Sylvia Peske Psychological Services Inc.
#102B - 1979 Old Okanagan Hwy. V4T 3A4 West Kelowna, BC, Canada

To view my full response to COVID-19 situation, please click on the photo.

Cops and PTSD - Why you should care, what you can do. http://ow.ly/uAb550u5tYy

In a talk that's by turns heartbreaking and hilarious, writer and podcaster Nora McInerny shares her hard-earned wisdom about life and death. Her candid approach to something that will, let's face it, affect us all, is as liberating as it is gut-wrenching. http://ow.ly/XD1t50uo1nF

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among police officers and tends to manifest over time, resulting from multiple stress-related experiences. This is better known as cumulative #PTSD. Cumulative PTSD can be even more dangerous than PTSD caused from a single traumatic event, largely because cumulative PTSD is more likely to go unnoticed and untreated. If recognized early and treated properly, officers and their families can overcome the debilitating effects of cumulative PTSD. The key to early intervention and treatment is recognizing the signs of PTSD and seeking help sooner rather than later. We invite our local Kelowna RCMP to book a FREE 30-minute initial consultation to explore how we can be of service to those challenged with trauma. http://ow.ly/KKGv50u5qLF

Emergency service and health-care workers who serve the public are routinely exposed to #trauma. They include #police officers, #firefighters, emergency medical services staff, hospital emergency department staff, funeral home workers, 911 operators and many others. We can't afford to lose those who do so much good in our society to the impact of trauma. We all need to watch out for our peers, colleagues, friends and family members in the aftermath of trauma and do everything within our ability to encourage those in need to seek service as well as to release the stigma of seeking treatment. Book a FREE 30-minute initial consultation and see if it would be right for you at http://sylviapeske.com

For many years, professionals & officials believed that #PTSD was triggered by a single harrowing event. Researchers have now begun to discern the cumulative ef...fects of sustained exposure to intense workplace pressures. #Firstresponders, whose jobs commit them to persistent, repeated exposure to potentially triggering incidents, are at ongoing risk of developing PTSD. If you or someone you know has experienced #trauma in the workplace message us and find out how our One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshops can help. http://ow.ly/cnns50tbIQx

The need for purpose is one the defining characteristics of human beings. Human beings crave purpose, and suffer serious psychological difficulties when we don’t have it. Purpose is a fundamental component of a fulfilling life. Need assistance in finding and defining your Purpose? Our new One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshop may be the right choice for you. In addition to balancing perceptions, transforming stress, and learning about who we are; This workshop creates an opportunity for discovering meaning and purpose i our lives in response to our perceived challenges. Direct message for more information and to book an appointment. http://ow.ly/g2gZ50pyKz3

Through the adventure of self-discovery, you can learn to know yourself better as a person; - your situation in life - your desires - your goals - the value of your emotions... - your hopes and dreams - your capacity to love everything around you, whether it be nature, family, friends, acquaintances, etc. Start your journey of Self Discovery now by direct messaging us and scheduling your One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshop. http://sylviapeske.com//08/the-adventure-of-self-discovery/

While luck and genes play a part in learning who you are, you can also apply deliberate strategies to help you find your True Self. Think of your search as a treasure hunt, with clues and red herrings scattered along the way. Start your Self-Discovery journey with one of our new One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshop. IN addition to balancing perceptions and transforming stress; this workshop creates an opportunity for understanding who we are related to our symptoms. Message us directly for more information and to book your Discovery Session. http://ow.ly/VbVm50pyly0

The truth is, no matter how great your life may be, you will eventually deal with disappointments, setbacks, failures, and even loss and trauma. Everyone must face difficult situations, and everyone must come up with effective ways to deal with and bounce back from these situations. Need some help with coping - our One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshops may be the answer. Using the hierarchy of triggers, this workshop implements strategies for balancing perceptions and transforming distress into enstress. http://ow.ly/Owle50py730

Research is starting to reveal that there is a natural and instinctive path that grief takes that leads to the healthier outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, there is help. Our new One-on-One Personalized Workshops may be the answer. For more information message us directly or call 778-594-1616. http://ow.ly/zGxE50pxT93

Coping with the loss of a close friend or family member may be one of the hardest challenges that many of us face. When we lose a spouse, sibling or parent our grief can be particularly intense. Our One-on-One, Individual, Personalized Workshops can help to move forward through implementing strategies for balancing perceptions and transforming grief into relief. For more information and to book appointment email [email protected] or call 778-594-1616 http://ow.ly/Lxmv50p1wng

Introducing new one-on-one, individual, personalized workshops focusing on GRIEF, COPING, SELF-DISCOVERY and INSPIRATION. This format of therapy occurs in a one-on-one setting and is not group therapy. Check back to find out more about these unique and effective therapy opportunities. http://ow.ly/qvHB30ohCfQ

To worry is normal at times of stress and usually goes away on its own. What if the worry doesn’t go away? There are certain individuals who worry constantly - feeling as though their worry takes control. They may feel like they just can’t stop. Others don’t notice their problem with constant worry until they feel physical signs of stress: headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, fatigue. If your worry is affecting the quality of your life, you may have something called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) http://ow.ly/l6of30obqqY

Research suggests that both genetics and environment can play a role in the development of social anxiety problems. Social anxiety tends to run in families, which means if someone in your family has an anxiety problem you may be more likely to develop one. Various life events or experiences, such as being teased or bullied, can play a role. Social anxiety problems can develop slowly over time, often starting in elementary school or early adolescence, or after a particularly embarrassing or stressful event. http://ow.ly/TPDI30o7M4A

The complex stimulus of sunlight can affect your mood and mental health through a number of mechanisms, including affecting your vitamin D, serotonin, endorphins, nitric oxide levels and mitochondrial energy. http://ow.ly/41pQ30o6P5w

True words from Carol Burnett.

To examine a situation for overindulgence we use a tool called the Test of Four. We ask four questions. Each question is based on our overindulgence research. A Yes answer to one or more questions indicates overindulgence http://ow.ly/Op5e30o61G8

If you are a first responder affected by trauma, it can seem difficult to come forward. But trying to ignore what you’re going through only increases your stress and allows the problem to become more entrenched and tougher to treat. It can also lead you to try to self-medicate the distressing feelings with food or drugs or alcoholand that can lead to a whole other set of problems, including addiction. http://ow.ly/6fcT30nWNjA

Pain is invisible. This can lead people who experience chronic pain to feel misunderstood or alone in their suffering. Some people find the legitimacy of their pain is questioned. Other people believe pain is all in the head. Pain is, indeed, all in the head because the brain is located in the head, and the origin of pain is in the brain. http://ow.ly/Ud5G30nWLDK

As health care decision makers and often caregivers for their families, women tend to put others’ needs before their own. With so many competing responsibilities, women often don’t take time for themselves and their overall wellness can be compromised. http://ow.ly/tRJ830nWKCP

Most of us have had frightening experiences. Often we think about them long after the event. For some people, these distressing thoughts or images persist, as well as other symptoms such as a strong sense of threat, feeling emotionally numb, and irritability. If these reactions occur frequently, last at least a month, and interfere with daily functioning, the person may be suffering from PTSD. http://ow.ly/SrPj30nQCyD

We believe we understand the way our world works and our experience unfolds, but do we really? Try wrapping your head around this brain teaser. I recommend watching the video for a full understanding of the limitations we put onto ourselves as humans. If, after you watch the video, you want to learn how to transcend your experience, reach out and let's talk. I'd be happy to guide you through the process. http://ow.ly/GKLg30nQtfZ

February is "Psychology Month". It is a month to promote awareness of mental health and psychology. The statistics may surprise you. If you find yourself struggling, consider seeking support. http://ow.ly/ehT730nMZXz

As humans, we want certainty. Certainty breeds a sense of safety. Life does not always present us with such ease. Sitting in uncertainty is not easy. Allowing ourselves to accept and simply be in all of our experience goes against our natural instincts. Mindfulness is the practice that allows us to see ourselves to be real with ourselves and our experience without judgment and admist uncertainty. Everything is valid. How freeing it can be to allow whatever... and all... of our experience to be. ~Sylvia

We often end up lost and confused when the heart and the head are in conflict. Often, we mask the heart's true message; our minds invent or misinterpret our heart's meaning. Most often, fears drive these misunderstandings. If we can acknowledge our fears open and honestly and quiet our mind, our heart will speak and we will set the stage to hearing it's truth; our truth.

It is so hard to be hopeful when we are not connected to ourselves and/or what's happening in our lives. Hindsight is 20/20. It is not until after we have been through something do we discover how we and/or our lives have grown / changed as a result. I often have to remind myself to trust the process... that something new and energizing is waiting for me upon finding my way through.

Psychology Month is celebrated every February to highlight the contributions of Canadian psychology and to teach Canadians how psychology works to help them live healthy and happy lives, help their communities flourish, help their employers create effective workplaces, and help their governments develop good policies.

Couples who resolve conflicts constructively strengthen their relationships over time by improving intimacy and trust. Constructive strategies include stating opinions and needs clearly and calmly, and listening to and attempting to understand the partner’s point of view. Psychology can provide help to couples who want to communicate more effectively and problem-solve in ways that resolve their conflicts. http://ow.ly/H1fy30nx1hK

Life can be stressful for all us. When stressed to the point of anxiety, our intuition is trying to make us see something that we are not paying attention to. Anxiety is used by our intuition to grab our attention. Unfortunately, for some, anxiety can get so strong that it gets in the way of living a satisfying life. Professional help may be needed in cases where anxiety is consistent and persistent. However, for small momentary bouts of anxiety, here are a few lovely easy-to-implement techniques and strategies that may just do the trick. http://ow.ly/47AJ30npxj6

Stress is a normal aspect of life; it helps us to get things done and to grow. If you feel particularly stressed, the website link below will offer you some education on the personal impact of stress and some useful strategies for coping. Distress, on the other hand, occurs when stress becomes too much... when you find it difficult to function at your desired capacity in life. But distress is something we can control. If you are interested in moving beyond distress and reestablishing your sense of control, take the first step and reach out for support. You are worth it! http://ow.ly/LDlv30npv82

We are energetically linked to one another. So whenever we improve or make a change in our lives, the impact has ripple effects in the lives of those we interact with. This is because when we change our actions and/or responses, we are changing the dynamics of our interactions which cannot help but lead to others to reacting differently. This article is great for highlighting an important aspect of change. We often get energized by our new insights and resulting benefits. So ...much so that we want others to experience what we are feeling, and so, we automatically, sometimes without realizing it, expect others to do the same. The challenge is that we all have different values and life priorities for how we live our life, and we will only dedicate time and energy to those things that are most important to us. So, if you can honour your own values - that piece that makes you unique and one-of-a-kind, we will respect others for having their own uniqueness and live a more fulfilling and enriching life, including in relationship with others. http://ow.ly/Kva530nfNAt See more

Gratitude is everything if trying to incorporate change. Our ability to see what we already have not only helps us appreciate things and balance out our perceived challenges, it opens up opportunities to achieve more. Here are a few ways you can foster gratitude for yourself. The impact on our wellbeing is well worth the little time it takes! http://sylviapeske.com/how-to-incorporate-more-gratitude-i/