Esther Allison Counselling

09/27/2024

There's a saying that "old habits die hard". We can become so accustomed to the way we've always done things that it can be difficult to envision a different way.

Check out my new blog on "well worn paths".

When I moved to my current community, I made friends who showed me a shortcut into a beautiful conservation park. I was told it was the path that all the locals use. There always seemed to be a steady stream of people coming and going through this well-worn path through the fence, so I never gave it

07/04/2024

Have you ever struggled to find hope? Does the weight of your grief feel too heavy a burden to carry for another day? Is depression or anxiety clouding your vision of a better tomorrow?

I've posted a new blog that I hope offers some comfort, hope and encouragement for those who are trying to find their way through a dark and difficult time.

I recently returned from a trip to the beautiful province of Newfoundland, to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my husband. One of our hopes for this trip was to see some whales. We’d heard the end of June/beginning of July was the best time to see them so we were very hopeful. We booked a wha

09/21/2023

08/30/2023

Have you ever noticed how some people are much more volatile through text and/or online? Pausing to self-regulate before we respond, post or speak would go a long way to preserve and maintain healthy relationships.

Emotions are not bad but they can be dangerous based on how you respond to them. That’s why it’s essential to develop a strong mind-management routine.

I use my Neurocycle app to help me improve my emotional regulation and awareness, and even though I do still mess up I’m definitely improving. To get the app visit: https://www.neurocycle.app

08/10/2023

I've been thinking a lot about this "let them" theory.

So much energy can go into trying to make other people fit into our hopes and expectations, but it's kind of freeing to let go of what we cannot control (they're behaviour and choices) and focus more on what we can control (our responses and boundaries).

What do you think?

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1664011110758724

09/17/2022

If you are interested in learning about the connection between trauma and addiction, check out this free event happening in Guelph.

With the current opioid crisis that is happening, we could all benefit from becoming more informed.

Its September already!! And that means it is a new season of ministry at Celebrate Recovery!

We hope you can join us on Monday September 26th for our CR Kick-off as we have a BBQ Dinner at 6pm for $6, followed by our Guest Speaker Alison Buchan at 7pm. Check out the image below!!

ALL adults welcome! Feel free to bring along family or friends who you think may find the evening beneficial.

To learn more about our Guest Speaker you can visit;
https://oakscounselling.com/about/://oakscounselling.com/about

We will take up a free will offering to thank Alison for joining us!

09/14/2022

This morning my alarm went off to the song, “Broken” by lovelytheband and now the lyrics have been swirling through my mind all day:

“I like that you're broken, broken like me. Maybe that makes me a fool…”

I think the truth in these lyrics is that there is comfort in knowing we are not alone in our suffering or struggles. Our struggles are made worse when we isolate and keep it to ourself.

As difficult as it can be to talk about our challenges, it not only helps us but it gives others the courage to share their struggles too.

So if you are struggling with something today, I would encourage you to reach out to someone you trust, and if counselling is your next step send me a message and let’s talk.

04/28/2022

I’ve never heard boundaries defined this way, but I think this so clearly describes the importance and function of healthy boundaries.

(From “Atlas of the Heart”, Brene Brown)

04/27/2022

Book recommendation: “ATLAS OF THE HEART” by Brene Brown.

This is a great book for finding language for our emotions. Most people have limited vocabulary to describe how they are feeling. The better we can describe how we feel, the easier it is to regulate and express our emotions.

Like an atlas, this book is a useful tool to understand the places we go emotionally. It’s also filled with beautiful pictures and helpful quotes, so it’s a light read and a helpful reference book that you don’t need to read in chronological order.

I’d recommend it if you’re looking to better understand yourself and others.

03/26/2022

- Shame Resiliency - ✨

"Shame resilience is about understanding what shame is; identifying how it shows up in our lives; gaining a healthy perspective of shame; finding the courage to be vulnerable and reach out and ask for what we need, rather than isolating or withdrawing ourselves from others."

Would LOVE to have you join us! All Adults welcome!

07/29/2021

Love this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

https://www.facebook.com/100044506716546/posts/376824453811109/?d=n

I'll tell you what, Simone Biles, the only thing withdrawing from the team competition told me is that absolutely nothing is more important than your mental health, and rather than push through until you had an utter breakdown emotionally or physically, you had the strength of character to step down. The watching, expectant eyes of the whole world are a heavy burden none of us understand.

Your IG caption on July 7th said: "Whatever is good for your soul, do that." And you did. Well done.

Because this life is a long game, little sister. No matter what everyone is telling you, this is NOT your one moment. It sure isn't. Most of your moments are ahead of you in fact, and you get to choose how you want to live them.

We are just as proud of you today as yesterday, and we will be proud of you for all your tomorrows. Catch your breath, girl. You are already a champion.

01/27/2021

YEAH FOR SUNSHINE! 🙂

I've got my curtains opened wide today!

Does anyone notice how great it feels to have the sun shining today? The sun increases our serotonin levels, which among many other health benefits, boosts our mood. So if you need a boost today, get outside or at the very least get close to a window and look toward the sun.