Own Your Life Counselling

03/11/2025

Healing comes in many forms, in many places and with many people. Salt water for me if one of the most reliable ways to find a moment of peace and healing.

04/23/2024

Did you know……
That spending as little as 2 hours a week in nature improves people’s mental health and reduces symptoms associated with mental illness.
That time spent outdoors also had a positive impact on prevention and treatment of many medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, diseases of inflammation and conditions related to aging.
That as a therapist I (or any clinician at the Cochrane Counselling Centre) can “prescribe” outdoor medicine which includes getting access to a Canada Park Discovery Pass for clients and their families through the PaRx program? Ask us at your next appt!

09/17/2023

Probably only a few more cold plunges left in my outdoor ice bath. Of all my strategies for managing my nervous system this has become my tried and true favourite. It was also the hardest to start. Mentally overcoming the discomfort and trusting that there is a difference between discomfort and danger(and convincing my body we were not dying) has been very much worth it. The hype is real and with consistency and perseverance the benefits are many. If you aren’t ready to fully cold plunge try turning the hot water off in your shower mid way through for just 30 seconds, don’t do it gradually, just crank that tap. And for 30 seconds be in your body reminding it that it is safe and try and relax the inevitable clench and breathe slow. Now I’m off to my nice warm shower! Have a lovely Sunday!

03/08/2023

To all the amazing, strong, loving, smart hard working women out there! Thank you!

International Women’s Day

12/23/2021

This time can be full of joy and love and it can also be full of heartache and loneliness. For many people it is both. For everyone I wish peace and ease and send love and kindness.

11/03/2021

Hello beautiful.

08/12/2021

What do you see when you look at your garden? On most days I see my blooms, the bees, the glory and beauty. Sometimes I see my hard work. Sometimes I see the weeds, the pests, the things I could have done differently, better. It’s helpful to see these things as it helps me tend my garden but if I spend too much time focussed on the problems, the flaws, the work I miss the beauty. Too much time spent in self-criticism changes how I see others’ gardens too. It invites comparison, why is theirs so much nicer than mine. And after way too much time focussed on weeds, that judgment can start to have me noticing other peoples weeds. Not how I want to be. I want to notice and celebrate others’ blooms but that starts by noticing my own blooms. Happy Gardening my friends.

07/23/2021

A little professional/personal development this Friday afternoon. My professional and personal wellness practice in the last few years has really been more body focussed. It’s weird that I spent the first few decades of life at best ignoring my body and at worst mistrusting or even hating or abusing it. Starting to move toward listening to it, trusting it and even allowing it to lead me was a real paradigm shift. Somehow we are taught to revere logic and our cognitive self while simultaneously ignoring, distrusting and treating our bodies cries for help as false, weak, inconvenient or sick. Being angry at our body for failing us, betraying us for feeling uncomfortable, tired or in pain. Learning to have compassion for this body and accepting it as a vital and amazing part of my being has been hard and rewarding at the same time. So here I sit learning the language of my nervous system so that I can communicate with it. And hopefully help my tribe do that same.

03/02/2020

Ok fellow humans.
Here is my take on self-care. It shouldn’t need to be a thing, but it is because apparently some of us need to told to take care of ourselves. My view on it is that it should be equals parts things that are good for you and things that make you feel good.
Feed you body, feed your mind, feed your heart, feed your soul.
Do things that make your life easier not harder. Slow down, live with intention. Breathe. And breathe again. Move your body. Connect with your tribe or anyone really.

Thin slices of self care are better than none. Way better.

Every day do one or more of these things:
Move your body at least once an hour for a few minutes.
Drink water
Smile (it doesn’t even have to be aimed at someone)
Scan your body/mind to see how you are doing.
Do a breathing exercise or meditation.
Take a break from the devices.
Call someone you care about.
Do a kindness.
Let someone you trust huh you-for at least 30 seconds.
Create something.
Giggle, be silly.
Dance/sing
Slow down.
Have an intention.
Sleep

12/19/2019

The holidays are hard for lots of us. Here are some thoughts to survive. But first, know that you are not alone.... https://www.psycom.net/beat-holiday-depression/

10/30/2019

Who knew how much I would like public speaking? It was a great event, an exciting audience and a little outside my comfort zone.

“Truly transformational information” was what one participant said about the talk
gave on Anxiety during ELEVATE.
It’s ok to ask and seek out help.

07/06/2019

Being a part of a community is an amazing resiliency factor. Cochrane is a remarkably active and supportive community. Come, eat, sing and be a part of the crowd. Stampede Breakfast Sunset Trading Post