Athena's Counselling Services

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Athena's Counselling Services

Hello I’m Athena, a passionate and dedicated counsellor from Saint John, New Brunswick.

I help individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and achieve their personal goals.

04/18/2025

🌿 Managing Negative Thoughts During Anticipatory Grief 🌿

Anticipatory grief can create a spiral of "what-ifs" and worry about the future. Here are some ways to stay present and calm:

1. Acknowledge Your Thoughts – Recognizing when you’re spiraling is the first step. 💭

2. Ground Yourself – Focus on the present moment with deep breathing or noticing your surroundings. 🌿

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts – Question if your worries are based on facts or assumptions. 🔍

4. Focus on What You Can Control – Take small actions to ground yourself and care for your well-being. 💪

5. Practice Mindfulness – A few minutes of mindfulness can bring you back to the present. 🧘‍♀️

Staying present helps ease the burden of anticipatory grief. Take it moment by moment. 🌸💛

03/04/2025

🌿 March Break: A Pause for Healing & Renewal 🌿

March Break isn’t just a time off—it’s an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and nurture your well-being. In the midst of life’s demands, taking intentional moments to care for yourself can be powerful.

✨ Rest with Purpose – Give yourself permission to step back from the busyness. Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about allowing your mind and body to breathe.

💙 Reconnect with Yourself & Others – When was the last time you checked in with yourself? Take a quiet moment to process your thoughts and emotions. Reach out to loved ones, engage in heartfelt conversations, or simply enjoy shared silence.

🌱 Recharge in Meaningful Ways – Whether it’s through creativity, nature, movement, or stillness, find what fills your cup. Small, mindful actions can bring clarity and peace.

For some, breaks can bring up unexpected emotions or feelings of loneliness. If this time of year feels challenging, know that you’re not alone. Support is always within reach. 💙

What’s one way you’ll care for yourself this week? Let’s inspire each other in the comments. ⬇️

02/26/2025

Mental Health Matters 💙
Virtual appointments with Athena's Counselling Services are available next week!
https://russellchiropractic.janeapp.com/locations/russell-chiropractic-family-wellness/book #/staff_member/36

02/03/2025

💔 Grief: A Journey, Not a Destination 💔

Grief is one of the most challenging experiences we go through in life, and it's important to remember—it’s not something you “get over.” It’s a personal journey, and how you grieve is unique to you. 🌱

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, a pet, or even a significant life change, it’s okay to feel all sorts of emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness. And it’s okay to have good days and bad days. 🌟

Here are a few reminders if you're navigating through grief:

1️⃣ There’s no right way to grieve: Your grief may look different from others, and that’s perfectly normal. Honor your unique experience.

2️⃣ Be kind to yourself: Don’t rush your healing. Grief doesn’t have a set timeline, and it's okay to take the time you need. 💕

3️⃣ Reach out for support: Whether it’s a counselor, a friend, or a support group, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone. 🤝

4️⃣ Cherish memories: Keep your loved ones in your heart in ways that feel right for you. Sometimes, lighting a candle or looking at old photos can bring a sense of peace. 🕯️

Remember, it’s not about moving on, but learning to move forward. Be gentle with yourself during this time. 💖

01/31/2025

🧠 CBT Strategy of the Week: Reframing Negative Thoughts 🧠

Did you know that the way we interpret situations can deeply impact how we feel and act? One powerful technique from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is cognitive reframing—a way to change negative or unhelpful thoughts into more balanced and realistic ones.

For example:

Negative thought: "I always mess things up."
Reframed thought: "I made a mistake, but that doesn’t define me. I can learn and improve."
Reframing can help us shift from a fixed mindset to one that promotes growth and self-compassion. Next time you catch yourself in a negative thought spiral, try to challenge it with a more balanced perspective!

It’s a small shift that can lead to big changes in how you feel. ✨

01/28/2025

🌿 Mindfulness Matters 🌿

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Mindfulness is a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and simply be in the moment.

🧘‍♀️ What is Mindfulness?
It’s the practice of focusing your attention on the present without judgment. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee, taking a walk, or just sitting quietly, mindfulness invites you to fully experience life in the now.

💡 Quick Tip to Get Started:
Try this simple exercise:

Pause for a moment.
Take three deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Notice what you see, hear, feel, and smell around you.
🌸 Small steps like this can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being.

Remember, you don’t need to do it perfectly—you just need to show up for yourself. 🌟

What’s one mindful moment you’ve had today? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear! 💬

01/24/2025

💙 Happy Friday! Let's Check In With Ourselves 💙

As we head into the weekend, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on how we’re feeling:
✔️ What went well this week?
✔️ What challenges did I face, and how did I handle them?
✔️ What can I do this weekend to nurture my mental health?

Self-Care Tip:
Use this weekend to reset. Whether it’s taking a long walk, journaling, or just giving yourself permission to rest, remember: taking care of YOU is a priority, not a luxury.

🌟 Reminder: Healing is a journey, and every step matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. My door is always open to help you process, grow, and heal.

Wishing you a peaceful and restorative weekend! 🌱

01/22/2025

💚 You Are Not Alone 💚

📞 988: The New Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
Now easier to remember, the 988 Lifeline connects you to trained crisis counselors 24/7 for free and confidential support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text, or chat 988 to get help today.

01/20/2025

🌟 The Power of Gratitude: A Simple Practice with Big Benefits 🌟

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the stresses and challenges that come our way. But did you know that taking just a few moments each day to practice gratitude can have profound effects on your mental and emotional well-being? 🙏

When we focus on what we’re thankful for, we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance. We begin to notice the positive aspects of our lives, big and small, and our overall outlook improves. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits of practising gratitude:

✨ Boosts Mental Health: Regularly acknowledging the good in our lives can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Gratitude helps to rewire our brain to focus on the positive rather than the negative.

💖 Strengthens Relationships: Showing appreciation for others deepens our connections. A simple "thank you" can make someone’s day and strengthen your bond with them.

🌱 Increases Resilience: Practising gratitude helps you stay grounded and positive, even in tough times. It gives you the strength to face challenges with a hopeful mindset.

🧘‍♀️ Enhances Self-Worth: When we recognize and appreciate our strengths and achievements, we boost our self-esteem and foster a more positive relationship with ourselves.

🌸 Improves Sleep & Overall Health: Studies show that keeping a gratitude journal can lead to better sleep quality, reduced stress, and even improved immune function.

✨ Start Small: You don’t have to wait for something big to be grateful for. Start by jotting down 3 things you’re thankful for each day. Over time, this simple habit can shift your perspective and bring more joy into your life.

Remember, gratitude isn’t just an act – it’s a way of being. 💫

What are you grateful for today? Share in the comments below! 🌻

01/16/2025

🌿 Welcome to Athena's Counseling Services 🌿

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Whether you’re seeking support, guidance, or a safe space to explore your emotions, you’ve come to the right place. 🌸

I believe that healing starts with understanding, and transformation begins when you feel truly heard. My goal is to walk alongside you on your journey, offering compassion, insight, and support in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

🔑 What to expect here:

- Thoughtful posts on mental health, self-care, and well-being
- Resources to help you navigate life's challenges
- Inspiration to empower you to live your most authentic life
- Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, relationships, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Let's create a space where you feel seen, supported, and encouraged on your path to healing. 🌱💛

Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a virtual session with me at Russell Chiropractic & Family Wellness. Together, we’ll create a path forward.

Take a deep breath, and welcome to a community of growth and support. 🌸

💫 Athena
Your guide in healing, growth, and empowerment
'sCounselingServices &FamilyWellness

Address

13A Lorne Street
Sackville, NB
E4L3Z6

Telephone

+15065362108

Website

https://www.russell-chiropractic.com/

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