Linda Bao Counselling Services
16880 111 Ave T5M 4C9 Edmonton, AB, Canada

I’m learning about how to optimize the woman’s infradian rhythm and it’s so fascinating!!! You adjust your routine such as your diet and type of exercise based on where you’re at in your cycle. I look forward to learning more so that I can apply this knowledge in my own life and to inform my female clients! https://thriveglobal.com/stories/morning-routines-for-women/

If you feel the need to check your phone with every notification that comes through, this is a great tip for freeing yourself from your phone! Note: I have a iPhone and you will still get notifications but only on your own time when you unlock your phone.

Canada now has its very first Transgender Suicide Hotline. So happy to hear of this resource!

Happy Summer Solstice! Some words for you on this beautiful Saturday.

If your kids are all amped up from spending too much time indoors (I know mine are ), here are some wonderful guided meditations for kids to help them slow down and relax during times of stress. https://www.healthjourneys.com//72J6f42APm4bcG88zTGqZhZFV0

This is so wonderful! :) https://www.businessinsider.com/coursera-yale-science-of-we

If youre feeling anxious right now, theres nothing wrong with you. Its not a sign of weakness. You are human. Be extra kind and gentle to yourself and to those around you during this time.

As we all ban together during this unprecedented time, I felt compelled to offer some of my support through this quick 10-minute grounding exercise to help ease the fear, stress, and anxiety that many of us might be feeling right now around COVID-19. Please feel free to share. Wishing safety and good health to you and all your loved ones.

I believe this is so very important. I know firsthand being the daughter of refugee parents. Our mental health system needs to recognize how the trauma from oppression and colonization plays a major role in the mental health of many Indigenous, Black, and Brown individuals. I think of the phrase The personal is political. This makes me proud and thankful to be a Social Worker as our education focuses greatly on oppression, structural inequality and cultural competency. Its helped me to have a much broader lens when working with people. Rather than looking only at individual factors, I try to think about what wider structural/systemic issues may be at play in my clients challenges.

What an incredible and inspiring interview. I have so much respect for Lady Gaga and her courage to be so open, honest, and vulnerable with the world about her mental health and chronic pain. She truly is a visionary and I believe her when she says she wants to do everything in her power to help battle the mental health crisis in our world. This interview is definitely worth an hour of your time.

I love this! My clients know that I do a lot of work with the inner child and the healing of old core wounds (which always happen in relationship - usually with a parent, caregiver or sibling). These are the common messages that our younger selves need(ed) to hear.

This is so very true

According to Ten Thousand Doors, the Canadian Centre for End of Life Education and Supportive Services, end of life doulas ensure that each dying persons values, rights, options and choices are given priority and his/her emotional and spiritual needs are addressed in the overall care plan. Doulas are non-medical care providers who offer a quiet, respectful and nurturing presence. Support is practical, informational, social and physical in nature. [They] assist with nutrit...ional needs and offer comfort care through complementary therapy modalities. At Ten Thousand Doors, [their] End of Life Doulas distinct trademark is an ability to provide contemplative compassion while guiding a dying individual (and loved ones) to find resonating purpose and meaning, to reflect on the mysteries of life and death, to bring moments of joy through the dying transition and to fully embody inner peace. I am proud and honoured to be one of the team members at Ten Thousand Doors providing compassionate bereavement support to grieving individuals and families in the Edmonton community. I am so inspired and moved by the work that is being done by Ten Thousand Doors. To learn more about end of life care please head on over to www.tenthousanddoors.com

Happy Friday, everyone! The latest research on the vagus nerve is pretty exciting! Toning this cranial nerve can reduce inflammation and thus improve both your physical and mental health. This article offers some simple strategies on how to do that. https://upliftconnect.com/toning-vagus-nerve-heals-pain/

The terms "emotions" and "feelings" are often used interchangeably, but did you know there are distinct differences between them? This article does a great job explaining the differences and discusses how knowing the differences can help us shift out of unhealthy patterns and behaviours. https://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/whats-the-difference-/

Depression is incredibly complex, therefore I appreciate this different perspective on how we understand and treat depression. So very interesting! https://youtu.be/hDvAsp3ySEo

Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. - Sharon Lebell, The Art of Living

Whats the fastest way to relieve stress? An important step is to identify your specific stress response. In the moment, your stress response can either be an overexcited or underexcited stress response. You have an overexcited stress response if you tend to get angry, agitated, overly emotional, or anxious when dealing with stress. In contrast, if you deal with stress by shutting down, withdrawing or feeling depressed, then you have an underexcited stress response. You may a...lso find yourself going back and forth between the two types of stress responses. In my work, I always highlight the importance of addressing the body to help us cope or create mental shifts. We often want to do the very opposite of how our bodies take on stress. With an overexcited stress response we want to do things that will slow us down, such as yoga or meditation, whereas with an underexcited stress response we want to utilize stress relief activities that get us moving, preferably movement of the whole body such as swimming, jogging and aerobic exercise. It all makes a lot of sense! The most effective stress relief strategies are those that get us doing the opposite of how our bodies take on and express stress. Personally, yoga is the ultimate stress reliever for me and knowing myself, I definitely identify with the overexcited stress response! I invite you to reflect on what your specific stress response is and whether you are using stress relief activities that serve you the best. Wishing everyone a restful evening! :) See more

Love the message in this! When Im working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, one of the most important things we do is change the relationship they have with anxiety. Anxiety is often seen as something bad or shameful, therefore it is often ignored, avoided, or seen as something to eradicate entirely. When we lean into that anxiety with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance it is amazing what the symptoms are trying to tell us. Our bodies are organized towards healing and the messages communicated through our symptoms of anxiety can be a direct route to that healing. We just need to slow down enough and without judgment or self-criticism pay attention to what our anxiety is trying to tell us. https://www.elephantjournal.com//anxiety-is-not-the-enem/

I always talk about the power of the breath with my clients and encourage the practice of volitional breathing in and outside of session. Its so fascinating reading about all the latest research findings around the positive benefits to simply focusing on or altering our breath! https://qz.com//neuroscientists-have-identified-how-exact/

As a child, I loved watching Mr. Rogers. Now that I am a parent and a therapist, I have such deep respect for Fred Rogers and the work he put out there. He focused on teaching our children about the importance of emotions, connection, empathy, and how to be accepting of others. Such important life lessons!

What's the fastest way to relieve stress? An important step is to identify your specific stress response. In the moment, your stress response can either be an overexcited or underexcited stress response. You have an overexcited stress response if you tend to get angry, agitated, overly emotional, or anxious when dealing with stress. In contrast, if you deal with stress by shutting down, withdrawing or feeling depressed, then you have an underexcited stress response. You may a...lso find yourself going back and forth between the two types of stress responses. In my work, I always highlight the importance of addressing the body to help us cope or create mental shifts. We often want to do the very opposite of how our bodies take on stress. With an overexcited stress response we want to do things that will slow us down, such as yoga or meditation, whereas with an underexcited stress response we want to utilize stress relief activities that get us moving, preferably movement of the whole body such as swimming, jogging and aerobic exercise. It all makes a lot of sense! The most effective stress relief strategies are those that get us doing the opposite of how our bodies take on and express stress. Personally, yoga is the ultimate stress reliever for me and knowing myself, I definitely identify with the overexcited stress response! I invite you to reflect on what your specific stress response is and whether you are using stress relief activities that serve you the best. Wishing everyone a restful evening! :) See more

Such a brilliant and beautiful way of describing empathy. I love Bren Brown! https://www.facebook.com/brenebrown/videos/819331031752289/

PsychSolutions (the space that I am currently working out of) is hosting a Grand Opening this Saturday, Jan 26th from 11 am - 5 pm. There will be short presentations on various topics presented throughout the day by myself and my lovely colleagues. Drop on by and enjoy some refreshments with us! We would love to have you!

Such a brilliant and beautiful way of describing empathy. I love Brené Brown! https://www.facebook.com/brenebrown/videos/819331031752289/

So touched and honoured to be featured!

In our society, grief and mourning are terms that are often used interchangeably when referring to grief and loss, but theres a very important difference that I go over with all of my bereaved clients. Grief is the natural internal reaction to the loss of someone or something important to us. Multifaceted in nature, grief impacts us on an emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual level. In contrast, mourning is the social OUTWARD EXPRESSION of our grief. It includ...es crying, discussing our feelings with a trusted friend, sharing memories of our loved one, etc. It is important to make this distinction as it is the process of mourning that helps us to heal and reconcile with our grief. Everyone experiences grief, but not everyone will allow the expression of that grief. The conflict between a persons internal experience of grief and the way they express it outwardly is what keeps people stuck. Therefore, give yourself the permission to mourn. It not only allows us to move forward after a loss, but it also helps us to value our capacity to love and acknowledge how much our loved one meant to us and continues to mean to us. See more

Curious about your personal core strengths? This is an online survey that I use with a lot of my clients to help them assess what their top 24 core characteristics are. This is great for helping people to identify whats most important to them and more focused on a meaningful values-driven life. Its free and takes about 15 minutes to fill out. If youre like me and love filling out self-assessments, have a go at it! :) https://www.viacharacter.org/www/Character-Strengths-Survey

Do you ever give yourself a good pep talk when youre gearing yourself up to do something? Did you know that talking to yourself in second person ("Linda, you can do this!") is far more effective than in first person ("I can do this!")?! Research shows that self-talk in second person leads to a greater boost in mood, strengthens your motivation more, AND leads to better follow through when trying to make a change in behaviour! Because we are such social creatures, this type of self-talk stimulates our social brain and acts as our own internal coach, thus leading to better outcomes! I encourage you to try it out! Wishing everyone a wonderful week! :)

As of today, I am officially seeing clients at my new west end location at 16880 - 111 Ave! I already feel very comfortable and at home so I hope my clients will feel the same. In addition, I wanted to inform you that updating business info on Google can take up to two weeks as there is a whole verification process. Therefore, if you do a Google search of Linda Bao Counselling Services it will still show my old address. So happy and excited to be seeing clients in this new warm and inviting space!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Im very excited to announce that as of June 4th, 2018, I will be offering my services out of my NEW office conveniently located on the West end of Edmonton at 16880 - 111 Ave! With newer facilities, more spacious meeting space, easy access to major transportation routes, and plenty of free parking, Im very much looking forward to working with clients in this new space! In the meantime, I will continue to offer sessions at my current office on the South side.

After learning my cousin was involved in a serious car accident where he was hit by a drunk driver (thankfully, both parties are okay), it reminded me of the importance of taking care of our emotional selves immediately following a car accident or any other traumatic event. Any time we experience a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others, there is the potential for post-traumatic stress. Based on the work of trauma researcher and specialist, Peter Levine, there are steps that we can take following an accident that can reduce the likelihood of a traumatic reaction. This article does a beautiful job of summarizing those steps. https://barbaraedelmanmsw.com/hello-world/

Do you ever give yourself a good pep talk when you're gearing yourself up to do something? Did you know that talking to yourself in second person ("Linda, you can do this!") is far more effective than in first person ("I can do this!")?! Research shows that self-talk in second person leads to a greater boost in mood, strengthens your motivation more, AND leads to better follow through when trying to make a change in behaviour! Because we are such social creatures, this type of self-talk stimulates our social brain and acts as our own internal coach, thus leading to better outcomes! I encourage you to try it out! Wishing everyone a wonderful week! :)

In collaboration with sound therapists, this song was specifically crafted to slow the listeners heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Studies showed that listening to this song can reduce anxiety by up to 65%!!! I personally use it and will listen to it with clients in session and experience immediate results. I often encourage clients to use this song when they are needing to calm and relax themselves. The 10-hour extended version is great for falling asleep to! Wishing you all calm and peaceful vibes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYnA9wWFHLI&t=856s

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm very excited to announce that as of June 4th, 2018, I will be offering my services out of my NEW office conveniently located on the West end of Edmonton at 16880 - 111 Ave! With newer facilities, more spacious meeting space, easy access to major transportation routes, and plenty of free parking, I'm very much looking forward to working with clients in this new space! In the meantime, I will continue to offer sessions at my current office on the South side.

Time has certainly flown by as Ill be back from my maternity leave next week on March 6th! My office hours at this time will be Tuesdays 2 pm - 8 pm and Wednesdays 5 pm - 8 pm. If youd like to book an appointment, please call 780-395-1899 or email me at [email protected] I look forward to working with my clients again!

The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that is very important to our health and well-being! Here are 6 easy ways to stimulate the nerve to relieve inflammation, depression, migraines and more. http://theheartysoul.com/6-ways-to-instantly-stimulate-you/

In collaboration with sound therapists, this song was specifically crafted to slow the listener's heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Studies showed that listening to this song can reduce anxiety by up to 65%!!! I personally use it and will listen to it with clients in session and experience immediate results. I often encourage clients to use this song when they are needing to calm and relax themselves. The 10-hour extended version is great for falling asleep to! Wishing you all calm and peaceful vibes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYnA9wWFHLI&t=856s

Hello everyone! Just wanted to inform you that with the arrival of our second child, I am currently on a short 4-month maternity leave. I will be returning to the office in March of 2018. If you are interested in booking a session upon my return, please call and leave a message at 780-395-1899 or email at [email protected] and Id be happy to contact you the week prior to the end of my leave to make arrangements. Thank you!

As parents, weve all been there where we find ourselves overreacting or "flipping our lid" in response to our childrens behaviour. This is an excellent article on mindful parenting and learning how to respond to as opposed to react in those situations. https://www.parent.co/mindful-parenting-how-to-respond-ins/

Great news for our city! https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm

As parents, we've all been there where we find ourselves overreacting or "flipping our lid" in response to our children's behaviour. This is an excellent article on mindful parenting and learning how to respond to as opposed to react in those situations. https://www.parent.co/mindful-parenting-how-to-respond-ins/

In light of the Manchester bombing, I thought this article had some wonderful suggestions on how to help our children cope and heal after a traumatic event. Sending love and healing to all of those impacted by the attack. http://gretchenschmelzer.com//five-things-to-help-our-chil