Blackbird Holistic Counselling

We have to be willing to fail; it helps us succeed. #embracefailure

Great read, even greater share. Self regulation is the skill set necessary to soothe outbursts and even better, prevent them. A heightened or numbed out state is a core symptom of many mental health issues like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and trauma or stress related disorders like PTSD and CPTSD. Regulation of these states are a core element of the treatment of these mental health issues. And are one of the main skill sets I teach and do with my clients in my private... practice. But they are things all of us can do. They are necessary therapeutic tasks in the therapy room but they are powerful and practical tools to use for anyone as they are excellent for combating stress. Ask me about how I work to regulate these states and build them into every day life! It only brings me happiness to share. #blackbirdholiticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #adhdacceptance #autismacceptance #traumahealing #regulationtechniques

Gratitude helps equip kids with a very important tool in life. When we are able to connect with a sense of gratitude we can generate our own happiness during the ups and downs of life. Gratitude keeps us humble and giving. Knowing how to practice gratitude is a marker of good relational health and helps kids form positive relationships with others and themselves. Simply put, gratitude makes kids who grow into adults, strong and resilient. It helps them weather storms in life.... Gratitude promotes hardiness and brings a whole new perspective to the strength of learning soft skills. And guess what, adults can always practice too This is a lovely bedtime story to promote learning how to cultivate and express gratitude for children Enjoy the video!

Very powerful read on anxiety.

Today is my last day in office before I birth my second child and take a short, baby bliss break. I feel so fortunate to continue to do what I love up until 37 weeks of pregnancy! . I will be returning to run my therapy practice mid-fall, 2020! . Due to the overwhelming response in Canada and beyond for my online mental health therapy practice this year, I am opening a WAITLIST for the first time to accommodate and support as many people as possible when I return to practic...e. . To be added to my waitlist PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] Or you can call/text: 403-331-8570 . I am SO excited to offer a waitlist and to help more people reclaim their mental health and well-being. It is a true blessing, honour and source of beauty in my life to watch people reclaim their inner power and see their lives transform! . DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT! I am waiting to help you! . For more information on my private practice, visit my website: www.blackbirdholistic.com Or contact me via the contact information above . With appreciation, Nancy

Our minds and bodies are deeply connected, they are one. Mental health issues are often experienced physically. When we become aware of the mind speaking through the body, our self care and treatment needs - in the form of formal and informal therapies - and lifestyle, the choices we need to make become increasingly clear. When we treat the mind, we treat the body's call for healing, which is often pain.

There comes a time when the pain of suffering by our own denial becomes greater than the fear of facing our problem. Then, we change. Until then, we suffer. I wish for everyone, this courage. I wish it was easier or more romantic, we love a good sales pitch, a guarantee. A fix...or here's a good one, an answer. The truth is, coming out of denial is curative. It means we cannot afford to ever under-estimate how badly we cling to denial: the resistance we experience of truly seeing ourselves and our lives for what we are and how it is.

Understanding #anxiety Please LIKE post before SHARING from YMHC

"Of the several myths surrounding sexual assault, the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre says one of the most important messages it has is that the assault is the direct result of the perpetrator’s actions, and not the victim’s." The shame and fear of a victim of sexual assault are the biggest barriers for women in their recovery from sexual trauma. When a woman shares a current or previous experience of sexual assualt: ... - Do not ask her what she was wearing. This is victim shaming. - Do not ask her if she was drinking, drunk or doing drugs. This is victim shaming. - Do not ask her where she was or if she was alone. This is victim shaming. - It doesn't matter if she was naked, drunk on the side of the road, it does not give someone permission to sexually assault someone. If this is what a perpetrator is thinking or does, instead of say, helping someone in a vulnerable position, they are choosing to assault. - Do not assume that if she was in a sort of relationship or a mutually exclusive relationship that the assault wasn't an assault. Assaults occur in stable and established relationships, including marriages, by friends, family, co-workers, classmates, acquaintances and strangers. - No one asks to be sexually assaulted. - Do not be afraid to stand with her for fear of what other people will say about you. - Be educated on the myths of sexual violence. - Be aware of your own biases of victims of sexual assault. - Be aware of what you may think, assume, say or do that lends itself to vicitm shaming. - Be courageous enough to believe her. - Be courageous enough to support her. - And when she tells you make no excuses for the perpetrator. - When she tells you she trusts you with her life. Don't shame her. Tell her you are glad she told you. - What other people think, the circumstances surrounding the assault, the perpetrator...NONE of this is as important as how much she needs you to just believe her. - The experience of victim blaming women who have experienced sexual assault, the internalized victim blaming women do to other women, the blaming of women done by men and the blaming a woman does to herself after a sexual assault is a direct result of misogyny in our culture. - Men and women themselves learn how to blame women who are victims of assault. For men, blaming women who are victims of assault is called misogyny. When women blame other women who are victims of assault it is called internalized misogny. - Men and women can both hold misogynistic beliefs and have misogynistic behaviours. - Blame causes shame. Shame is directly related to keeping the perpetrator protected, and is directly related to mental health and substance abuse issues in victims of sexual assault. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #nooneasksforit #victimshaming #believeher #endthestigma #endviolenceagainstwomenandgirls #oneinthree #sexualviolenceawareness

May's flower is Lily of the Valley. . This tiny, delicate flower symbolizes purity, humility and a "return to happiness". . These tiny flowers have a big message about being just a humble, imperfect human being. ... . And these times can feel uncertain and isolating. . Anxiety flourishes in uncertainty and depression breeds in isolation. . We want to have answers to guarantee security in the next moment... And we want to feel connected, never trapped or alone as we may have before. . You don't have to figure this out. You can't figure this out. Even these posts don't and won't and are not designed to give you a false sense of security through an answer to save you from emotional and psychological pain. . They're designed to invite you to remember who you are underneath heightened worries and deep sorrow. . There is a place in you that has every answer you need, that contains any wisdom you look for but cannot find. . There is a place in you fundamentally designed to heal from the range of human experiences that can wear you down. . It's not about never letting something hurt you, believing that is believing a lie made up to temporarily give you that false sense of security, to get you through the moment. . You hurt, you get scared, you feel alone and cut off from the world, you withdraw in pain and hold it in and sometimes it boils over and blows up....you're human. . This is about the journey of understanding that being a plain ol' human being also means you were a miracle at birth and a miracle now. . You were fundamentally designed to hurt but never forget you are fundamentally designed to heal and every living thing with you in this world has that power. . Even on those down days. They don't take away that power. . You are creation living in the moment. And creation is resilient. You don't experience resilience from being powerless. And who said being strong meant never breaking down. That's what resilience is all about. . You are more powerful than you think. . #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #designedtoheal #resilient #morepowerfulthanyouthink

It ain't about you! . Find a space where you resist believing it is a story about you. People aren't spending their time trying to scheme against you, play games with you, confuse you or attack you. . Yep, even if they come out teeth-a-blazing saying, "I am attacking you!"...Continue reading

There is a first time for everything! I have a lot of gratitude for how much my private practice has grown over the past several months as I've been meeting and working with people all over the world! Covid-19 has taught many of us the importance of caring for our mental health and well-being. It has impacted and challenged each and everyone and will continue to do so for many more months to come. ... Many people are reaching out for support during this time. Reaching out for healing path that offers more and for a path that heals at the root of their suffering. At this time, my private practice is full and for the first time I am offering a waitlist for people who are interested in accessing my counselling services. I will be accepting a limited group of clients to begin therapy in the Fall of 2020. If you are interested to join a counselling journey with me and would like to join the waitlist, please email me at: [email protected] For more information on my private practice visit: www.blackbirdholistic.com Call or text: 403-331-8570 Keep in mind, the waitlist space is limited so if counselling is something you have been waiting to do, you want something more in depth that heals at the root of the issue and in general, you're looking for more than the traditional, mainstream counselling experience, do not hesitate to contact me! It is my pleasure to connect with you! With gratitude + appreciation, Nancy #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #fullcaseload #waitlist #limitedspaceavailable #fall2020 #seasonofchange #copingwithcovid19 #selfcare #mentalhealthawareness #support

Always learning, always growing. I am defintely taking advantage of all the discounted text books (I have several in the mail!) and free literature from academic publishing companies on revelant topics like, "Disaster Mental Health" implications for therapists and medical health care workers as well as updated information and ethics of "Online Therapy". Therefore, working on several new projects from this information to integrate into my private online counselling practice..., including fresh handouts and updated consent to participate forms so all my clients can receive the most updated information on these topics. To my fellow Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C.) colleagues liscenced with the Canadian Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (CCPA): updated online therapy liscensure is available for a pretty decent price. They also have released some nice information and ethical guidelines for online therapy, heads up and you're welcome #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #conductingonlinetherapy #onlineprivatepractice #guidelinesandethics #disastermentalhealth #ptsd #trauma #copingwithcovid19 #pitterpattergetater #sharingiscaring #certifiedcanadiancounsellor #canadiancounsellingandpsychotherapyassociation #alwayslearningalwaysgrowing #fiveyearsofprivatepractice

May 3rd is a day to honour survivors of sexual violence in Canada by wearing the colour purple. Other ways you can honour survivors and promote prevention of sexual violence include learning and raising awareness about: - Consent ... - Victim blaming - Forms of sexual abuse - The do's and don'ts of supporting a victim - Connecting to organizations that educate and raise awareness about sexual violence - Learning about myths of sexual violence that perpetuate violence and victim blaming - Connect to your local MHA regarding community prevention and protection of people who experience sexual violence - Support your local women's shelter - Educate yourself about gender violence and the role of misogyny in sexual violence - Be open to learning about sexual violence including confronting and challenging any biases discovered along the way #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #sexualviolenceawareness #sexualviolenceprevention #metoo #nooneasksforit #endthestigma #endviolenceagainstwomenandgirls #oneinthree

"On May 3rd of every year, join the thousands across Canada wearing purple in support of survivors of sexual violence. Sexual abuse and sexualized violence in Canadian communities is far more common than most people think. A 2006 Statistics Canada report stated that one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. In 2008, they also reported that over half of police reported sexual assault victims were under the age of 18. One of the biggest h...urdles people face after a sexual assault is the notion that somehow they asked for it by what they were wearing, where they were, what they were doing or drinking. This is victim-blaming. We know that this isn't right, and survivors deserve to feel safe and validated. In an effort to continue sharing the stories of these brave survivors, we wear purple and advocate for those who have felt oppressed by this. The campaign is called #NoOneAsksForIt. Our community partners NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre are there to help. Want to connect with a local organization? Check out our list of helpful organizations if you are experiencing sexual violence in NL: https://violencepreventionae.ca/help Click here for a list of go-to online resources about Sexual Violence:" https://violencepreventionae.ca//online-resources-sexual-/

Grace: giving ourselves and others the permission to be imperfectly human in moments that do not feel like our finest. We can enter a state of grace when we need to drop unrealistic expectations and can be gentle with ourselves. Grace comes sometimes in the middle of a moment of guilt, shame, anxiety or a depressive episode. We can enter a state of grace in the middle of feeling like a failure. ... Suddenly, the cloudy skies within clear. When in a state of grace, we find it is then we have the capacity to be gracious with the people and the world around us. No matter how painful, fearful and chaotic our reality can be right now. Be grace, spread grace. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #begracespreadgrace

Therapy works for majority of clients who are: "...willing to do the hard work, who have realistic goals and expectations, stick with the therapy, discuss any therapeutic issues that come up during treatment and continue even when they don't feel like it" . .... . Some hard truths about therapy: Therapy isn't the path of a quick fix, it is about a process of growth and transformation. Practices in therapy are designed to be practiced to feel the short and long term effects, a session isn't a little blue pill! You need to feel uncomfortable to grow, therapy isn't about being sedated and waiting for things to change but if you are open to it, therapy will help you start to feel more comfortable and secure with feeling uncomfortable. It isn't realistic expectation to feel comfortable at all times in therapy or in life. . While a therapist may have a particular framework he or she works from, a therapist knows it is not appropriate to tell a client what to do in the same way a medical professional like a Dr. may perscribe a method of treatment. People who come to therapy looking for a therapist to give them answers or figure out their lives hold an unrealistic expectation. A therapist knows even if you can't figure out what you need, he or she will help you do that. A therapist isn't your saviour, a therapist helps you save yourself. . Therapy involves both therapist and client doing the work together. Therapy will not be effective if the therapist works harder than the client or the client has an unrealistic expectations of the therapist to take on responsibilities they can take on themselves. In fact, therapy may not be an effective form of treatment for your mental health issues if there is an expectation of a therapist to take control of your treatment. It may sound easier and feel good to feel taken care of, but when a therapist takes on inappropriate responsibility, clients tend to rebel and resist that power they gave away. Your therapist should never enable a sense of helplessness. . These are some hard truths about what therapy is, what a therapist does and what realistic and unrealistic expectations of therapy are! . . Will therapy work for you? . Read this article for more information to find out! https://www.google.com//eight-reasons-why-therapy-mig/amp/

"One of the major issues, according to Burns, is the framing of violence against women, which she said should be described as male violence against women to emphasize the role of men as perpetrators." . . .... The safety and rights of female victim's that is compromised for the sake of protection of privacy of male perpetrators of violence needs to stop. . It should be recognized again and again as the facts and fall out of male violence against women unfolds, that male violence against women is truly a "destructive force" in the world. It kills and traumatizes the women targeted, their children and innocent people in the line of fire. It brings terror and grief to the hearts of many. . Protection of privacy of male offenders of violence against women begin with this right and privledge. It could be argued, due to the risk of the safety for others, including the women they traumatize and kill, this privledge could be revoked. . The rights of safety from a violent offender for a woman, her children and innocent people who would otherwise have life left still to live should come first above the privledge of protection of privacy of men whose violent behaviour proves to be a danger to themselves, others and society at large. . Sing it. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #maleviolenceagainstwomen #endviolenceagainstwomenandgirls #endviolentmaleprivledge #righttisafetygreaterthanprivledgenotearned #domestichomicide #intimatepartnerviolence

Reflections on the importance of being open to uncomfortable feelings and true connection in relationships by a true master of connection and unconditional love, and who remains a major influence of mine, Mr. Fred Rodgers. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #connection #relationships #presence #intimacy

The mask of "everything is ok" is a barrier to true connection. Freedom and intimacy in relationship with self and others is easy and effortless when we realize it is ok to not feel ok. We can be ourselves without pressure and self expectations to be "fine". We are ok with however we are percieved, accepted or not. There is such a stigma created around feeling or expressing uncomfortable or "negative" feelings or topics. We can feel such a pressure to keep a conversation "po...sitive" that we form rigid rules about what is acceptable to not only share with our friends, family and loved ones, but also what we allow our own selves to feel. As a result, we sacrifice connection in relationships and in relationship with ourselves. We feel cut off, not "ourselves", isolated and lonely. We yearn for connection with others to make us feel complete. We live by these invisible but rigid relational rules and they create a whole lot of suffering, which does manifest as mental health issues. It is ok to not feel ok. It is ok to not be "fine" and share that. You don't ruin someone's day. If they are uncomfortable with your pain, they are busy denying their own negative feelings as well and do not have the capacity to be present present with you. It's no one's fault. There is nothing wrong with you. There is no such thing as a shiny, happy person. We are human beings with a range of emotions and emotions are intelligence. Learn to be ok with not feeling ok. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #authenticity #connection #relationships #lettinggoofourmasks #trueconnection #isolationrejectiondisconnection

As a mental health therapist, I am unconditionally dedicated to honouring and attending to the mental well-being of my clients who consent to work with me in my practice. . Many of these amazing people I've met and work with right now are essential workers in the health care field. . Over the past 2 months, my practice has filled up and picked up as new, current and returning clients seek additional support while they experience the stress of caring for others. ... . As a therapist whose background varies from front-line crisis work in intimate partner violence, homelessness, mental health and addiction to working in palliative care, to teaching college and university addiction and mental health programs, I too, know the value in having a good professional and personal support systems. I too, have experienced burn out in the past. I worked many pf those jobs at the same time while juggling graduate school...2 degrees, 5 jobs on top of a private practice over the span of 10 years...oh yeah, I relate to burn out! . And one thing I have learned over the past 10 plus years of all the highs and lows of being that dedicated support for my clients is: Every good therapist needs a good therapist. . None of us are immune to stress and the far-reaching impacts of disasters like COVID-19, natural disasters like wildfires, superstorms, floods and traumatic, world-changing events like 9/11. . As is stated in the Diagnostic Manual for Psychiatric Illness 5th edition (DSM-5) states: trauma and stress-related mental health issues are developed in people who not only witness but who also "learn" of trauma happening to a loved one or someone with whom they have a close relationship. . For mental health workers, this includes repeatedly being exposed to trauma through our client's experiences. Otherwise known as, "Vicarious Trauma". . So to all my colleagues or people who stop and see this post who work as mental health workers, whether you are a fellow psychotherapist, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, front-line crisis worker or support worker, social worker, life coach, psychiatric nurse, or General Physician or in training, please remember at this time especially but throughout the highs and lows of your fulfilling careers to lean on each other. Connect with your supervisor, your colleagues, debrief with a professional outside your workplace who is not living the same experience as you. Seek therapy yourself. Take good care. . Remember you are essential and that there is ethically and thankfully, essential self work for essential workers to do. It is essential to care for your own mental health. . Let's lean on each other. #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthworkersareessentialworkers #leanoneachother #seeksupport #vicarioustrauma #burnoutprevention #weareallinthistogether

In times of immediate crisis, we don't always have access to our personal and professional supports. Here is another technological service aimed at supporting people living with or experiencing mental health issues who are in crisis and are unable to get immediate access to their support network. In a time where there is no shortage of crisis whether this is physical, mental or even experiences of disaster, it is important to know we can connect to potentially life-saving m...ental support crisis support. Please share! #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #crisissupport #disastermentalhealth #covid19 #wildfires #floods #untilyouaccesssupportservices

"Talking and learning about suicide does not cause suicide!" If you have ever experienced suicidal ideation, thoughts, attempted suicide or know someone who struggles with this issue: Here is an opportunity for a FREE 90 minute online presentation by Eastern Health to learn more about suicide, risks to suicide, supports and prevention. ... The registration information is below on the poster. . . It is my experience working with professionally and knowing people personally that people do not want their lives to end. They want the pain to end. Suicide and suicidal thoughts are more common than you think. 1 in 4 Canadians live with a mental illness in their lifetime we all experience mental health issues ourselves, whether it is our own experience or in close connection with someone we care about. Let's raise awareness together on such a stigmatized issue. The more we hide or don't talk about incredibly important mental and physical health issues the more shame and disease is created, the more harm is done. Stay safe and PLEASE share! #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #suicideawareness #freepresentation #freeopportunitytolearn #nothingtolose

There are many supportive diet, supplemental and lifestyle strategies to enhance cognitive functioning for people who live with ADHD/ADD, both for children and adults alike. Here is a product available at #thenaturalhealthshop targeted to support kid's ADHD cognitive functioning. Omega 3s are a vital component of brain health for anyone however, this product is targeted for children's ADHD. #thenaturalhealthshop does free shipping for orders over $50.00. ... If you are interested in more natural based strategies in managing/enhancing ADHD cognitive health, for children or adult, do not hesitate to reach out to me! #blackbirdholisticcounselling #exploreconnecttransform #intuitivecounselling #holistichealing #liveintune #mentalhealthawareness #adhdawareness #addawareness #cognitivehealth #omega3