Narratives Psychotherapy

Narratives Psychotherapy Therapy (18+) offered virtually across Ontario; in-person outdoor therapy & retreats coming soon!

Okay, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed casenoting. And I'd also be lying if I said I didn't procrastinate on them. And I...
09/30/2024

Okay, I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed casenoting. And I'd also be lying if I said I didn't procrastinate on them. And I would argue that no one signs up to be a therapist for this part of the "job".

But as a NARRATIVE Therapist, there's something to be said about sitting with, honoring, and considerably reflecting on what I reflect in my notes. It is based from the stories clients trust in sharing with me. It is so sacred. This is why, for me, it can't just be "paperwork" or "documentation" to whip through and βœ”οΈ off.. Yeah, yeah, it's part of my licensing and ethical requirements, but it's more than that to me.

I know this sounds like BS, but if you've worked with me, you know my "growing edge" is to keep it SHORT (for time sake) but I struggle with this as I deeply care about the non-pathologing approach I take with clients and want that to be represented in their notes. This is not to say that quicker casenoters don't (power to ya!) but I weirdly value the process of this time, to further prepare me for how to continue supporting clients as best I can. Even though 98% of the time, no one else sees these notes (unless subpoenaed...all the more reason...but that's for another day), I truly value their stories and how it is protected.

Maybe this post is me, procrastinating further.
Maybe it's about taking a moment to recognize the parts of therapy that are "not seen" (and included in the fee, lol).
Maybe it's this beautiful Fall evening, inviting further reflection and gratitude for the work I do and the people who show up everyday for themselves and the people they love.

I also do a fair amount of sessions/retreats outdoors, so I also try to practice what I preach when I myself need some intentional care.

If you're still reading, love you for that (and don't tell my partner because I know they're making dinner as I write this since I had "lots of work to do").

A couple more openings available this Fall πŸ‚ before winter starts (🫒) so connect soon if you want some support 🀍 K bye!

True dat.Failures are tough though, aren't they? We sometimes spend so much energy trying to prevent them, we fear them,...
08/12/2024

True dat.

Failures are tough though, aren't they? We sometimes spend so much energy trying to prevent them, we fear them, we get stuck in them, we hold a narrative about them as part of our identity, and the list goes on.Β 

Here's an exercise I like that might help:Β 

🧠 Think about a specific time you "failed" at something, with someone, etc. (because we all have). Consider writing it out (therapist-y, I know...). Now ask yourself:

1. What was difficult about that for me? Really get honest with yourself...emotionally, relationally, situationally, etc.
2. How did I get through it?
3. What did I learn? About myself, someone else, something, etc.
4. In what ways did this help me grow? Or know what I know now.Β 

✍🏻 Don't just read it, really try it and see what shifts. Giving yourself this space can help you feel more empowered to write the next chapter as YOU want to see it written. 

🌳 Connect with me if you need any support or want to dig a little deeper to heal some possible roots, as this is one of my specializations.

πŸ™ŒπŸ»

Dragonfly season! I'm a big fan. And not just because they eat the blood-hungry blackflies at this time of year (IYKYK),...
05/27/2024

Dragonfly season! I'm a big fan. And not just because they eat the blood-hungry blackflies at this time of year (IYKYK), but because of what they represent.Β 

Change, transformation & self-realization.
Creative imagination & the insight of clear vision.
Good luck & reminds us to live life to the fullest.
Mental & emotional maturity.
The understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

Are dragonflies the therapists of the insect world?

Anyway, I always, ALWAYS smile when I see one. All of what they represent doesn't come easy. But if you're in a place of change, transformation, & self-realization, know that I see you. And that the dragonflies and I have your back.Β 

We're here to help 🫢🏻

πŸ“Έ: Me, taken this past weekendΒ 

Here are some FAQs when it comes to outdoor psychotherapy, specific to Narratives in Nature. Never hesitate to contact m...
05/01/2024

Here are some FAQs when it comes to outdoor psychotherapy, specific to Narratives in Nature. Never hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns not covered!

P.S. If individual therapy is not what you are looking for at this time, stay tuned for outdoor workshops/retreats coming soon!

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still ...
04/28/2024

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful" - Alice Walker

I love this quote and not just because it's said by an author OR because I'm getting ready to offer outdoor psychotherapy soon πŸ˜‰ but because it challenges the narratives we may feel stuck in and invites freedom from internalized (and often limiting) expectations.

Perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and not feeling "good enough" are the areas I am most passionate in helping you navigate and heal. Let me know if I can help 🌱

πŸ“·: via

πŸ₯Ά I know you've seen cold plunging on social media. And it's cool (pun intended) if you hate, love, are curious, or disi...
04/11/2024

πŸ₯Ά I know you've seen cold plunging on social media. And it's cool (pun intended) if you hate, love, are curious, or disinterested in it. Second and third post is a more realistic representation, as it ain't all smiles, lol.

And NO I won't make this a requirement if you do therapy with me.

I believe in integrated and wholistic approaches to mental/emotional wellbeing so also want to make space to share the less traditional (though still evidence-informed) therapeutic practices I implement.

Personally, I've been cold-plunging for 3 years and I'd be lying if I said it is easy or that I'm extremely consistent with it. BUT. WHAT. A. DIFFERENCE. I notice when I prioritize this into my routine. As a "recovering perfectionist", it's a great practice in letting go of control and choosing helpful responses to stress.

You don't need a lake, you just need a shower. Bonus if it's in nature, but not necessary. AND it's free!

Check out The Iceman (Wim Hof) if you're interested in the lifestyle, practices, and research they contribute to around the connection between cold plunges and mental health (along with tons of other benefits). Full disclosure that I'm a Wim Hof enthusiast as he's the OG and I hope to visit my roots in Poland to be trained by his academy one day (writing it to manifest it)!

Have you ever?
Would you ever?

Let me know!

*Always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you're concerned about potential risk with any medical condition.

πŸ“·: my other half who rather be taking the pics than be in the lake πŸ˜…

Little by little,Day by day,Just keep going.Whaddya say?😎 Yes, I wrote that. And yes, I'm a better therapist than I am a...
04/08/2024

Little by little,
Day by day,
Just keep going.
Whaddya say?

😎 Yes, I wrote that. And yes, I'm a better therapist than I am a poet.

Practicing patience and persistence is not easy. If you're having a difficult time "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel", reach out.

πŸ“·:

β˜€οΈ Happy April, Easter, April Fools, Spring!🌷The snow JUST left where we are and now the countdown is on for the ice! A ...
04/02/2024

β˜€οΈ Happy April, Easter, April Fools, Spring!🌷

The snow JUST left where we are and now the countdown is on for the ice! A good reminder that we can't rush what we want (even if we're ready). Things will unfold as they need to.

Not only am I excited for the warmer weather but also to be planning some new opportunities for Narratives in Nature!

Question: would you do therapy here?! [...insert different chairs πŸ˜‰].

Lmk!

This. And you don't have to do it alone 🀍
03/13/2024

This.

And you don't have to do it alone 🀍

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North Bay, ON

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