Laird Counselling Services

02/09/2025

Therapy isn’t just for hard times—it’s for thriving. 🌟 Let’s bust some common myths:

❌ Myth: Therapy means something is ‘wrong’ with you.
✅ Reality: Therapy is about exploring your strengths, challenges, and potential.

❌ Myth: You need a crisis to go to therapy.
✅ Reality: Therapy helps with personal growth, stress, and everyday balance.

Wherever you are in your journey, therapy is a space to grow. Curious? Let’s take the first step together.

02/06/2025

Life gets busy, and self-care often takes a backseat. But even small moments can nourish your mental health. Here are 5 quick self-care ideas for a busy mind:

🍵 Enjoy a calming tea break.
✍️ Write 3 things you’re grateful for today.
🌱 Step outside for fresh air, even for a minute.
🤸 Do a gentle stretch—your body will thank you.
🎶 Play a song that makes you smile.

Remember, self-care isn’t about luxury—it’s about balance. 🌼

02/03/2025

Anxiety can feel like a wave crashing over you, but there are ways to calm the storm. 🌊 Here are five techniques you can try today:

1️⃣ Ground yourself: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method to reconnect with the present.
2️⃣ Breathe deeply: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat.
3️⃣ Move gently: Stretch or take a short walk to release tension.
4️⃣ Mini-meditate: Close your eyes for 3 minutes and focus on your breath.
5️⃣ Name your fear: Write it down—it often feels smaller on paper.

You’re stronger than you think. What method helps you most? 🌱

01/29/2025

Body neutrality can feel like a breath of fresh air in a world that asks us to love every part of ourselves, all the time. 💡

Instead of forcing positive thoughts, body neutrality helps you focus on what your body allows you to do. Here’s how to start:

🌟 Shift focus: Appreciate that your legs help you walk or your hands help you create.
🌟 Avoid appearance talk: Compliment others on their kindness, not their looks.
🌟 Set boundaries: Limit time on apps or spaces that fuel comparison.

Remember, your body is your home. You don’t have to love it every day, but you can always treat it with respect. What’s one thing your body helped you do today? 🌸

01/26/2025

Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. They’re complex mental health conditions, not choices. Here are some signs to watch for:

Physical: Rapid weight changes, fatigue, or stomach complaints.
Behavioural: Skipping meals, obsession with calorie tracking, or withdrawing from meals with others.

Emotional: Anxiety about food, body shame, or guilt after eating.

If you’re concerned about someone, approach them gently:
🌿 Choose a private, calm time to talk.
🌿 Focus on their feelings, not weight or appearance.
🌿 Offer non-judgmental support and suggest professional resources.

Let’s work together to break the stigma. Support is always within reach. 💛

01/23/2025

Many of us set big goals for the new year, but let’s pause and reframe: What if 2025 is about treating yourself with the kindness you show others? 💛 Here are 3 steps to kinder resolutions:

1️⃣ Reflect on your values: Instead of aiming for perfection, ask yourself, ‘What truly matters to me?’
2️⃣ Break it down: Start with one small, achievable step—big changes come from consistent actions.
3️⃣ Celebrate small wins: Growth isn’t linear. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.

This year, let’s embrace ‘New Year, Be Kind to Me.’ How will you care for yourself today? 🌟

12/12/2024

Emotional Eating and Loneliness: A Holiday Struggle Many Face

For many, food becomes more than nourishment—it becomes a source of comfort during difficult times. During the holidays, this is especially common. 34% of Canadians report feeling lonely during this season, and these feelings can impact our eating habits.

If you’re navigating emotional eating, know this:
✨ You’re not alone in this struggle.
✨ There’s no shame in how you feel.
✨ Support is available.

Therapy offers a space to explore the connection between emotions and eating, with care and without judgment.
📲 Click here to learn more or schedule a free consultation:
https://www.lairdcounsellingservices.ca/contact/

Let’s navigate these challenges together with understanding and kindness. 💛

11/04/2024

Does food guilt weigh you down? 🤍 Discover simple, practical steps to help break free from restrictive food rules and find a healthier relationship with eating.

Swipe through to learn strategies like challenging unhelpful thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and understanding emotional triggers.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with me to start your journey toward food peace and self-acceptance.

https://www.lairdcounsellingservices.ca/contact/

09/03/2024

Let's talk about video game addiction:

🎮 The Pleasure-Driven Motivation:
At its core, video gaming often begins as a source of pleasure and enjoyment. Whether it's the thrill of exploration, the satisfaction of completing challenges, or the camaraderie in online multiplayer settings, these experiences contribute positively to individuals' lives.

🔄 Transitioning to Compulsive Need:
However, the journey from pleasure to potential addiction is marked by a subtle shift. It's crucial to notice when the initial motivations transform into a compulsive need—a point where the desire to play overrides other essential aspects of life. This shift becomes particularly evident when activities like neglecting schoolwork or abandoning responsibilities take center stage.

🚸 Recognizing Adverse Consequences:
The key to understanding this transition lies in recognizing the negative consequences that accompany compulsive gaming behavior. As the immersive world of video games captivates individuals, it may lead to a neglect of academic commitments, strained interpersonal relationships, and a general decline in overall well-being.

⚖️ Striking the Balance:
Striking a balance between positive engagement and potential pitfalls involves fostering a mindful approach to gaming. It's about being aware of the time spent, the impact on daily responsibilities, and the overall well-being of the individual. This awareness empowers individuals to enjoy the benefits of gaming without succumbing to its potential drawbacks.

🤝 Encouraging Responsible Gaming:
Promoting responsible gaming habits is a shared responsibility. Parents, educators, and gamers themselves can play pivotal roles in creating a healthy gaming environment. Establishing open communication, setting time limits, and encouraging diverse activities beyond the screen contribute to a well-rounded and positive gaming experience. Working with a therapist can provide valuable insights and strategies to cultivate a mindful approach to video gaming, fostering a balanced approach to gaming.

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Get in touch:
🔗 Lairdcounsellingservices.ca
📧 info@lairdcounselling.com

08/27/2024

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that one once enjoyed.

Depression can also lead to physical symptoms, such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
There are many potential causes of depression, including genetics, life events, and chemical imbalances in the brain. Treatment options for depression can include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

While depression is a serious condition, it is also highly treatable. Seeking help from a mental health professional and building a support system of family and friends can be key in managing depression and improving overall well-being. It's important to remember that seeking help for depression is a sign of strength, and there is hope for recovery.

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Get in touch:

🔗 Lairdcounsellingservices.ca

📧 info@lairdcounselling.com

Personalized Guidance in the areas of Anxiety, Body Dissatisfaction, Disordered Eating, Addictions, Insomnia, and More.

*Immediate availability for online evening sessions for individual, family, and couple sessions**