Awaken Psychological Services
409 - 8989 Macleod Trail SW T2H 0M2 Calgary, AB, Canada

September is here! Did you know that behavioural researchers have found that many of us decide to pursue goals or life changes in September due to something called The Fresh Start Effect? As Summer slowly winds down, September tends to be a natural transition point in the year when we seek new beginnings and are more open to considering change. ... If you start to notice yourself entering reflective mode or you already feel motivated to work on making a change, working with a therapist can be a great avenue to help you to gain further clarity, build momentum, and move forward! #calgarypsychologist #yyc #calgarytherapist #psychotherapy #counselling #emotionfocussedtherapy #eft #wellnessforwomen #healing #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfullness #acceptance #trauma #attachment #traumainformedtherapy #newbeginnings #september #autumn #Fall #change

Covid-19 & Past Trauma: Why am I reacting this way? It’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end of the 11th week of living in our new normal. As I continue to work with clients and speak with friends and family members, it’s become clear that while we’re all trying to navigate the same common stressor, each one of us is having our own unique and private experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. You may notice yourself starting to wonder why certain behaviours or coping m...echanisms are emerging for you. They may be old and familiar actions from the past or brand new habits which are throwing you for a loop. These reactions highlight the importance of trauma-informed therapy. Each one of us is experiencing this ENORMOUS stressor in the context of our past experiences. Any significant life stressor or event can trigger or reactivate past trauma and old wounds. When this happens, our brains are naturally wired to return to behaviours which are familiar and feel safe, even though we recognize they’re unhealthy. This can then lead to negative self-talk (Why am I still doing this? What’s wrong with me? I should know better) instead of what we really need, understanding and self-compassion. Without viewing our current behaviours in the context of past experiences, we can fall into the trap of treating our behaviours or symptoms in isolation while ignoring the entirety of our experiences. In contrast, trauma-informed therapy acknowledges our history and helps us to understand the underlying reason for our behaviours so we can find healthier and more sustainable ways to create a sense of physical and psychological safety. If you relate to this post and are struggling to cope during Covid-19, or if you simply want to learn more about trauma-informed therapy, please contact me so we can connect! Original Post Credit: Mastin Kipp #calgarypsychologist #yyc #calgarytherapist #psychotherapy #counselling #emotionfocussedtherapy #eft #wellnessforwomen #healing #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfullness #acceptance #trauma #attachment #traumainformedtherapy #traumainformedcare

During this time of uncertainty we’re not only being bombarded with endless news but also with information on the right or best’way to cope. Well here’s one more piece of news for you friends: THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY! Each of us will need something different to get ourselves through this time and the best‘thing you can do is look inward to determine what you as a unique person need right now. If you find yourself developing a bad case of the shoulds be kind to yours...elf and remember that whatever you chose to do, or not do, is what’s best for you. And as always, if you are looking to chat with a professional for support feel free to get in touch with me. Original Post Credit: Decade2Doodles #calgarypsychologist #yyc #psychotherapy #counselling #emotionfocussedtherapy #eft #wellnessforwomen #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #selfcare #selfcompassion #mindfullness #healing #acceptance See more

Due to the current health crisis surrounding COVID-19 I am unable to offer in-person therapy sessions until further notice. While this is a difficult decision, it is based on the sound medical advice and recommendations of our provincial health officials. As a health practitioner and concerned member of the community, it is also my ethical and personal responsibly to practice social distancing in an effort to help protect our collective health. My services are still avai...lable and I will continue to offer therapy sessions by phone or video services. Sessions are provided through a confidential, encrypted, and secure telemedicine service. If you have any questions or want to learn more about this option, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. A gentle reminder to practice good self-care during this time. If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, or any other difficult emotions, remember that these are normal reactions to uncertainty. Use the technology we have at hand to reach out and remain connected to friends and family. Stay safe out there! #flattenthecurve #stayconnected #wereallinthistogether #calgarypsychologist #yyc #psychotherapy #counselling #emotionfocussedtherapy #eft #wellnessforwomen #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfullness #healing #acceptance See more

Time for a little #weekendwisdom as we already head into our second month of 2020! Did you know February 1 to 7 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) in Canada? Eating Disorders are a serious mental health concern that can cause significant physical, emotional, and psychological distress for countless individuals. The aim of EDAW is to promote education and awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals struggling with an eating disorder to reach out and see...k help. In honour of EDAW here are some noteworthy facts: Eating disorders are a form of mental illness and are not a choice. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are all recognized forms of eating disorders in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) 5. You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have an eating disorder. Individuals struggling with an eating disorder are often reluctant to seek help due to strong feelings of shame and guilt about their behaviours. Eating disorders are usually characterized by excessive preoccupation with food and dissatisfaction with body shape or weight. Eating disorders affect individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status. Individuals with an eating disorder are often also struggling with additional mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse, and are also at higher overall risk for suicide and medical complications. Most importantly, there is treatment available for eating disorders and recovery is possible! If you want to learn more about eating disorders, participate in EDAW events, or are looking to connect with supports, please visit the National Eating Disorder Information Centre @ https://nedic.ca #calgarypsychologist #yyc #psychotherapy #counselling #emotionfocussedtherapy #eft #wellnessforwomen #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfullness #healing #acceptance #eatingdisorders #eatingdisorderawarenessweek #edaw #loveyourbody #endthestigma

Allowing ourselves to be touched and open to experience in a non-defensive way is a very vulnerable thing to do. The idea that this is a weakness is a delusion; nothing takes more courage than to meet the parts of us that are scared and hidden. As long as we try to force our way into seeing our depths, we will not have access; the way in is through vulnerability and allowing our experience be exactly what is. I couldn’t help but share this very well written article from Goo...dTherapy. If you’re considering starting the journey of therapy this year but are unsure of what the process may involve, take the time to give this a read! Engaging in therapy isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself! If you have more questions or are interested in working with me, please feel free to contact me or visit my website at www.awakenpsych.com.