Heather O'Brien Counselling

11/24/2025

03/11/2021

“Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today – one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease – we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends, and loved one."
PM Justin Trudeau

As you mourn and honour today, remember to stay open to how you can bring love into the life of the grieving around you.

03/09/2021

What a rich and powerful quote.

03/09/2021

Although adults may not choose bubble letters with dots to represent their coping tools, the idea of scaling problems is a great tool to introduce to children as young as toddlers, and to use throughout the life span. This has been an especially helpful tool as I work with children and youth to break down the HUGE covid problem into smaller problems that impact their lives directly. Do you do this in your life?

03/08/2021

Happy International Women's Day🙋‍♀️

May we celebrate in where we come from, who we are, and what the future holds for our girls.

03/04/2021

Sleep keeps coming up in my conversations with clients. It seems to be one of the many things that are taking a hit with living in pandemic times. As you take a minute to check your sleep and bedtime habits, remember that sleep is a long game. Any changes that you make will take a bit of time to set and help you snooze with more ease. I tell kids it is like the difference between air-dry and baked clay :)

02/28/2021

I have had such a rich week of learning and reunion this past week interviewing friends about caring for kiddos that have a Rare disease or disorder. The interviews were full of love, hope, grief, struggle and resilience.

On this last day of February this community and their allies come together to recognize all that Rare is, and what Rare needs from those around.

With 1/12 people living with a rare disease, this is an issue that deserves and demands more care, attention and problem solving.

Take a moment to learn more. The more we know...
Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders
https://www.raredisorders.ca

If you don't see the subtitles, make sure to activate them by clicking on the subtitle button. Or choose the language you would like the subtitles in under s...

02/26/2021

What a wonderful learning opportunity being offered this Saturday via zoom.

Essence of Mind and BrAIDS for AIDS Presents:

"Lift Every Voice" Building Resilience Through Dealing with Stigma

In Celebration of Black History Month, join us for our event that will help shine light on Mental Illness and help defeat the stigma.

Hear uplifting stories from individuals who have faced /are facing the wrath of a mental illness and just how they are still able be a beaming light.

Saturday: Feb 27, 2021

Time: 1-3pm

Via: Zoom

With Special Guest Speakers:

Dr. Adisa, Psychologist

Desiree Kerr -Living Experience

Jelani Daniels-Poet

and Asante Haughton - Community Worker/Mental Health Advocate.

This seminar will be an in depth conversation about:

-Mental Health

-HIV/AIDS

-Black Identify

-The Healing Process



Hosted on the ZOOM platform. The link will be emailed to registered guests.

Register here on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lift-every-voice-building-resilience-through-dealing-with-stigma-tickets-141189113439

For more information email monique.hughes@braidsforaids.com or info@myessenceofmind.org

Thanks everyone!

We look forward to seeing you!

Please share! :)



www.myessenceofmind.org
www.braidsforaids.com

💚

02/24/2021

Today is Anti-Bullying Day - I love the messages of kindness that are being shared around the country today. It is so important that our children and youth understand the power of kindness. It is also so very important that we start helping the next generation learn the tools that they can use to deal with bullying when they see it, are a victim or a bully. I like the image below as one of the tools that kids can use to remember that bullying has different costumes that it wears and it is not always as easy to spot as name-calling or punching.

02/18/2021

There are many reasons that peer support groups work. One of the main elements is that members get to hear pieces of their experience being spoken by others. It takes a bite out of the guilt and negative self-talk.
This article talks about what I have been calling the covid-collapse. It is a good read for those looking to better understand what might be happening for their little humans.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/parenting/kids-tantrums-advice.html?fbclid=IwAR1QlVAEPNGBz_Vd_nnmL3TojtvUuIoy8Pi_o4ifiAztnW2IlG4dgn9UMQk

And how to nip them in the bud before they start.

02/15/2021