Courtney James Counselling and Psychotherapy

And yet, here we are. One year into this stress-ridden, unknown, pandemic lifestyle. It's okay to feel burnt out, annoyed, frustrated, angry, uncertain and sad. You are doing what you can with what you have right now and that is enough. You are enough.... #courtneyjamestherapy

We so often live in a state of planning, looking, and striving to get ahead. This quote stopped me in my tracks (for approximately five minutes, but hey, baby steps) The "me" that I have right now is different from the "me" of ten years ago and the "me" five years ahead. ... I choose to appreciate who I am right now. I hope you will do the same #courtneyjamestherapy

Give it a try. See what happens. #courtneyjamestherapy #positiveaffirmations

Feelings can be hard. Feelings can just suck. But, we have them and they are a form of communication (even if it's just from us to us!)... Acknowledge yourself, feel those feelings. Here are a couple ways you can start to do that: -Take a look at an Emotion Wheel (see it in our post a few months ago!) and name your feeling, whatever it is right now. -Write it out. Free writing, don't analyze, just go. Questions? Thoughts? Reach out! Direct Message Email: [email protected] Phone: 613-706-2571 #courtneyjamestherapy

Maybe you didn't get the Valentine's Day gift you were expecting today, or you're missing a Valentine from the past, or wondering what love really means. These thoughts make sense and it's okay to feel this way. Often times holidays are built up to a standard that few can fulfill. You wake up and it's just another day.... But let's try switching that perspective: You wake up and you HAVE another day. You are here, in this day, in yourself....and you are loved. Give yourself 10 minutes of loving attention today. Play with your dog, journal, drink some coffee, get outside! #courtneyjamestherapy

Do you have ten minutes, a pen and a piece of paper? Perfect, you're all set. Try this prompt to get you started: "Right now I feel....."... "I feel it.....(location)" "I would like....." "Today I will...." Example: Right now I'm feeling rushed and anxious. I feel that anxiety tingling in my hands. I would like to feel more calm, so today I will write this down, take 5 deep breaths and a minute to stretch out my body. Acknowledge yourself. You're working hard and deserve to be recognized. Embrace your body and emotions, even when those things feel uncomfortable. They are YOU and YOU are valuable. #courtneyjamestherapy

Give it a try. See what happens. #courtneyjamestherapy #positiveaffirmations #sayitoutloud #psychotherapy #selfcompassion #iamloved #youmatter #youdeserveit #reachout #mentalhealth

You don't have to hold onto it all alone. #reachout

Feeling safe is a beautiful thing. Yet, many of us have been let down, punished, or dismissed because of our emotions....*correction* because of how others have dealt with our emotions. We can switch that narrative. Find safety, offer ourselves safety, and explore our voice! Your feelings matter.... Your emotional expression matters! #courtneyjamestherapy

Reading this can feel heavy. Let's break it down. One way to begin "letting yourself know what you know" is to simply start speaking. Share your experiences, journal, let it out. Need a compassionate ear? Reach out ... #courtneyjamestherapy

You don't need to carry it all by yourself. In whatever way feels right for you, let yourself share that story. Let it out. I'm an advocate for therapy, but if that doesn't feel right for you just yet, start with a friend, partner, sibling. You've got this #courtneyjamestherapy

Your mental health is impacted by your physical health. AND Your physical health is impacted by your mental health.... All of you is important. Where to start? Try offering yourself a minute to breathe today. Sit, feel the ground under your feet, place your hands on your knees, and breathe. Really breathe. This is one way you can begin slowing down and acknowledging yourself. #courtneyjamestherapy

Your mental health is important Every. Single. Day.... Today allows you some space to acknowledge your mental health needs and feel supported on a global scale. Starting options: Notice and release your muscles Label what you're feeling (out loud!) Reach out for help #courtneyjamestherapy #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessday

What are the simple pleasures that bring you joy? Coffee over here How can you include your simple pleasure into your day tomorrow? ... Do it. #courtneyjamestherapy