Calm River Therapy / Thérapie Calme Rivière

06/26/2025

🤔It isn’t always easy to be true to ourselves, especially in the face of the unknown. 🤔

When this happens, try this brief visualization exercise:

Envision a blank slate; I have erased the ideas I feel stuck in, and the things I “want” to be true.
Take note of what I am observing, feeling, experiencing in the moment. I forget about finding answers or some cohesive story. I write everything on this imaginary board. 👁️👂
If I find an answer, a pattern, or a conclusion on this board, I write it down. If the board is a chaotic stream of consciousness, I leave it be.✍️

We don't always have answers immediately, and that is ok. Sometimes the first answer isn't the best one. 🧘

Read more about this on our blog: http://bit.ly/3ZN3PgP

05/25/2025

🌱📈 Many of us place so much pressure on ourselves to grow and improve. 📈🌱

However, what feels constructive can sometimes lead to burnout as opposed to bringing us closer to our goals🏆

When this happens, we can engage in some re-direction by asking a few questions.

❓ What do I gain from holding myself to this standard?
❓Does this matter to me? Why, why not, or to what extent?
❓Where/how did I learn this? 🤔

Slowing down and re-navigating can feel like taking two steps back.

But that ensures we’re on the right path instead of running full speed in circles. 🌀

Read more about this on our blog:
👉 https://calmriver.ca/self-compassion-re-directing-the-standards-we-hold-ourselves-to-

See video on YouTube:
👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/dS6xgFV1Zw8?feature=share

12/16/2024

🎄Let’s Not Judge Ourselves This Holiday Season 🎄

The holidays can be overwhelming with all the advice floating around. But here’s a gentle reminder: you don’t have to get it "right."

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or slipping into old patterns, that's okay. Be kind to yourself. Mental health is a journey, and you’re already making progress.

🕯️ Let’s embrace this holiday season with self-compassion.

11/16/2024

🌱 Curiosity & Compassion: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay 🌱

We can all be hard on ourselves! Instead of putting ourselves down for feeling anxious, low, or uncertain, let’s get curious and non-judgemental.

Curiosity helps us explore why we feel the way we do, compassion reminds us it’s okay to not feel okay. 💙

Give yourself permission to ask “What’s my mind and body trying to tell me?” or “I wonder why I was more anxious today?”

10/31/2024

🍂 A Beautiful Fall Moment 🍂

A few days ago, I was walking through the river valley with coworkers and Randy, a black lab therapy dog 🐾.

As Randy played in the bushes, he pulled a branch, making that familiar rustling sound 🍁… and suddenly, I was taken back to childhood.

In my mind, I could see myself with my dad and siblings, jumping into piles of leaves 🍃, feeling the joy and laughter of those moments. The sound of the leaves brought back that same playfulness and warmth ❤️.

As a trauma therapist, I know that reconnecting with these positive memories can be just as powerful as working through hard ones. They offer comfort and remind us of the happiness we can carry forward 🌱 They bring comfort and remind us of the joy that’s always within us 🌱✨.

Check out my latest video! And let me know what you think. 🎥 👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/p7Kh96nodJw

10/21/2024

🌟 Feeling overwhelmed?🌟 Here's a quick and fun way to get grounded!

We all have those moments when life feels overwhelming and out of control—anxiety creeps in, and our minds race with "what ifs" and worries. Grounding techniques are a method to bring ourselves back to the present moment.

🍬A technique that is sweet and simple includes—candy! 🍬

Watch my latest video where I show you how this easy technique can help you calm your mind, whether you're in a meeting, at a social event, or juggling parenting duties. It’s discreet, quick, and effective!

👉 Watch it here

Grounding is an essential technique that I teach many of my clients and use personally in my daily life. It helps bring you back to the present moment when y...

10/05/2024

😡 Anger 😡 is one of those tricky emotions.

It's usually more than just anger. When we dig a bit deeper, we might find fear, shame, grief...

Anger is telling us that something is not okay. The strong energy that comes with anger gives us the drive to do something about it.

Sometimes, that can mean making a change or challenging something. We need decide if we are up for that or not.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anger or other emotions beneath the surface, it might help to talk it through. Together, we can explore what's really going on and find healthy ways to cope.

If you're ready for support, let's connect. Book a session today, and let's work through it together. https://bit.ly/44eiCSE

09/10/2024

🌿 Therapy: The Journey Within 🌿

Therapy is more than just talking – it's a journey of self-discovery. It's about learning to understand how you truly feel , recognizing your emotions, and finding the courage to face them with kindness.

Every step you take brings you closer to a deeper understanding of yourself and what’s important to you 🌻.

Remember, it's okay to take the time to truly know yourself 💖.

08/15/2024

✨Find your joy ✨

We often search for happiness, but joy can be found naturally in the little things in life.

Look around. What brings you joy?

Don’t wait—see the joy, experience joy today.

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