Erin Silke-Anderson Counselling

04/24/2026

What happens when we avoid hard things? A “hard thing” can be: initiating a difficult conversation, doing something that causes you anxiety, asking for the promotion, apologizing when you’ve made a mistake, reaching out for support, etc. etc..

When we avoid hard things, we experience temporary relief, and this temporary relief tricks our brain into thinking that is why we feel better. But in the long run, we experience more anxiety and guilt, and decreased self-confidence.

So what is the antidote? It’s to feel the fear and do it anyway. Short term it will be uncomfortable, but long-term it rewires the brain to see courage as being rewarding. It leads to long lasting increases in self-confidence and it decreases guilt, shame, and anxiety.

04/16/2026

Highs and lows, conflicting emotions, playing different roles in different situations etc. is what makes us human. Beautifully complex and messy humans 🩷

03/11/2026

What does caring for yourself mean? It’s about actively engaging in behaviours that foster your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being. Being open to self reflection can be life altering.

02/02/2026

Monday morning giggle.
I saw this on someone else’s page, and I can’t argue with this logic!

01/09/2026

12/24/2025

My “coworker” and I are wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season.🎄

I will be working a couple of days between Christmas and the New Year. I believe I still have 1 opening left on each day If you are in need of support. 🩷

12/02/2025

The repair is actually what is important. Not the argument. Conflicts (relationship ruptures) are very healthy. It’s the way that we repair them that leads to bonding and further connection. Sweeping things under the rug leads to disconnection and resentment. It can be scary to be vulnerable and open to repairing things after an argument. Many couples need support to learn new ways of not only listening, but really hearing each other. Relationship counselling can help. 🩷
(image courtesy of thesecurerelationship)

12/01/2025

We all know that stress and anxiety can cause the body to feel tense, sore, nauseated, etc. But if you struggle to calm your mind, try calming your body instead.

The body and brain are so strongly connected that anxiety can be a bit of a chicken and egg situation. For example,
our spiralling thoughts may be causing our body to tense up, OR our tense body could be sending a message to the brain that something is wrong, which then causes us to scan our environment and make up stories about “potential threats”.

If you are having trouble calming your thoughts, try some of these body relaxation strategies:

- Slow down and deepen your breathing. Take a few deep breaths into your abdomen. Make the exhale a few seconds longer than the inhale.

- Scan your body and relax any areas of tightness. Drop your shoulders, relax, your jaw, wiggle your fingers and toes, relax your abdomen.

- Move your body. Go for a short walk, do a few minutes of stretching, or even shake out your arms and legs to release any built-up tension.

- Place your hands over your heart, close your eyes and take a couple of breaths. Pair this with saying something kind or encouraging to yourself. Placing the hands over the heart releases oxytocin, and leads to feelings of safety.

- Ground yourself in the present. Look around and use your senses to notice the colors, smells, sounds, and textures. Try not to judge anything you notice. Just notice it.

Feelings of anxiety and stress are perfectly normal (especially this time of year!). But there are plenty of things we can do to help ourselves feel a bit lighter when things feel heavy. A relaxed body sends a subconscious message to the brain that we are safe. 🩷

11/03/2025

Some providers include (but are not limited to:
Canada life, Manulife, Desjardins, Belairdirect, Johnson, claimsecure, iA financial group, Pacific Blue Cross, ICBC, CVAP, Beneva, SimplyBenefits, and more…

11/03/2025

Can you spot the “therapy dog”? 😉

07/29/2025

I try to make the office as “homey”as possible, but my upstairs neighbour is taking it a bit too literally.

06/11/2025

“Sitting with your feelings” is an important part of emotional well being. You don’t need to act on them, but you need to acknowledge them. What does this mean? This diagram helps to break it down.