Choose Happy Counselling

I completed this intense, interactive training online (due to COVID-19) and loved every second of it! I can't wait to offer this therapy to couples once I graduate in the Spring!

I signed up for this EFT externship over 2 months ago. With my back injury and death of my brother, I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend. B would want me to continue to follow my passions - he often told me how proud he was of me. I miss him and I will continue to live a beautiful, fulfilling life full of love & light. I will do it for him, for my family, and for me.

Last night, while going through her candy haul, my daughter asked me what my favourite candy was. I told her Tootsie Roll. She found 3 and gave them to me without hesitation. This morning, she came to my room and told me she traded her siblings some of her candy to get more Tootsie Rolls. "They're for you, Mom, because I know they're you're favourite ". I gave her a huge hug and cried. I told her they were happy tears because her kindness touched me. She brought me mo...re throughout the morning and I did a happy dance each time. #choosekindness #healing #proudmomma #choosehappy #positivereinforcement #happydance

It has taken me a bit of time to gather my thoughts enough to put pen to paper about this topic: Grief. Just last week, on Thanksgiving Monday, my mother called me to tell me my little brother, Brandon, died. He was just 34-years-old. It wasn't until we received the coroner's report some days later that we learned he died the Friday prior. My little brother is gone and thinking of him dying alone just shatters my heart. For the past year and a half, he was living in Qu...Continue reading

With 5 children, it can be a challenge to hear the whining , especially when I'm already feeling overstimulated. I love how this rhyme allows them to feel the feels and reminds me that its 100% normal for them to be upset about things. It also reminds us all that while we can't control everything, we have control over our reaction to things. #wearealllearning #grateful #feelthefeels #Icontolmyreaction

Are you struggling with shame, guilt, fear or self-doubt? World-renowned expert Brené Brown joins the table to help! Willow admits what it felt like to be shamed by her parents, and Jada has a revelation about her codependency.

As a single momma, I do a lot on top of working full-time, running a business, and completing my masters. A LOT in the run of a day, but I'm just one person and I can't do it all. I get the "You're super mom" comment a lot, but I'm not - and that's okay. There are things that just don't get done everyday...and that's okay. If you come to my house, expect it won't be tidy - and that's okay. You'll see unfinished projects - and that's okay. If my kids aren't listening, I'm n...ot always going to be able to use a calm tone with them - and that's okay. #notsupermom #doingmybest #thatsokay

I had this idea in my head of what it was going to be like to be a parent. I would be attentive, present, giving snuggles all the time, having unlimited patience...and the list goes on. What I didn't expect was sensory overload, as a parent. I found myself saying these things often - on the daily. These things can make it really hard to be the parent I had envisioned and I felt like a failure. I felt easily agitated, snippy, and like crawling out of my skin. By learning s...trategies to ground myself and giving myself grace, I find I don't get overloaded as easily. It still happens, but when it does, I reach into my toolbelt of strategies to help calm me. Then, I'm able to be more present with my kidlets. Have you ever experienced these things? What are some things that help you in these moments?

How full is your marble jar?? Do you have marble jar friends? Coworkers? I love this explanation of trust and Brené's acronym to remember the elements of trust: BRAVING. I want to share this with everyone I know! So worth it to take 19 minutes out of your day to listen to this...and please take time to share! Anyone in any relationship could benefit, I'm certain. ... Brené Brown: The Anatomy of Trust (watch from about 4:00 - 23:30). I haven't watched the rest of the video-- just this portion. https://youtu.be/sNZZsYJa3Ds Love & Light, Vanessa

It's okay to take time to rest, to relax, to breathe. Actually, it's necessary.

I usually find comfort in Tiny Buddha's posts. This one is no exception. I hope this reminder reaches you and touches you, as well. Love & Light Vanessa

I love this phone wallpaper from Colorful Zone. How will you step to your happiness today? http://www.colorful.zone//free-colorful-smartphone-wallpa/

The Government of New Brunswick is hosting a 30-day mindfulness challenge. "The 30-Day Mindfulness Challenge is an on-line, evidence-based curriculum shown by university researchers to lower stress, increase resilience and improve well-being, performance and optimism. The Challenge starts every Monday and only takes 5 to 10 minutes a day. As well, everyone who registers for the Challenge gets to invite a buddy to take the challenge with them for free." I used the drop-down menu and chose the 90-day challenge. Who wants to be my buddy? <3

We are all coping in our own way. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to.

During this time, it is so easy to let our thoughts get the best of us. Did you know that your thoughts can be the best for you? Try reframing a thought today and see how it helps you through. Sometimes, it's easier said than done. The more you try it, the easier it becomes. Give it a try!

I found my mind wandering last night and was having a hard time getting to sleep. I found this meditation on YouTube and I think I was out within 2-3 minutes. I have also been taking this extra time at home to start a meditation practice. One in the morning and one at night. I feel instant relief, but I am also training myself how to be truly present in the NOW. There are many, many free guided meditations online. I encourage you to check some out. ... Love & Light, Vanessa

I signed up to give blood for the 1st time...the day after my 38th birthday. You choose a venue and time slot, which I am sure allow for social distancing, should it still be needed. #itsinyoutogive #choosehappy

Love this #comingtogetherbystayingapart #physicaldistancing #mentalhealthawareness

I was able to pop onto the Kids Help Phone platform this evening for a bit. It was amazing to see so many crisis responders volunteering their time and skills to help people through this and other crisis. As expected, there has been an increase in texters living with anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We're here for you. ... #choosehappy #kidshelpphone #socialdistancing #anxiety #here2help #comingtogetherbystayingapart #notjustforkids

<3 #choosehappy #socialdistancing #comingtogetherbystayingapart

I have been working toward today for over 2 years. Persistence, perseverance, and positivity has allowed for the necessary growth needed for this day. Today, I accepted a full-time position as an employment counsellor. Today, I am grateful for my experience with my audit family and I even shed a few tears when I spoke with my director to give my notice. I had just shy of 14 years working with an incredible man who understands work-life balance and truly listens to his empl...oyees. I appreciate all of the opportunities he gave me. Today, I am grateful for my new work family who I have been with since June. They welcomed me with open arms and have offered support. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful counsellor who has offered to supervise me for some practicum hours to complete my masters in counselling psychology. Today, I am grateful for the love and support from family and friends and my love Today is an exciting day! Vanessa

It's hard to believe that I am finishing up my last courses this Summer and will be ready to start my practicum as a counsellor-in-training beginning in May! This journey into the helping field has been incredible and I am looking forward to continually seeking out education to hone my skills. I am hoping to work with young adults and adults. Next week, I will be contacting organizations that offer counselling services to inquire about completing some practicum hours. ... If you know of any organizations in the Fredericton, NB area seeking a counsellor-in-training for 1-2 days/week, please let me know.