Rob Smith Counselling

03/19/2026

Is bottling it up your only coping tool? 🧠

Many men are taught to suppress emotions -but long-term stress doesn’t just fade away. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to process what you’re carrying.

You don’t have to face it alone.

Book your appointment today!

05/06/2025

Mother's Day Coping

As Mother’s Day approaches, many of us take time to celebrate the love, strength, and sacrifices of our mothers. We reflect on the ways they’ve nurtured, supported, and stood by us—often as our loudest cheerleaders and quietest protectors. It’s a beautiful day to honour those relationships and cherish the memories we hold dear.

But for others, this day can feel heavy. Whether you've lost your mother, have a complicated relationship, or long for a connection that was never there, Mother’s Day can stir up powerful emotions—grief, longing, sadness, even anger. And that’s okay.

Society often encourages us to push through those feelings or hide them behind a smile. But grief doesn’t work that way. As Shakespeare said, “To weep is to make less the depth of grief.” You’re allowed to feel deeply. You're allowed to cry. You're allowed to take space for your emotions.

One small ritual I remember from childhood was wearing a white flower if your mom had passed, and a coloured one—often pink or red—if she was still living. Simple gestures like these can be grounding reminders of where we are in our grief journey.

If you’re finding this day difficult, know you’re not alone. Reach out to your support system. Take care of yourself in the ways that feel right—whether that’s being with others or taking quiet time alone. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and no deadline for healing.

Be gentle with yourself. Honour your story. You’re doing the best you can—and that’s enough.

04/28/2025

Over the past three decades, I’ve had a passion in my practice, working with those who are bereaved. While I also work as a generalist, my greatest fulfillment comes from assisting individuals in navigating the challenges of loss.

I believe this stems from witnessing the human spirit’s remarkable resilience in mourning, grieving, healing, and surviving the immense pain that accompanies the hurt and devastation of loss. As one client aptly put it, “We morph into something new,” and we survive.

I’ve had the privilege of observing many individuals overcome their grief and find hope, courage, and resilience to move forward in life. I would never attempt to suggest that this journey is easy or straightforward. In fact, I would argue that working through grief is the most challenging and arduous task one will ever encounter in life. However, it is possible to emerge from this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how to proceed in life. This is something I have personally experienced, but it is most profoundly evident from the countless clients I have had the privilege of working with.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing posts with information about grief and practical tips on how to cope. Grief is a journey or a process that we all will inevitably face as loss is an inevitable part of life.

04/12/2025

Dealing with Uncertainty…

“The future is uncertain… but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity.” – Ilya Prigogine

Lately, it feels like we’re living in a world of constant surprises—tariffs, strained global relationships, upcoming elections. It’s overwhelming, and it’s easy to fall into fear or worry.

In moments like this, I remind myself of a few grounding truths. First, we can’t control everything—so let’s focus on what we can. Stay present when it all feels too much. Accept what’s beyond our control, and work on what we can change.

Be gentle—with yourself and with others. Tensions are high, and sometimes the kindest response is to listen rather than argue. Take care of yourself: move your body, eat well, get sleep, and spend time outdoors. Small things can shift your whole perspective.

Lean into your support system. Talk to those you trust, and reconnect with what brought you together—even if you don’t agree on everything right now. Sometimes, taking a break is okay too. And don’t forget to practice gratitude. Notice the little joys, like a beautiful day or a kind word. Staying hopeful can help us see the silver linings and imagine positive outcomes ahead.

If you’re struggling, reaching out to a counsellor or therapist can be a powerful step. Let’s protect that spirit in ourselves and each other.

Feeling stuck, stressed, or navigating grief and life changes? With over 30 years of counselling experience, I offer compassionate, client-centred support to help you find clarity, balance, and meaningful change. Based in Grande Prairie, I’m here to walk alongside you through life’s challenges with warmth, respect, and genuine care. 📞 Reach out to connect or book online.

02/04/2025

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to recognize any positives that emerged. However, one notable shift has been the increased acceptance and use of online or virtual counselling as a viable alternative to in-person therapy. Having volunteered on a crisis line for many years, I was reminded of the effectiveness of telephone-based support. Now, with advancements in technology, individuals can connect with a counsellor visually from the comfort and safety of their own homes. As long as you have a strong internet connection and access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, online counselling can be a convenient and accessible option.

Pros of Online Counselling

Effective: Research shows online therapy can be as beneficial as in-person sessions.
Accessible: Ideal for those in rural or remote areas where services are limited.
Convenient: Flexible scheduling for individuals with busy lives.
Inclusive: Supports clients with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Cost-Effective: Reduces overhead and transportation costs.
Private: Offers anonymity, especially in small communities.

Cons of Online Counselling

Internet Reliability: Connection issues may disrupt sessions.
Privacy Concerns: Security of platforms is essential. (I use Jane, which meets high industry standards.)
Crisis Management: Immediate intervention may be limited in emergencies.
Nonverbal Cues: Some body language may be harder to interpret online.
Complex Cases: Severe mental health or addiction issues may require in-person support.

As a registered counsellor, I can see clients anywhere within the province of Alberta. If you are considering online therapy, I encourage you to explore its benefits and determine if it aligns with your personal circumstances.

01/19/2025

Blue Monday, January 20, 2025 – Let's Challenge the Myth

It is often said that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year. While it's true that many may feel overwhelmed by credit card bills and financial worries, we also find ourselves in the depths of winter darkness, with daylight not arriving quickly enough. Additionally, those great plans we had for the new year may not be coming to fruition. For those who are bereaved, having survived the holiday season, this day can feel like a significant letdown. This build-up of emotions often leads to what is referred to as “Blue Monday.”

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the third Monday in January is more difficult than any other day. In reality, anyone can struggle with depression or other mental health issues at any time, depending on their circumstances. Some may experience low mood more frequently during winter, often referred to as the “Winter Blues” or “Seasonal Affective
Disorder.”

Tips for Coping:
• Reach out and talk with someone you trust about what is happening in your life; in some cases, this might need to be a counselor or therapist.
• Use light therapy.
• Ensure you are getting enough rest; look into what might help improve your sleep.
• Exercise—even just going for a walk outside to soak up some natural vitamin D from the sunshine.
• Eat nutritious food, even if sugary treats are tempting.
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, especially until you’re feeling better.
• Consult with a physician; in some situations, medication can make a significant
difference.

In short, take care of yourself not just in January but whenever you recognize signs of depression or the "blues." I encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help. Depression is not isolated to one day or necessarily worse on a specific day of the year. Remember, you are never alone.

01/14/2025

**Meet the Rest of the Team!**

Hazel is the newest addition to the team at Rob Smith Counselling. She is a 2-year-old Shih Tzu/Poodle mix and is currently in training as a therapy dog. Full of energy, Hazel is learning how to adapt to the counselling office environment, calming her enthusiasm and using it to help clients feel more relaxed. Over the course of my 30 years in practice, Hazel is my fourth therapy dog—each of my previous dogs has left the practice due to old age. I have found that having a dog in the office brings a soothing energy to the space, enhancing therapeutic engagement.

There is extensive research supporting the use of animals in counselling and therapy, particularly dogs. The presence of animals has been shown to provide both psychological and physical benefits. Studies demonstrate that animals, especially dogs, can help reduce anxiety and stress, alleviate feelings of worry and fear, and in some cases, improve motivation and focus.

If we look around us, it's clear that dogs are now widely used in various service roles, beyond just assisting those with sight impairments. Dogs have proven invaluable for people with PTSD, autism, and many other conditions.

I can personally attest to the positive impact of having a therapy dog in my office. In fact, I sometimes joke that many clients come to see the dogs rather than me! :)

01/03/2025

Life’s journey often presents sharp twists, turns, and ups and downs. Let me help you navigate these challenges and guide you toward a place of contentment.

With over 30 years in private practice and years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, I believe there’s nothing greater than living authentically and being content—goals I’m committed to helping others achieve.

I’ve learned from my clients, who I consider my greatest teachers, and draw from a wide range of therapy approaches to find what best supports you. Building a strong rapport in the counsellor-client relationship is essential for success. As I often say, "Finding the right counsellor is like buying a new pair of running shoes; if the fit isn’t right, you’ll still get shin splints." My job is to make sure you don’t get shin splints. Clients often comment on the strong rapport we build together, and my relaxed, down-to-earth style helps ease the process.

Grande Prairie has been home for many years, where I raised my two children. Today, being a grandparent to six amazing grandkids is one of my greatest joys. I believe in the importance of community, which is why I’ve been actively involved in local organizations, including serving as vice-chair of the EMS Foundation. My best recharge comes from nature, camping, and spending time with friends and family.

I also have a 2-year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle cross, Hazel, who is a therapy dog-in-training and loves meeting new clients!

Call or email to chat and see if we’re the right fit for your counselling journey. You can book your session today at robsmithcounselling@janeapp.com.

Counselling/ therapy practice that helps you manage the ups and downs life brings us. Help you to lead a life of contentment.