Dr. Brenda Durdle, Zephyr Psychological

06/17/2025

03/18/2025

In case you were wondering,
“Using "it was just a joke" to dismiss or invalidate someone's feelings or experiences can be a form of gaslighting, a tactic used to manipulate and control others.
Here's a breakdown of why and how:

Gaslighting Defined:

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where someone subtly and persistently denies or minimizes the reality of another person's experiences, feelings, or thoughts, often with the goal of making them question their own sanity or perception of reality.

"It Was Just a Joke" as Gaslighting:
When someone uses "it was just a joke" to excuse hurtful or dismissive behavior, they are essentially saying that the other person's reaction or feelings are invalid or exaggerated. This can be a way to control the other person by making them feel like they are overreacting or being overly sensitive.

Examples:
"You're being too sensitive, it was just a joke."

"I was just kidding, you're making a big deal out of nothing."

"That's not what I meant, you're misinterpreting things”

02/13/2025

01/15/2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Are you or someone you know trying to cope with the loss of a loved one?
Please know you are not alone. WE CAN HELP!

Bereaved Families of NS Winter/Spring programs are now in full swing. The following programs below are now being offered throughout Nova Scotia. Registration is required to attend any of our grief support programs:

Monthly Support & Share - virtually & in-person
Su***de Loss Grief Support Circle- Monthly
Loss of a Parent/Grandparent - 6-week program
Living with Grief - 6-week program
Loss of a Spouse/Partner - 6-week program
Loss of a Child - 6-week program
Living with Grief - 8-week program
Su***de Loss Support Program - 8-week program

For more information about these programs or to register, please contact us.
☎️ - (902) 564-6795
📩 - info@bereavedfamiliesns.ca

Visit our website to learn more about the various grief support programs available throughout Nova Scotia.

🌐 website: www.bereavedfamiliesns.ca

***de

12/31/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A7zAUr31Q/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/23/2024

If you need additional support during the holidays, here are some quick holiday resource numbers.

12/18/2024

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/patient-perspectives-shattering-the-illusion-of-death-tickets-1059092116029?aff=oddtdtcreator

Discover how psilocybin therapy brought hope to Janis Hughes' life, easing the burden of terminal illness and inspiring patient advocacy.

12/09/2024

11/28/2024

11/01/2024

🖤

10/29/2024

NS Legal Aid Drop-in Sessions 📣📄

Do you need help with housing applications and residential appeals? Income Assistance requests? Applying for and responding to CPP disability and EI matters?

Drop into one of four branches to talk to a Social Justice Support Worker (SJSW) from Nova Scotia Legal Aid. The SJSW is not a lawyer, but can provide legal information and limited legal and advocacy services for people seeking help with social justice related issues.

Social Justice is the area of law that often affects Nova Scotians in four core areas:
- Income Assistance
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability
- Residential Tenancies, public housing, housing applications and grants.

Our drop-in sessions will occur as follows:
- Sydney Library, Monday, November 4th, from 10am - 12pm
- Glace Bay Library, Thursday, November 7th, 10am - 12pm
- New Waterford Library, Thursday, November 14th, 10am - 12pm
- North Sydney Library, Friday, November 22nd, 1pm - 3pm

09/16/2024

Bereaved Families is a not-for-profit organization supporting grieving individuals.