Talk Shop Counselling

I love Dr. Mate's passion and authenticity; he's a bit rock 'n roll if you ask me. I never fail to be challenged and inspired by his lectures; here's an hour of fun talk about spirituality 'n stuff! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLki68uLfjw

I unexpectedly contracted pneumonia last week and hunkered down in for a solitary recuperation. Now, the counseling process often involves building awareness of how overt and covert family rules inform our decision making, and that the unconscious acceptance of these rules often runs contrary to our personal goals and values. I since realize that a rule for our family is ‘keep health information private:’ the underlying message is that physical infirmity denotes weakness. I... personally value connection and compassion, and so to walk the talk this is me just being me being sick for a while! While I’m almost comically tired, I have gratitude for the doctor who was quick to see me and for the meds themselves, even though the side effects of these antibiotics are a bit nasty. I also have huge gratitude for Katrina Rose for being so caring and loving! And I’m out tonight co-leading a self-led support group in Burnaby; very excited about that! While I notice I am not ‘comfortable’ posting this, it feels good to practice letting go of that systemic imperativeI feel better already!

Just a shout out to celebrate the courage of my clients and anyone else currently in a counselling relationship; I am celebrating your bravery and willingness to take the focus off external problems and look inward, to "do what is hard so life can be easy" (thanks Duane and Catherine!!) Thinking of you all as I approach the last quarter of my first year of professional counselling...what an honour to witness the steps you have all taken!

Celebrating Katrina Rose's graduation from the three-year Counselling Practitioner's Program at Clearmind International. Ollie the beauty of your spirit shines in everything you do, and I feel such gratitude to have witnessed you there with our girls; you are a gift to the counselling world and you rock!