Annette Poechman Psychotherapy & Counselling BA MEd RP CCC

01/09/2026

It’s hard to believe that January 1, 2026 marked 10 years in fulltime private practice for me, and this spring I will celebrate 26 years as a master’s-level psychotherapist. I am grateful for the trust bestowed upon me by clients. Here are the 7 most important lessons I've learned as a Psychotherapist/Counsellor https://www.annettepoechman.ca/10-years-of.../2026/01/

07/22/2025

Did you know? If you can't trust your psychotherapist or personal counsellor, therapy will be difficult, if not impossible. For treatment to work, trust is essential. Here's why you should never ignore your intuition when something doesn't feel right...
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/i-dont-trust-my-psychotherapist/2025/07/

When your gut says, "I don't trust my psychotherapist", acknowledge your feelings and do something. You must trust your psychotherapist.

06/12/2025

Today I'm taking a page from Dear Abby, and answering hypothetical questions from a psychotherapist's perspective. Whether you're "Irritable and Exhausted" or "Fearful and Freaked Out" peace of mind is just a click away!
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/remember-dear-abby/2025/06/

Dear Abby Meets Dear Annette. Hypothetical questions and real-life answers from Annette Poechman Registered Psychotherapist, Hamilton, ON

05/15/2025

This week is National Nurses Week, celebrating the contributions of nurses around the globe. Being a nurse isn't all sugar and spice. Remember COVID-19? See how you can help nurses, and nurses can help themselves.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/honouring-nurses/2025/05/

Nurses in Canada face challenges - demographic changes, staffing shortages, violence/abuse, stress, burnout, difficult workplace conditions.

04/04/2025

It's Friday afternoon and we're weekend-bound... but is the political climate in the U.S. causing you anxiety? Are you worried about tariffs, trade wars, or annexation? Here's how to keep yourself grounded and in the present: https://www.annettepoechman.ca/craziness-south-of-the-border/2025/04/

As Canadians, we cannot directly influence American politics. What we can do is focus on keeping ourselves grounded and in the present moment.

03/13/2025

Basketball fans know March Madness refers to the NCAA college basketball tournament. Wondering why a Psychotherapist is writing about March Madness? Here’s how March Madness relates to mental health: https://www.annettepoechman.ca/march-madness-and-mental-health/2025/03/

Are you wondering why a Psychotherapist like me is writing about basketball's March Madness? Here’s how it relates to your mental health.

02/13/2025

Each year on February 14th individuals celebrate relationships. Some people call this a Hallmark Holiday. Retailers love it. Florists love it. Restaurants love it. But what is love? I’m not an expert on the definition, but I do know what love does and doesn’t look like in my office. Do these definitions of love ring true for you?

Some people call Valentine's Day a Hallmark Holiday. But what does love actually mean? Do these definitions of love ring true for you?

01/16/2025

“Does my psychotherapist think I am stupid? Is she judging me? I didn’t do what we discussed, will she shame me or be mad at me?" These are some of the questions I have been asked over the years. Today, I am sharing with you what I am thinking about as I prepare for an appointment, during, and after an appointment.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/the-rewarding-relationship-between-client-and-psychotherapist/2025/01/

Ever wondered what goes through the mind of a psychotherapist before, during or after an appointment? Annette Poechman shares her thoughts.

12/16/2024

Each year, in recent memory, I have written a blog about everything you can do to improve your experience during the holiday season. This year, I decided to write a blog about things I wouldn’t do over the holidays. Unwrap my gift:
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/seasons-greetings-with-a-twist/2024/12/

Usually I write a blog about everything you can do to improve season's greetings and holiday experience. This year it's about what not to do.

11/15/2024

Last month I attended an event where, for the very first time in memory, I felt ill at ease. It was a gathering where the number of white attendees was less than 15%. All day long I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt uncomfortable and wasn’t having the best time of my life. Days later I found the word to describe how I felt: Invisible. Want to know why? https://www.annettepoechman.ca/feeling-invisible-and-white-privilege/2024/11/

White Privilege refers to the societal advantages that white people experience in various aspects of life based on their race.

10/16/2024

Here is your Buyer Beware moment of the day. I recently had an experience that I am slightly embarrassed to admit, but I feel that it is important for people to know about.
https://www.annettepoechman.ca/psa-buyer-beware/2024/10/

I recently had a "buyer beware" experience that I am slightly embarrassed to admit, but feel that it's important for people to know about.

09/14/2024

We all know what consent is - or do we? Consent is important. Do you ask for consent before giving someone a hug, before sharing personal information or... https://www.annettepoechman.ca/we-all-know-what-consent-is-or-do-we/2024/09/

Do you ask for consent before giving someone a hug, before sharing personal information, or before sexual activity?