2. People who have strong social support networks.
3. People who have a sense of purpose in life.
4. People who are physically active and take care of their health.
5. People who are optimists and have a positive outlook and attitude on life.

According to the U-shape curve, there are a few things we can do to improve our mood and outlook on life.

1. Get more sleep: Most of us don’t get enough sleep, and this can have a major impact on our happiness levels. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and you’ll see a difference in how you feel.

2. Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even a short walk or some light cardio can make a big difference in how you feel.

3. Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones, friends, or even co-workers can help improve your mood and make you happier. Talking and laughing with others is a great way to boost your happiness levels.

4. Do something nice for someone else: It feels good to do something nice for someone else, and it can also help increase your own happiness.

Check out this website for more simple but profound ideas to increase how many good days you get!
https://hive.com/blog/small-habits-large-impact/

02/16/2022

Back in my undergraduate days in sociology, I remember studying the function of the news. In its simplicity, the purpose of news is to spread information widely; that is to inform, educate, guide, disseminate opinions, create interpretations, distill awareness, and yes, to also entertain and advertise. News was intended to help us find direction and understand events from multiple vantage points and places.

Over the years, however, news has become a way of identifying ourselves within a context that is constantly shifting. Psychologically speaking, our brains are primed for the negativity of today's news as a result of our basic primal survival instincts of readiness and survival. Considering the inundation of sensational stories that are often repetitive and speculative in nature, the danger may be an excess of shock and negativity, leading to mental, emotional and psychological stress.

So for today, I invite you back to the simplicity of considering the health of the news you consume; that is, ensuring the soup in which we swim feeds you with gratitude, innovation, compassion and perspective.

~ Maria Schmid

01/12/2022

I thought it was clever when a colleague of mine, Dr. Houyan (https://drhouyuan.com/blog/) sent a wish at the start of the year to "let's make it a real 2022 instead of 2020 too". It made me pause, consider what was meant, and smile. How true! Let's create this to be a year of its own.

If you know me, you know I love reflection and rituals, and consider New Years a sacred time to create new intentions ! Intentions for me are the thoughtful and intentional choices one dedicates energy, attention, effort, time and resources towards. To make this memorable through the year, I recommend starting with the six basic questions of what do I want to START, STOP, SAVOUR, CONTINUE, CHANGE and CREATE? With these, a theme often emerges. This theme is your word to guide you through 2022. Every month I invite you to view this theme through a different lens and create intentions and actions that deepen your experience of this theme guiding your life in 2022.

And if you don't want to stop there and are looking for ways to organise yourself through the year to follow this path towards fulfillment, here are two tools others have told me about (thank you!) that have deepened their actions by highlighting values as the true decision makers to every action.

Find free resources at:

https://yearcompass.com/en/
https://www.hemlockandoak.com/pages/downloads

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. ~ Confucius
Blessings for 2022, Maria

12/08/2021

As you prepare for the holidays and the parties, snacks, and drinks that are synonymous with this time of year, I’d like to provide you with a few simple strategies to help you stay on track with your health goals.

In the past, a common diet mindset was to deny and deprive ourselves of our favourite treats. We used to spend time counting calories …and restricting them. We played games with ourselves like “I’m going to workout extra hard tomorrow or starve myself so that I can indulge tonight.”

What if we could change all of that? What if we savoured every single bite, lingered over the flavours and thoroughly enjoyed the delights of the season? Can we do that and not carry any guilt about it?

With moderation, mindfulness and a few simple strategies, it is possible to stay healthy and
happy this holiday season.

1. Drink Water
It is recommended to drink 2L of purified water every day. If you actually consume this much water there isn’t a whole lot of room for more fluids. The benefits of adequate hydration go beyond frequent elimination. Hydration helps detoxify your body, it boosts metabolism, and it facilitates all of the biochemical reactions required for bodily maintenance and function.
Suggestion: Drink water before you go out, in between each festive spirit and again before you go to sleep. Many of the symptoms of a hangover can be attributed to dehydration.

2. Prepare yourself
Before you go out enjoy a green smoothie and some apple cider vinegar. Dark leafy green vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants and polyphenols. This Green Smoothie will help reduce cravings and control blood sugar. Consuming 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin function and lower blood sugar after a meal. The damaging effects of high blood sugar are not only a precursor to Type II Diabetes, but high blood sugar also negatively impacts energy, hormone and mood balance as well.

3. Mix it up
Offset some of the indulgences by eating veggies too, and if you notice your taste buds are stuck on a certain delectable treat, give them something different. Your taste buds can be trained and distracting them with a different flavour can be an effective strategy to stop overeating. Alternating raw vegetable sticks between treats will provide more fibre to help you feel full faster. Eat slowly and mindfully. Chew each mouthful until it is liquid, not only does this aid your digestive process but the mental engagement helps you to feel more satiated. It is rewarding to fulfill each tastebud with a complex flavour profile. We often satisfy the sweet and salty flavours, but let’s not forget about bitter (olives), sour (citrus) and umami (brie cheese) flavours as well.

4. Focus on the positives
I live with the 80/20 rule. If you make good, healthy choices 80% of the time, then enjoying the odd indulgence occasionally doesn’t need to provoke guilt or shame. Rather than the punishing diet mentality, why not opt for an extended walk the day after your party with the mere intent to take in some fresh air, feel sunshine on your face and delight your senses with the diverse beauty of nature? A yoga class or sauna that combines gentle twists with a cleansing sweat, followed immediately with a shower, will encourage natural detoxification. Add some cruciferous vegetables to your meals like kale, broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts to support liver health and promote bile flow to further enhance detox efforts.

Let’s not beat ourselves down, but rather pick ourselves up with nourishing foods and nurturing behaviours. Laugh more, smile often, sleep enough and prioritize sharing time with family, friends, pets and nature.

Give yourself the gift of Gut Health
Along your digestive tract is an ecosystem that can be highly beneficial to your overall health. It is known as your gut microbiome and it is the key to health, longevity and happiness. For example, the caloric value of food is determined by your microbiome (not the package label). So let’s stop counting calories and start shifting your microbiome to a healthier state. If you want to learn more about gut health and how to optimize yours, then call me for a free 15min introduction to learn more about how your gut health can benefit you.

~ Pamela Groulx

11/19/2021

Finding Genius Podcast – The Four “Rs” of Mental Wellness.

We are shaped by the social and physical environments in which we live. And by examining how this idea has played out in her own life, licensed psychologist Maria Schmid has come to a place where she is capable of helping others through the difficulties of life.

Press play to discover:

- What it means to say that people see themselves in relation to other people.
- Four things to recognize and focus on in order to gain a greater perspective in life.
- The universal importance of feeling heard, seen, and recognized, especially as we change over time.
“I never liked the statement ‘everything happens for a reason,’ but I do believe that things happen with meaning,” says Schmid, explaining how and why living in the present moment is so key.

Reflection, resilience, relational health, and ritual are the four “Rs” Schmid helps her clients focus on. She explains each in detail, and shares insight from her work with clients.

Here’s Where Your interview Is Posted:

Finding Genius Website: https://bit.ly/3Drr9mT
iTunes (Apple Podcasts): https://apple.co/30JwPL5
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVHheQf4AsI
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/episode/131416526
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DSt3WCPe3jPCHBrOe1YIL?si=uchDLBsPRkGRTRibv5EEIw
iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/3oAugCM
Castbox: https://castbox.fm/app/castbox/player/id2652354/id442979244?v=8.22.11&autoplay=0
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3DytzAa
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3x09dxm
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3FtFTCx
Audible: https://adbl.co/3q0lrEZ

11/09/2021

During this time of Remembrance, I reflect on the remarkable clients who I have worked with that have recently arrived in Canada from war torn regions of the Middle East and Africa. War has the ruthless ability to devastate the physical, the social, the emotional as well as the mental wellbeing of all involved. My current work with CCIS's Centre for Refugee Resilience (Survivors of Torture program) reinforces the fact that unimaginable suffering has not only occurred in decades past but continues in our present-day world.

Today I also reflect on all those who are called upon to keep the rest of us safe from the horrors of conflict, both at home as members of the police, as well as members of our armed forces and intelligence agencies. It is humbling what these women and men have chosen to do and be exposed to in filling these roles, and in turn it is for us to offer them the respect and support needed to ensure they are able to provide the safety and security that we all desire.

Let us live in peace today; in our own bodies, hearts and minds, by not doing violence unto ourselves and therefore not unto others either through judgements, carelessness or misuses of power. Let us use compassion in all we think, say and do.

On November 11th , I trust that you will join me in remembering all those who died in conflict, whether military or civilian, whether in the present time or in wars of yesteryear, whether aggressor or defender. For their friends and family and for those who continue to sacrifice today, let us offer a moment of acknowledgement and respect in our silence.

11/02/2021

Introducing these simple strategies for success to help you achieve more and be a happier and healthier individual.

AVOID

Sugar – Get energy from what is good nutrition not easy substitutes. Drink water, start your day with protein, eat slowly with lots of bites.

Substances – Caffeine, cannabis, alcohol, drugs are temporary relief. They honestly don’t bring you anything by way of long term happiness.

Screens – Make it a mindful choice to keep social media off phone and use only at set times in a day or week. Keep out of bedroom!

Stress – Notice your intentions, focus on strengths, structure time. Know your priorities and values. Reset with breathing and perspective.

Shame – Interrupt making yourself wrong and notice when you attack yourself, someone else, feel complacent, resigned or withdrawn.

Stories of Comparison – Compare only to yourself, yesterday. Reflect on your actions, words, thoughts and make conscious choices.

Should’s – Giving the best you are and all you can is enough. When you know better, do better. Today, create space to respond not react.

AMPLIFY

Solidarity – We are all in this together. We all carry our own pain and walk our own path. Being gentle with others helps be kind to ourselves.

Sleep – Consistent schedule when possible. A key to handling all difficulties with grace and power. Let go of day with routine to embrace new.

Simplicity – It is all in the heart, it is in our attitude, approach and actions. What is truly needed most? Your presence and empathy.

Speak and Share – We all have experience that others can benefit from. Sharing joy multiples them, sharing struggles divides them.

Social Networks and Activities – Keep yourself engaged and active, out in the world and within your home. People want to be there for you, give them opportunities to connect. Create a life you are proud of by inviting others to join you in what gives you inspiration.

Structure – Keep a routine. Use rituals to keep connected. Have time outdoors everyday. Give yourself time no matter how small.

Safety and Security in your Home and Relationships – We need to feel safe to be open and vulnerable to share our true selves.

Soothing, soft, slow words and touch for you and loved ones – Slow down and be close and connected with loved ones at every age.

Sexuality and Sensuality – There are many ways to stay intimate, they all start with closeness and communication so explore and experience.

Self Compassion and Self Acceptance – Our relationship with ourselves is based on knowing we have inherent worth, purpose, belonging. Meditate and grow this practice. Consider Tara Brach’s Recognition and Allowing what Is, Investigate and grow Natural Awareness kindly.

Supplements – Everyday Omega 3 and Vit. D. Probiotics? Magnesium? Drs, naturopaths, holistic nutritionists have amazing suggestions.

Strength – Cardio, Core, Stretch/Yoga/Pilates and Walking and Weights. Integrate these 5 pillars of exercise into day; anytime, anywhere, any amount. It is the consistency and frequency that count!

Sing and Dance – To make everyday positive! This truly will exercise every mental and emotional muscle needed to be your best self.

Second Chances – Everyone needs a redo. Take a breath and leave space to try again. You and others will benefit from taking this step back to make a step forward together. Learn to apologise, to repair, to forgive, to let go and laugh at how we all make beautiful mistakes.

Spirituality and Spaciousness – However you find it, ground yourself in the love and gratitude that we enjoy the gift of this beautiful world.

Self Esteem – What we say to ourselves we believe. Be kind, listen to your inner voice and tame the inner critic. See yourself as loveable.

Smile – It is our body’s way of knowing reassurance, appreciation, affection, acknowledgment and optimism. Give generously.

Address

1111 Olympic Way SE # 226
Calgary, AB
T2G0E6

Telephone

+14038014839

Website

http://www.mariaschmid.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maria Schmid & Partners, Psychologists and Mental Health Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Maria Schmid & Partners, Psychologists and Mental Health Services:

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Calgary?

Personal Background

I encourage you to ask me any question about myself because successful mental health therapy is often determined by the trust between a counsellor and a client. Let me share briefly some of my background so that you have a better understanding about me as a counsellor: Growing up in small town Saskatchewan helped me appreciate the community unity that still defines my desire for strong family and neighbourhood connections. Sadly, my family dealt with many big losses early in my life, but with the help of a strong community, I learned much in the way of living through pain, change and loss. I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Sociology and Psychology, and completed a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Calgary. Before becoming a registered psychologist, I worked with numerous non-for-profit agencies in Saskatchewan, Alberta and West Africa. At each of these positions, I worked tirelessly with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities by integrating common needs and promoting collaboration, health and preventative strategies. I have been a psychologist in Calgary focused in private practice since 2008. ~ Maria