Building Bridges Counselling Services

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

Four things we can do to help those around us! What do you do to help your friends, family, or community? We'd love to know!

01/07/2026

Learn more about Building Bridges at:

https://buildingbridgescounselling.ca/

01/07/2026

Covert narcissism often shows up in quieter, less obvious ways than the “classic” versions we hear about. It can be confusing, emotionally draining, and hard to identify—especially when the signs are subtle.

Common Behaviours That May Reflect Covert Narcissistic Traits:

• Quiet self-importance: appearing humble on the surface but holding strong beliefs of being misunderstood or superior.

• Victim positioning: shifting blame or presenting themselves as the one who has been wronged in most situations.

• Passive manipulation: using guilt, withdrawal, or subtle put-downs instead of direct confrontation.

• Emotional unavailability: struggling to offer empathy, validation, or accountability.

Remember: these traits exist on a spectrum, and only trained professionals can assess patterns. The goal is awareness, not labelling.

If You’re Speaking With Someone Showing These Behaviours:

• Stay grounded in your boundaries: You can be kind and still say “no.”

• Avoid getting pulled into defensiveness: Keep your communication calm, clear, and concise.

• Use “I” statements: Focus on your feelings and needs rather than trying to convince them to understand yours.

• Limit emotional expectations: Protect your energy by recognizing what the person may not be able to give.

• Seek support: A therapist can help you untangle patterns, build resilience, and learn communication tools that keep you safe and steady.

You don’t have to navigate complex relational dynamics alone. Support is available, and you deserve relationships that feel healthy and reciprocal.

01/06/2026

Whether you’re a parent monitoring your child’s use of AI, or using it yourself, it’s important to understand the limitations of this kind of support. While AI chatbots can feel comforting to talk to because they are available anytime and can help with reflection, they do have limits.

AI doesn’t feel, understand or connect the way a human does. It can often reinforce your thoughts instead of challenging them, and for some people, long or emotional chats with AI have blurred what is real, even leading to confusion or paranoia (sometimes called AI-induced psychosis).

If you are noticing yourself relying on AI for comfort or advice, or feeling emotionally attached to it, that may be a sign to pause. Reach out to your people - a friend, family member or your counsellor - who can offer understanding, care and perspective.

AI can support mental health, but healing often happens in relationships and real connections.

01/05/2026

Burnout can feel sneaky, like you’re just “tired” or “off.” But here’s what many don’t realize:

–“I feel numb or irritable, even doing things I used to enjoy.”

–“No amount of sleep makes me feel rested.”

–“I’m checking out emotionally, not by choice.”

–“I feel like I’m failing, even when I’m giving my all.”

–“People say I seem fine… but I’m barely hanging on.”

If this sounds like you — it’s not just stress. And it’s not your fault.

Burnout is real. And recovery starts with recognition.

01/04/2026

AI tools are sometimes used in place of therapy and can be great for quick support. They are available anytime, can be good for tracking moods or habits, and offer low- to no-cost access. However, AI isn’t able to feel, understand or connect the way a human does.

Therapy offers something technology can’t, a real relationship. Someone who listens, notices the small things, and helps you explore the nuances of your story with empathy and care.

AI can support the skills you’re building, while therapy supports the healing that happens through connection.

01/03/2026

Perfectionism tells us that if we just try a little harder, we’ll finally be “enough.” But the truth is—perfection doesn’t exist. Society often sells us the idea that success, beauty, or happiness must look a certain way, but these standards are unrealistic and ever-changing.

Perfectionism can leave us feeling anxious, burnt out, and never satisfied. Healing starts when we begin to accept ourselves as we are—imperfect, growing, and worthy right now.

If perfectionism has been weighing you down, talking to a therapist can help you explore self-acceptance and find freedom in being authentically you. 💛

01/03/2026

You’re not “too much.” They’re not “too distant.”
You just have different attachment needs and that’s normal.

With awareness, compassion, and a little guidance, you can build connection across those differences.

Therapy helps couples and partners unlearn shame and find a shared rhythm, no matter your style.

01/02/2026

Relationships thrive when we feel heard and valued.

Sometimes that means listening deeply, sometimes it means speaking your needs, and sometimes it means simply being present with someone you care about.

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

Happy end of Kwanza to all who celebrate from Building Bridges!