Guts & Grit Counselling

04/23/2025

Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is pause.

I’m gently closing the door to my Fort St. John office and opening space for rest, reflection, and realignment.

This season calls for stillness — a quiet recalibration.

I’ll return online in the fall, with clarity and intention.

Until then, thank you for walking this path with me.

— Michelle

01/13/2025

Gratitude isn’t just about feeling good—it literally rewires your brain! Research shows it boosts serotonin and dopamine (your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals) while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Regular gratitude practice strengthens resilience, lowers stress, and improves sleep.

By focusing on what you have, instead of what’s missing, you train your brain to find the good in every day. Use the worksheet to start your gratitude journey and build a more positive, grounded mindset.

01/09/2025

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a renowned psychiatrist, researcher, and trauma specialist who has significantly contributed to understanding how trauma impacts the body and brain. His book, The Body Keeps the Score, is a groundbreaking exploration of the mind-body connection in trauma, emphasizing that traumatic experiences are stored not just in the mind but also in the body. The book is important because it highlights the need for holistic approaches to trauma treatment, incorporating body-based therapies like yoga, EMDR, and somatic practices to help individuals heal and reclaim their lives.

12/20/2024

✨ Happy Holidays! ✨

As I wrap up my sessions for the year, I want to thank each of you for allowing me to be part of your journey in 2024. I appreciate the opportunity to do this work and show up for you.

I’m officially on holidays until January 6, 2025. During this time, I hope you find moments of rest, joy, and connection with the people who matter most.

Wishing you all the best in the new year! May 2025 be filled with growth, peace, and possibility. 💛

10/30/2024

🌱 Training Milestone Update! 🌱

In the last two months, I’ve had the privilege of completing three transformative trainings, each offering unique tools to enhance the healing journey for my clients.

✨ EMDR Therapy: This trauma-focused approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, supports clients in processing difficult memories and reducing distress. EMDR has shown profound results in helping people find relief from trauma and regain a sense of control.

✨ Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy: After two years, I’m thrilled to have completed this in-depth program! Blending attachment theory with body-based practices, this therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, helping clients build secure, healthy relationships with themselves and others.

✨ Critical Incident and Stress Management (CISM): Training with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) has deepened my crisis intervention skills. This work is essential in supporting those impacted by critical incidents, helping them process and manage intense stress in the aftermath of challenging events.

Each of these trainings has expanded my toolkit, and I’m excited to bring these insights and approaches into my work. 💙

10/23/2024

🌿 Out of the office this week, but still fully in action! This week I’m wearing my Clinical Director hat and working alongside the Ministry of Forests CISM team, preparing for critical incident responses.

A huge thank you to my amazing clients for your understanding and support of the work I do both in and out of the office. Your trust means the world to me, and I appreciate each of you.

10/13/2024

Walking into my office each day is a profound reminder of the power of space. A space where comfort, safety, and healing can unfold. It’s a place where stories are shared, vulnerability is welcomed, and trust is built. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working with clients who feel safe enough to open up, sharing parts of their lives that have often been hidden for so long. Holding space for these conversations is something I never take for granted.

One of the practices I often encourage is the cultivation of gratitude. It’s not just a feel-good exercise; it has a real impact on the brain. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, allows us to shift our thought patterns over time. By consciously adopting a gratitude practice—whether it’s journaling a few things we’re thankful for each day or simply pausing to appreciate small moments—we begin to train our brains to look for the positive. This rewiring can make us more resilient, improving not just our mood but our overall outlook on life.

Gratitude, as simple as it sounds, can be a powerful tool in therapy and in life. It reminds us of what’s working, even when things feel overwhelming. And it helps us foster deeper connections—with ourselves and with others—one moment at a time.

09/19/2024

Honoured to work with this agency & all the folks within it!WorkBC Employment Services has made significant gains in the quality and flexibility of the services offered to persons with disabilities since the launch of the program in April 2012. Accessibility and individualized services and supports are crucial to the success of clients with disabilities, and WorkBC continues to focus on them as a part of their ongoing commitment to enhance client service.

07/11/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement 🌟

I am thrilled to share that I have accepted the role of Clinical Director for the Ministry of Forests Crisis Intervention Stress Management Program. In this position, I will be responding to critical incidents related to fires and floods across our Province, providing essential support and intervention during these challenging times.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, there may be last-minute cancellations of appointments. I will do my best to reschedule all appointments as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

If you have any questions or curiosities about my new role or the program, feel free to connect with me. Together, we can navigate these crises and support our communities. 🌲

07/10/2024

The nervous system is like a highly sophisticated communication network within your body. It has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes your brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes all the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to the rest of your body.

The CNS is like the control center. Your brain processes information, makes decisions, and sends instructions to your body. The spinal cord acts as a major highway, transmitting signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

The PNS is like the communication lines that carry messages to and from the control center. It has two main functions: sensory and motor. Sensory nerves bring information from your senses (like touch, sight, and sound) to your brain, while motor nerves carry instructions from your brain to your muscles and organs.

Together, these systems help you respond to your environment, regulate bodily functions, and control voluntary movements. They also manage involuntary processes like heartbeat and digestion through the autonomic nervous system, which has two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (activating ‘fight or flight’ responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system (promoting ‘rest and digest’ functions).

Understanding your nervous system can help you appreciate how your body processes stress, reacts to different stimuli, and maintains overall balance and well-being.

05/28/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I am thrilled to share that I have completed the Integrative S*x & Couples Certification Training with the renowned Dr. Tammy Nelson! 🏆 This comprehensive training has enriched my practice with advanced techniques to support couples in deepening their intimacy and resolving conflicts.

Dr. Tammy Nelson is a pioneering expert in the field of s*x and relationship therapy. With her extensive background in clinical psychology and her innovative approaches to therapy, she has helped countless couples transform their relationships. Her work focuses on integrating s*x therapy with couple’s therapy to address both emotional and physical intimacy, creating a holistic path to healing and connection.

I look forward to incorporating these new insights into my practice and continuing to support couples on their journey towards stronger, more fulfilling relationships. 💑✨

*xTherapy

05/26/2024

🌟 Proud Moment for BCACC! 🌟

As a board member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), I am incredibly proud to share some exciting news. A recent article highlights the move towards legislative regulation of psychotherapy as an officially recognized profession. This is a monumental achievement for our field and a testament to the tireless efforts of our association.

The BCACC has worked diligently to facilitate this change, advocating for high standards, greater accountability, and enhanced quality of care for our clients. This regulation is a significant step forward, ensuring that our profession continues to evolve and meet the needs of those we serve.

Being a part of an association that is so dedicated to progress and excellence in mental health care is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the future of psychotherapy in British Columbia.

Join us in celebrating this achievement and read more about what this means for our profession and community.

/CNW/ - The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) is pleased that the legislative regulation of Psychotherapy under the Health Professions Act and...