Manon Dulude Counseling Services

10/14/2025

We all make mistakes—but it’s how we handle them that defines trust.

It’s not the mistake itself that damages a relationship. It’s the hiding, the covering up, the shame that follows.

When we tie our self-worth to being “perfect,” even small missteps can feel unbearable. But perfection isn't possible—being human is.

In this video, I talk about the connection between self-esteem, shame, and boundaries—and how learning to own our mistakes (instead of hiding them) can be a powerful step toward healthier relationships and self-respect.

If this resonates with you, and you're ready to explore the deeper roots of your patterns, I’d love to help.

📍 In-person and virtual sessions available across Ontario
📞 905-703-0003
🔗 manondulude.com

10/11/2025

Let’s talk about boundaries - real ones.

You can’t control other people. You can’t force them to behave a certain way, treat you better, or respect your space.

But you can control what you accept.
Boundaries aren't something you place on others - they're promises you make to yourself.
What you tolerate. What you walk away from. What you hold firm to.

In this short video, I share a few thoughts about how setting boundaries starts with self-awareness and self-respect.

If you’ve been feeling drained or pushed past your limits, this message might be the reminder you need today.

📍 In-person and virtual sessions available
📞 905-703-0003
🔗 www.manondulude.com

10/10/2025

This may surprise many to you, but women are more interested in s*x than men think. They may shut down when they don’t receive it or question the value of monogamy.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GtJ6Fgsif/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/09/2025

✨Every moment holds the potential for growth and learning.✨
Setbacks and mistakes aren’t failures—they’re invitations to deepen our understanding and resilience.

When you stumble, gently shift your focus from harsh self-judgment to curiosity: What is this experience revealing to me?
In that openness lies the path to true growth. ❤️‍🩹

10/06/2025

Grief Is a Shapeshifter
By Manon Dulude, Ph.D.

At first, grief is a monster.
It chases you relentlessly. It swallows you whole. It crushes your chest until it’s hard to breathe. It immobilizes you, making even the simplest tasks feel unbearable.

Then, slowly, its grip loosens.
Grief becomes a shadow - never far, always nearby. It creeps in when you least expect it: a song on the radio, a familiar scent, a photo in your feed, a birthday or holiday. It slips in uninvited and takes over your thoughts.

Eventually, it transforms again - into the boogeyman under your bed.
It greets you in the morning with the quiet ache that life has changed. It returns at night, when the world is still and your thoughts are loud, wrapping around your tired heart to remind you of what you've lost. A joke no longer lands because the person you shared it with is gone.

In the beginning, people see you wrestling with the monster. They show up with support, kindness, and care. But as weeks become months, and months become years, they assume the monster is gone. What they don’t see is that you’re still battling - just more quietly now.

And then, grief shifts again.
It becomes a trickster - smaller, lighter. It shows up on a warm breeze or in a ray of sunshine. It lets you remember the beauty, even through the pain. You find yourself smiling at a memory that once brought you to tears.

I write this 4.5 years after my stepson passed away.
Today, I sit thinking of him - not with the crushing weight of sorrow, but with a sense of gratitude. He transformed my life and shaped my heart. I miss him deeply, and I choose to believe he still walks beside me. When I hear the cardinal sing in the morning, I smile - and quietly say hello.

Grief is a journey.
It has no timeline, no clear path. It’s different for each of us. If you’re still living with the monster, please know: you are not alone. I’ve helped many clients - and walked this road myself. And when you’re ready, I can help you learn how to live with your grief… and maybe even tame it.

10/05/2025

2 Habits That Make Great Couples Great
by Mark Travers Ph.D.

We often associate “growth” with something lofty and abstract, like a vision board goal rather than a lived, daily experience. Sure, these tools can serve as reminders of our goals, but in practice, “micro-behaviors” or small, almost forgettable actions are what slowly shift the emotional tone and expectations within a partnership.

These moments may not be headline-worthy, but they are the true scaffolding of a relationship that allows both individuals to explore, expand, and evolve. Here are two micro-behaviors that help a relationship evolve and thrive long-term.

1. Asking, Not Assuming
Imagine checking in with your partner, saying, “What’s going on with you today?” versus “You’re being distant again.”

Notice the difference? When you’ve been with someone for a while, it’s easy to feel like you “know” them. And while familiarity can breed comfort, it can also breed assumptions. We start to auto-fill the blanks in their behavior: “Oh, he’s stressed again.” “She’s clearly mad at me.” “They always do this when they’re annoyed."

But the truth is that assuming shuts off further discussion. Asking opens it up.

When we replace judgment with genuine curiosity, we give our partner space to show up as a dynamic, changing individual. Not the version of them we hold in our head, but the version who is here, now, with us in the present.

Continued at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202509/2-habits-that-make-great-couples-great

10/04/2025

It’s rarely about the dishes or the socks.

Most of the conflict I see between couples and close relationships boils down to three core needs:
🌿 The need to feel cared for
🌿 The need to feel valued and respected
🌿 The need to feel equal in power and voice

These patterns show up again and again—not because people don’t love each other, but because it’s hard to feel seen and heard in the middle of everyday life.

In this short video, I share a bit more about how understanding the real issue can change the conversation.
I love working with couples to help them reconnect, understand each other, and meet each other’s needs more fully.

If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out.
📍 In-person sessions in Halton Hills
💻 Virtual sessions across Ontario
📞 905-703-0003
🔗 www.manondulude.com

10/02/2025

09/29/2025

This weekend, I stepped away from routine.

I visited a friend in Ottawa who has a lovely property. We didn’t have a specific plan other than to spend some time together. What mattered most was stepping out of my regular routine. It was simple, grounding, and exactly what I needed.

Step away from your usual rhythm. Reconnect with someone you love. Be kind to yourself.

09/25/2025

09/23/2025

09/20/2025

Why it’s Important to Build a Strong Support Network — And How to Go About it
by Manon Dulude, Ph.D.

All of us will experience difficulties in our lifetime. Loss, physical or mental illness, financial insecurity, infidelity, estrangement, and even legal woes are just a few of the many challenges we may face. While we cannot predict and prepare for every eventuality, we can benefit greatly by being able to draw upon members of our support system in our time of need.

What is a Support Network?
There are two types of support networks. One is a network of people you have cultivated over time that will provide emotional or practical support when you most need it. These aren’t “fair-weather friends” who disappear when things get inconvenient. These are people who truly care about you and who you can rely on when times get tough. They can come from any of your social circles including friends, neighbours, co-workers, and family. Another type of support system is a support group. Support groups are usually founded on structured meetings led by a mental health professional or layperson with personal experience of the issue. Both types of networks can provide great comfort by demonstrating that you are not alone during your darkest days.

Why is a Strong Support Network Important?
While the benefits of having a strong support network may seem intuitive, research backs it up. Studies show that having a strong support system provides a sense of well-being, reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental health, and helps you cope better during duress. It may even contribute to a healthier and longer life by staving off obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s. Long-term benefits aside, there is a sense of security and peace that comes with knowing you have people to count on. Conversely, with a limited or non-existent support network, it’s too easy to feel isolated, invisible, and uncared for — all of which can contribute significantly to depression and a sense of hopelessness.

Continued at https://manondulude.com/why-its-important-to-build-a-strong-support-network-and-how-to-go-about-it