Shore Counselling Services
353 Seventh Street V9R 1E3 Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Loneliness is as dangerous to our physical health as is smoking. This article may provide some clues as to why this is. Who do you know who might appreciate a phone call or other contact? https://www.theglobeandmail.com//article-loneliness-and-i/

These fine words can be given to ourselves as well. Substitute 'darling' if need be.

This series to assist us in reducing the effects of trauma and shame looks good. And, it's free! https://trauma.whole.tv/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Do you miss touch? You are most certainly not alone. Thankfully there are things we can do to help. https://www.theguardian.com//lost-touch-how-a-year-without

Amazing! Neurologist Rebecca Saxe presented the most beautiful photo of the year. In fact, the image of a magnetic resonance captured when a mother kisses her only two months old son. The lips placed on the little man's head immediately trigger a reaction in his brain. Dopamine is released, the one that gives us the feeling of good, but also oxytocin, baptized love hormone ", because it is responsible to the affection and attachment. Kissing causes a chemical reactio...n in the little one's brain. An explosion of oxytocin called love hormone triggers. It reduces fear and increases confidence, sparks feelings of affection and attachment, a sign that the baby understood that he is protected. Dopamine is also released, which makes us feel good and vasopressin, the glue that connects mothers to babies in their first months of life. The presence of serotonin was also signalled, the one that regulates our mood. Olivia Butnariu; http://www.asep.ro/ See more

Especially if you love Dolly Parton you will love this interview!

Listen to your own voice. Stand strong

Far more lives are being damaged and killed by this epidemic than by the pandemic. So why has British Columbia not put anywhere close to the same amount of effort into this? https://www.straight.com//scott-bernstein-toxic-drugs-are-

While the last provincial government somewhat increased funding for mental health services it was a patch-work of funding and often not to established agencies. This looks far more robust https://www.victoriabuzz.com//bc-greens-pledge-1-billion-/

We are very pleased to introduce Bonnie Bergen to our practise. Bonnie comes with years of experience working with families. She is also skilled with individuals and couples. Bonnie is a warm, caring, intuitive and focused therapist. She has a variety of times she is available and her fee structure is affordable. If you are ready for better relationships contact her at 250-877-1661.

We absolutely need connections. The current coronavirus, while dangerous, is made more dangerous when we live in fear. This floods our bodies with stress hormones that suppresses our immune systems. So, practice good hygiene, stay calm, and stay connected. Should you need them my services are also available via a secure video conference system.

Have you ever failed? Of course. Did you know that failing can result in doing better than those who dont? https://www.nytimes.com//career-advice-overcome-setback.ht

Might you or those you know be suffering from the "COVID Stress Syndrome?" The psychological footprint of a pandemic is way bigger than the medical footprint. https://www.straight.com//psychological-barriers-persist-d

Thankfully we can make positive changes within ourselves and our society

Health is health, whether physical, emotional or spiritual https://theprovince.com//158fff09-de09-45a8-b32c-ea716dc3a

Might you or those you know be suffering from the "COVID Stress Syndrome?" The psychological footprint of a pandemic is way bigger than the medical footprint. https://www.straight.com//psychological-barriers-persist-d

While labels can be abusive, understanding behaviours that are abusive is most important. https://liveboldandbloom.com/06/quotes/narcissistic-quotes

No wonder counselling agencies and other front-line services are not able to keep up to the need. https://thetyee.ca//BC-Government-Not-Saving-Lives-Overdo/

Our responses to this unusual pandemic are varied and are well-presented in this article. Many of us will be able to identify with it. https://www.straight.com//psychological-barriers-persist-d

Which orientation do you prefer to embrace?

How to feel better: naturally increasing your feel good serotonin levels https://youtu.be/AsjSjQ1YIXE

Do you own a cat? It may seem strange that it potentially may be a good friend, and could have infected you. https://www.amenclinics.com/b/is-your-cat-making-you-crazy/

Some sage advice to the many who got bored in the last two months (or who may still be!). https://www.telushealth.co//covid-19-its-a-marathon-not-a/

We all need to be socially connected. Now, how do we do this during this pandemic? Bill OHanlon gives us some good tips. https://www.nicabm.com/strengthening-relationships-while-s/

If you are feeling more tired and/or depressed, or like you are missing something in your life, the lack of touch may be the issue! https://www.theguardian.com//21/touch-starvation-lockdown-

Here is a marvellous free exercise that may help you come to experiencing greater peace in the midst of the pandemic craziness. Katie is amazing. https://thework.com/i-complain-about/

Please do complete this population health survey to elicit citizen experience, knowledge and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now this is what I call "community health"!

What a great illustration of the various hormones in our bodies, especially at this time in history! https://www.facebook.com/SustainableHumanOfficial/videos/861583967624043/

Wow. What a great compendium of Brenes wisdom, in video, in only an hour. Well worth our time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEUXUHAkC5A

If we can practise this little word when smaller things irritate us then we will be far better equipped to deal with bigger problems. And overcome them. https://medium.com//saying-this-word-will-help-you-to-stop

This website has some terrific webinars about our current situation and how to respond to it.

This forms the core of much counselling, for everyone...

In light of the Corona Virus my attempts at increasing the well-being of my clients, and myself, are now posted on my counselling website. We need to be diligent, not stressed, as stress reduces our ability to fight diseases. www.shorecounselling.ca

If you want to overcome anxiety and depression, do take action! https://www.theweathernetwork.com//eco-anxiety-is-on-the-r

Brene Brown is always amazing, not because she is perfect but because she is willing to be authentic, to be vulnerable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0ifUM1DYKg

While "love" is often romanticized or dismissed perhaps the reason is that we lack an appreciation for the many sides to this little, yet powerful, word. Obviously we need a lot more of it! https://www.yesmagazine.org//the-ancient-greeks-6-words-f/

Well said from a man of wisdom who left this planetary plane this month.

Increasingly I am seeing evidence of what is called "eco-anxiety", the sense that we are in deep trouble on planet earth. Other emotions abound for those who believe that the earth is doing fine. https://medium.com//climate-change-deniers-are-increasingl

Totally! I also like the quote: "We cannot choose the picture (called life) but we can decide how to frame it."

I am not currently accepting new clients but here is a therapist who has just opened his private practise after years of working with agencies. I appreciate Dwayne and his abilities as a therapist. https://www.facebook.com/Dwayne-Orser-Counselling-Services-106779124111117

From one of my favourite authors: https://risingstrong.blog//manifesto-of-the-brave-and-bro/

Well worth the read and to aim for!

What is trust? Here Brene Brown masterfully answers this question! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SqFiTeka_I