Amanda Stoddard - Cove Coaching and Counselling

08/28/2025

Feeling at rock bottom?

This thoughtful piece from The School of Life dives into the emotional weight of feeling overwhelmed. It emphasizes how many of us try hard to appear “normal,” even when struggling inside. It shows that reaching out isn't a sign of weakness, but a courageous and vulnerable act that can foster deeper connections and healing.

Here’s a gentle and honest template you could adapt, grounded in the video’s insights:

Dear [Name],

I’m writing this because I’m going through something difficult right now and I’m finding it hard to manage on my own. It’s been overwhelming, and I’ve spent a lot of energy trying to seem okay—maybe too much.

I know it’s not easy to say this, but I need help. I’m not expecting anyone to fix things for me, I just need someone who is willing to listen and be with me while I find my way through this.

I really value your presence in my life, and I hope that, if you are able, you could sit with me. Just to talk, or even just to be together in silence. Knowing I’m not alone would mean the world.

Thank you for being part of my life and for your understanding, patience, or anything you’re able to offer.

With gratitude,
[Your name]

Why This Works

Openness + Authenticity: Begins with heartfelt honesty, breaking the “I’m okay” facade.

Clarity in the Ask: No assumptions—just a request for presence and companionship.

No Pressure for Solutions: Emphasizes that the goal is connection, not fixing.

Inviting Empathy: Honours the other person by valuing their willingness to support.

Alternative Phrasings (if written as a note or text)

Option 1:
I’ve been feeling stuck and overwhelmed lately. It’s tough to admit, but I could really use a friend right now. Could you just hang with me—whether that’s talking or sitting quietly?

Option 2:
I’m in a really dark place and struggling to keep it together. You don’t have to say anything wise—just being there with me would help more than you know.

Option 3:
This is hard to say out loud, but I’m not okay. I’m reaching out because I trust you. Even if it’s just a short message back or a cup of coffee together, it would mean a lot.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Keep it simple: Let your genuine feelings lead. No need for precise language or big explanations.

Feel the fear: Remember, as the video says, admitting vulnerability is brave and necessary.

Anticipate kindness: You’d be surprised how often people respond with care—even when we fear judgment.

In case of a mental health crisis or emergency involving yourself or someone else and you feel like you have no one to turn to:

Call the Mobile Mental Health Crisis Team at (902) 429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167, toll-free. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Canada Wide Crisis Line 1-833-456-4566

Wellness Together Canada (Mental Health) 1-866-585-0445

Hope For Wellness Help Line (First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Peoples) 1-855-242-3310

Feeling at rock bottom? Don't despair. This film explores how to ask for help at times of crisis and loneliness. Learn to overcome shame and find support in ...

08/28/2025

08/27/2025

Excited to announce that I have completed my candidacy and am now officially a Registered Professional Counsellor with CPCA.

What does this mean?
More than 185 hours of supervision since opening my practice in April 2023 and over 600 hours working directly with clients since.

"I have had the privilege of supervising Amanda clinically since March 27, 2023. Before that, I first came to know her as a student in my Advanced Trauma Therapy course, where she
demonstrated exceptional insight, clinical curiosity, and a deep commitment to the therapeutic process. Since then, I have continued to observe her growth into a skilled, reliable, and intuitive clinical counsellor.

Amanda demonstrates exceptional clinical skill as a counsellor, particularly in her capacity as a somatic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner. Her presence is consistently attuned and grounded, allowing clients to feel safe, seen, and supported in their therapeutic work. Amanda has cultivated strong client retention, a clear indication of the trust and therapeutic alliance she fosters. Her ability to integrate somatic awareness with systems-based insight reflects a depth of clinical competence that is both trauma-informed and relationally intelligent. She is an asset to the field and continues to exemplify excellence in embodied, client-centred care."
~ Dr. Anna Dos Santos RCC-ACS, RCFT-S, MPCC-RQS

08/24/2025

Join us for Wellness on the Waterfront Sunday,August 31st
from 12–7 PM at Foundation Wharf.

🧘‍♀️ 40+ wellness vendors
💃 Interactive sessions & classes
🌿 Explore, learn & recharge—mind, body & spirit
🎶 All in a beautiful waterfront setting

Best part? It’s FREE to attend!

https://www.thehalifaxhealthandwellnessshow.ca/

08/20/2025

*Please note: Mention of childhood sexual abuse.
Understanding 'The trauma that precedes the trauma' —Why abused children don’t TELL: A revealing moment during Gabor's conversation with the emotionally courageous Mel Robbins.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2025

Recurring thoughts, stress, anxiety...panic? Give tapping a try!

Send a message to learn more

07/11/2025

In this video, Faith Hunter introduces Somatic Experiencing, a transformative method for healing trauma, stress, and emotional blockages through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation.

You’ll learn about the five key channels of somatic healing—Physical Sensory, Emotional, Cognitive, Relational, and Transpersonal—which guide you in releasing trauma stored in the body and achieving emotional freedom.

Like Faith, my practice blends ancient practices with modern holistic wellness to help you reconnect with your body’s inner wisdom, release trapped emotions, and unlock deep healing.

✅ FREE Somatic Healing Mini-Course: https://fly.faithhunter.com/somatic-healing-mini-courseSomatic Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLThc0nry...

07/04/2025

Excited to share that in this offering with Lori and a few others who feel called to step out of the people-pleasing and into a more relaxed & free spirited presence 💕

07/02/2025

"War does not determine who is right,
it determines who is left."
Bertrand Russell

The report from inside evolution’s “cocoon.”

As readers of this monthly newsletter are aware, civilization is undergoing an evolutionary upheaval analogous to the evolution (metamorphosis) of a butterfly. During the transition from caterpillar into a butterfly, the caterpillar enwraps itself into a chrysalis wherein transformation takes place. Within the cocoon, the cellular community comprising the body of the caterpillar breaks down in a state of organizational chaos. As the old system’s structure collapses, specialized cells, called “imaginal cells” offer the community a hopeful vision for the future. A new way of life, a vision of a butterfly that thrives in the Garden.



Civilization is in a state resembling metamorphosis, a breaking down of an old, unsustainable way of life with the dream of a future butterfly reality. Global chaos is currently expressed in many different forms: political, social, and economic upheaval, while religious, racial, and gender discrimination, are breaking the harmony of life. The human version of imaginal cells is offering the public the awareness needed to evolve into a more sustainable way of life.



However, we are also experiencing one of the most threatening consequences of our devolution phase, civilization’s regression to a primitive caveman mentality, a state of awareness wherein “right” is determined by force. Currently, the world is experiencing a global reaction to war as a means of empowering one belief over another.



While ongoing wars, such as those in the Ukraine and Russia and the Middle East conflicts are raging, new wars are arising in Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. War is a barbaric resolution for 21st century conflicts. Over history, our world has evolved a much higher level of consciousness - one that supersedes primitive power struggles. What does war offer the world? Bertrand Russell’s quote above highlights the destructive nature of war and emphasizes that victory is not necessarily about justice but about the survivors and the consequences that follow.



As The Biology of Belief emphasizes, the genetics and behavior of the community of cells comprising the human body are shaped by the consciousness of that individual. As we experience the collapse of the current version of civilization, the conscious and subconscious minds of the public are focused on the impending threats to their survival. How does this consciousness playout in our biology?



Civilization is currently experiencing an increasing worldwide health crisis. Recognize that LESS than 1% of disease is connected to our genetics and that around 90% of disease is due to stress. The mind’s response to threats is to release stress hormones, such as cortisol, that conserve bodily energy to run away from the proverbial sabertoothed tiger. In preparing for “fight and flight,” energy is conserved by shutting down the maintenance of the body and inhibiting and altering the function of the immune system. As importantly, stress hormones are also personally disempowering for they shut down the conscious thinking mind and divert neural control to the reactive reflex behaviors of the subconscious mind.



Stress hormones induce autoimmune disease, a process in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This happens because the immune system, which usually defends against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, starts to treat parts of the body as a threat. The attacks within the cellular community cause inflammation, damage to organs and tissues, and a wide range of symptoms that result in heart disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and brain dysfunction, among others. Pharmaceutical companies ply the public with mind-numbing drugs that coverup the symptoms while allowing us to ignore the problems.



There is only one way to resolve the current stress problem … eliminate stress! I believe that the best resolution is to make the Serenity Prayer a way of God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”



In addition, we must own that the system’s collapse is “good news,’ for we are no longer sustainable. Currently civilization requires the resources of 1.6 planet Earths to provide for today’s civilization. s resources coming from? Consequently, science has recognized that civilization is facing an irreversible collapse within the next 20 years. If we do not radically change current lifestyle, the end is nigh. Holding on to the world the way it is, is futile, collapse is inevitable. Frankly, the impending collapse is actually required for our continued survival on planet Earth.



There is an old hippy saying that applies Before you go out and change the world, first take care of your own back yard.” Are you prepared to survive if the system shuts down for a few weeks? Do you have food and water available if the markets are closed for a while? Have you created bonds with people in your community? This is vitally important since they will represent your support and protection while the central government undergoes a reorganization to accommodate future changes.



The new science reveals that each of us is a powerful creator, we must shed our programmed belief that we are victims of a world outside of our control. Are you focusing on the fear or on the future? Realize, our consciousness is creating our reality, it is The Biology of Belief in action. Amen.

With Peace, Love, and wishes for World Harmony,
Bruce

See video at www.brucelipton.com/think-beyond-your-genes-june-2025/