Village Therapy

Just a simple message from me to you. I hope this holiday season brings you peace, reminds you of what matters most, and fills your cup to the brim. Thank you for being here. This beautiful community we have built constantly inspires me. This year has been a hard one, let’s take a few deep breathes, admire our strength and practice gratitude for all the amazing blessings big and small. ... Happy Holidays! xo Chelsea

As we head into the holidays, please remember this.... Your body is THE LEAST INTERESTING thing about you. You don't have to watch what you eat.... You don't have to workout to shed off the calories from the wine you drank. You are perfect, just the way you are. Hope the holidays are filled with all of the things that make you happy. xo Chelsea #bodypositivitiy #christmasmeals #christmastraditions #drinkthewine #eatthefood #youdoyou See more

All of our sessions are offered (at least until this pandemic passes) online! That means you can access the same great service from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place either by telephone or live video chat. ... People often feel a little unsure of "online therapy" but almost all of my clients find it works just fine, in fact most prefer it. So if you are thinking about getting ready to tackle some of your "stuff" take a look and book your session for the new year. New year. New You. I can't wait to support you. xo Chelsea #onlinetherapy #yycsmallbusiness #yycmentalhealth #mentalhealth #yycmom #yycfamily #yegmom #calgarymom #yqlmom #albertamama See more

Anyone else just aching for family time, especially as we near the holidays? We sure are! This year has been so rough. Sigh.... I have been flipping through pictures and remembering some of the tender moments of watching my kids play with their cousins. It feels like so long ago! Holding onto the memories until we can do this again safely! What do you miss most since life changed in March? #copingwithcovid #cousintime #cousinsarebestfriends #familyfirst #familytime #covidsucks See more

The return to work can be really hard in normal circumstances, never mind during a global pandemic. Baby needs to adjust to a new setting and so do you mama. You are not the same woman that left her job 12 or 18 months ago. Give yourself time for everyone to adjust and find their new rhythm. Don't stress on the first week when it feels like too much, this transition takes time. Stay the course. Feel the feelings. If you need support nav...igating all the feelings with returning to work after mat leave, I've got you. xo Chelsea #returntowork #maternityleave #matleaveisending #timestandstill #daycare See more

You are enough! I hope you let this message from the amazing @brenebrown seep down into your bones today. You are worthy, with all of your imperfections. ... You are deserving of love and belonging. You are enough. xo Chelsea #brenebrownquotes #brenequotes #brenebrown #worthy #youareneough #youareworthy #dailyquotes See more

OCTOBER is #pregnancylossawarenessmonth Pregnancy and infant loss is often a lonely experience for women and couples because either people say the wrong things OR they don’t know what to say, so they say nothing at all. My hope is always to share relevant and helpful information around both how to move through your own experience, as well as how to support those around you. ... Let’s start the conversation about pregnancy and infant loss. Let’s dive into the parts that make us uncomfortable. Let’s get comfortable so the bereaved feel better supported. This month is not about raising awareness to those who have suffered loss, sadly they are well aware, it is about reducing the stigma and helping others to understand how to talk about and support couples through that experience. For those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss this month can feel extra vulnerable and even triggering. Check in on your friend or sister. See how your loved one is doing. The pain is intense and heavy but can be made lighter by having exceptional support. xo Chelsea #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #pregnancyloss #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #stillbirth #stillborn #stillbornstillloved #infantloss #sidsawareness #childloss #stillloved #infertilityjourney

Processing your birth story with a professional can be extremely healing. Whether you have recently given birth, gave birth years ago, experienced pregnancy loss or are pregnant again and remembering hard parts of your last birth I am here to help support you in processing your birth story. Our births are HUGE moments in our life and you deserve the time and space to unpack your experience. ... DM with questions or book your session through the link in my bio. You are not alone. xo Chelsea #birthstory #birthyyc #calgarybirthphotographers #yycbirthphotographers #yycmom #yegmom #yegbirthphotographer #healyourbirth #allbirthsmatter #allbirthsareequal #pregnancy #csectionmoms #csection #laborandelivery #lndnurses See more

You lost a baby. You are allowed to grieve. You are allowed to hurt. You are allowed to long for what you lost. You can be grateful for the babies at home, or the house you have, or the job or the car or the health. You can be grateful & still long for what could have been. One doesn't diminish the other. ... #feelthefeelings #twotruths #pregnancyloss #iseeyourhurt #hurtingandgrateful #andnotbut See more

I know you're scared. I know you're wondering if you can do this. I know you are playing through all the scenarios.... I know you are uncertain. It's okay. We all feel this way. You are going to do great. You are going to be okay. You are going to be a wonderful mother. You got this! xo Chelsea #pregnancy #yycpregnancy #mamatobe #labouranddelivery #waitingonbaby #yycmom #yycfamily #yegmom #calgarymom #yqlmom #albertamama See more

Mental Health Check in! The world is so crazy right now. There is a lot going on. It has been a busy month. How are you feeling today?... #mentalhealth #checkin #wellnesscheck #youarenotalone #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #pmads #maternalmentalhealthmatters #maternalmentalhealth #breakthesilence #ppd #ppa See more

This is what we are talking about when I say balance is bullshit. Focus on prioritizing not holding it all.

Just a reminder, my services are often covered by your extended health benefits. You don't have to wait until December to jam it all in. Start now!! If you are feeling the heaviness of this transition this fall, let me help you get back to a place of feeling prepared, grounded and in control. ... Online booking available at the website www.villagetherapy.ca #onlinetherapy #yycmom #yycfamily #yegmom #calgarymom #yqlmom #albertamama See more

Anyone else find the slower pace that came with COVID a bit refreshing? Less racing around to activities? Fewer weekend or evening obligations? Being let off the hook because well....social distancing?... Here is a reminder that you are allowed to change the speed limit of your own life. We don't need to wait for a pandemic to say NO to things that stress us out or keep our schedule so busy we can hardly keep up. Be mindful of what you start adding back to your life. Don't do it just because you feel you should, do it because it will add value. Would love to hear your thoughts on this below! #livingonpurpose #slowdown #niceandeasy #outoftheratrace #ditchtheshoulds #lifeonpurpose #livingintentionally #unbusy See more

This is one of my favourite pictures of us at our wedding. We were both so proud. We had just tied the knot in front of our closest friends and family. The world was our oyster. A client shared with me a little while back that it seemed (from what I share on social) that we have a pretty perfect marriage. I have been thinking about that a lot in the last few weeks. Gary is a wonderful partner. He is a devoted husband and father. He is a solid guy. He is kind and gentle. He ...is willing to do the work always. We work hard (most of the time) on prioritizing our marriage. We spend quality intentional time together, we attend conferences and try to learn and grow together, we communicate (not always well but we try), we are true partners in parenthood. Our marriage is FAR from perfect. We too have had our fair share of heartache and valleys I wasn’t sure how we would climb out of. We have had epic fights. I often push for more and not always in the kindest or most respectful way. But we are committed to always coming back to one another and turning in instead of away. I always try to post the real deal on here not just the highlight reel. Marriage is no joke. It is hard. It stretches us, especially after kids. It takes a lot of work. So what you see in some ways is our hard work, though it may seem like the highlights. Today is our anniversary and I’m so grateful we are still doing this hard work together. If you are in a valley, turn inward, do the work, climb out together. It isn’t easy but for us it’s always been worth it. Xo Chelsea Photo credit: @scottgage He is the best by the way, If you need a photographer #weddingdress #yycbride #yycphotographer #yycfamily #marriagestory #luckyinlove

I try to make time to be silly with my boy’s. I like to get on the floor and roll around with them. I like to sing songs and dance and try to just be joyful. It’s hard somedays when there is a lot going on and my to-do list is never ending but I notice if I can take a minute to connect with them it does shift my mood. I am by no means perfect at this. There are lots of days they are loud and obnoxious and I struggle to enjoy their fun loving nature. But, w...hen I remember, I try to join them. How do you connect and find joy with your kids? Would love to hear your ideas and rituals below We are in this together. Hope you are a little bit silly today. Xo Chelsea #proudmom #newmom #motherhoodrocks #heaventhroughmylens #lifewithlittles #connectingmoms #mamahood #momslivinghappy #toddlermomlife #dailymotherhood #rawmotherhood #candidmotherhood #honestparenting #nestingly #motherly #teammotherly #lovemomblog #goodmama #honestmom #mamasformamas #imomsohard #momtruth #parentingmemes #iseeyoumama #yougotthismama #mynameismama #mamalove #candidchildhood #motherhoodunplugged #thehappynow See more

Just a reminder that there are so many couples who would give ANYTHING to have a baby. They don't care if they have a boy or a girl, they are just trying to have a healthy baby to bring home. This is not to rain on your gender reveal parade or diminish your own excitement for the baby you are having, just a reminder to be sensitive. ... Remember your audience. Be sensitive to other people in your life if they don't react the way you hoped they would. Give the girlfriends in your life space if they need it. They are happy for you but they are hurting and announcements like this, whether in person or online, remind them of what they still don't have or what they have lost. If you are struggling with infertility or pregnancy loss, you are not alone and you deserve support through this heartbreaking and painful journey. Reach out if you need an ear. I am here for you. xo Chelsea #infertilitysucks #infertilityawareness #ivfwarrior #youarenotalone #pregnancyloss #infertilitysupport #pregnancylosssupport #iseeyou See more

We need YOU! Your babies need YOU! We don't need any more carbon copy women or mother's trying to be like the gal on social who "has it all together". ... 1 - That's FAKE 2 - It is SO boring The world needs you in all of your glory. Your quirks. Your charms. Your imperfections. Your humor. Your style of parenting. So often in my practice I see women fall deep into the comparison trap and it breaks my heart. I often tell them, "she calls me crying too". When we let go of the idea of who we SHOULD be, we give ourselves the space to become who we ARE. In my opinion there is nothing more beautiful than showing up in this world as your authentic self. I promise, she doesn't have her shit together etiher. So let go of being her and please, just be YOU! Sending love! Chelsea #mayaangelouquotes #quoteoftheday #momquotes #beyourself #theworldneedsyou #comparisiontrap See more

We ALL need time for ourselves. This is not a "nice to have", this is a "need to have" if you hope to feel grounded and healthy. If you have littles, they are likely running the show and making "time for yourself" laughable. Mom's are especially bad for neglecting this area of self care. ... It is time to let go of the idea that it is impossible or selfish and start making it happen for yourself AND for your partner. The whole family will be better for it. So, what does that mean? Well, I hate to say it because I know so many of you struggle with this but, you have to ask for what you need. It might help by sitting down with your partner and negotiating this together. When will they have time for themselves this week and when will you have it. How can you support each other in getting that time in? How can you figure out feeding schedules (if you're baby is exclusively breastfed or won't take a bottle) so that you can sneak in a couple of hours? What time of day will work best for YOU? How can you make sacrifices for each other so that you both have an opportunity to fill your cup? BTW, time for yourself does NOT include getting groceries or folding laundry unless you really actually have a thing for that! If you aren't in a relationship, this might be a little trickier but still not impossible and still equally important (maybe even more so!). Ask a friend to swap child minding, call on a neighbourhood kid to be a "mother's helper", ask family or friends to support you in this. Do what you need to do to ensure that at least every week there is some time carved out that is JUST for YOU! I promise, everyone will be better for this in the end! No guilt. Self care is NOT selfish. #timeforyourself #selfcaretip #managingoverwhelm #relationshipgoals #bettertogether #beateam See more

THERAPY AS SELF CARE Many of my clients see me on a regular 4, 6 or 8 week basis as a part of their self care routine. They don't have regular therapy because their life is falling apart or because there is something "wrong" with them. They do it as an act of self care and self love.... They find it helpful to have a session regularly to check in and process what's going on in their lives. This helps manage the overwhelm that can build up over time and is a beautiful way to practice being kind to yourself. So, just in case you were under the impression that you have to be broken to seek therapy or that something has to be terrible wrong, this is your permission slip to take care of YOU. For more information about the services I offer DM or check out my website www.villagetherapy.ca xo Chelsea #selfcaretips #mentalhealth #busymoms #momlife #slowandsteady #christmasiscoming #onlinetherapy #therapyyyc #yycsmallbiz #mentalhealthtipsformoms See more

GROUNDING EXERCISE Sharing a fun and easy to access grounding strategy with you all today. Many of you will likely be familiar with this one already!! This technique will help remind you of being in the present by taking you through your five senses. ... This is a grounding strategy you can use when you feel stressed, panic or overwhelmed. Take a nice slow deep breath and begin. 5 - SEE Look around the room for 5 things you can see and say them out loud. EX: I see the picture frame, I see the fridge, I see the window 4 - FEEL Notice your body and consider 4 things you feel and say them out loud. EX: I feel the crinkle in my sock, I feel my wet hair, I feel my feet on the floor 3 - LISTEN In your stillness listen for 3 sounds and say them out loud. EX: I hear the traffic outside my window, I hear the washing machine working, I hear the birds. 2 - SMELL Out loud say two things you can smell. If you can’t smell anything at the moment, you can name your 2 favourite smells. EX: I smell the coffee, I smell the freshly cut grass, I smell the clean laundry. 1 - TASTE Out loud say one thing you can taste or your favourite taste. EX: I can taste my toothpaste, I can taste my gum, I can taste ice cream. Take another deep breath. Repeat if still feeling activated. Done! You did it! #groundingtechniques #anxietytips #copingstrategies #panicattacks #calmingtechnique #mentalhealthtip #selfsoothe See more

Ever feel really let down by the people in your life? Ever feel disappointed by the way that your 'support' people show up for you? Ever feel like you give a lot to your relationships and get less in return?... Ever just feel like people don't get you and they don't know how to support you? When we feel disappointed about the support we are receiving (or lack thereof) we often don't know how to handle it. Do I say something? Do I ask for what I need? Do I just let it go and feel resentful? Do I vent about it to someone else? Do I withdraw and figure it out on my own? Do I snap? How do YOU handle it when someone close to you doesn't show up for you in the way that you need them to? By having this conversation, perhaps we can come up with more productive ways to deal with this and share with one another the strategies we use that are helpful. #familydynamics #hsp #disappointed #feelingletdown #needinghelp #alwaysmisunderstood #alwaysthegiver See more

I don't know about you but nothing makes me feel better than a good purge! Like, get it all out, sort it, fold it, ditch some of it, clean it and rearrange it. Whenever my life feels a little out of control this is a go-to for me. Along with starting a new home reno/project or buying new face cream, just ask my bestfriend.... What do you do to help calm the chaos of your mind and reset? #calmyourmind #cleanyourcloset #purgeforthewin #purgetherapy #declutter #makeoverthemess #organizationtips See more

For those asking about prenatal classes!! This is an excellent option!

FEEL IT ALL It’s okay to have mixed up feelings mama. It’s fine to be both excited and nervous. Happy and nostalgic. Change can feel hard even if it’s exciting. Our oldest started kindergarten today. He told me he was super excited mixed with a little nervous. Me too buddy! ... We went over how to make friends and I reminded him all the other kids were in the same position as him. They were all probably a little nervous and all hoping to meet a new friend today. He felt better about this and so did I, knowing other moms have done this too. So on the walk home, I shed a few tears, realizing we are onto a new stage in our parenthood journey. It’s not longer about interpreting what their cries mean or trying to soothe them by shushing or bouncing in the night. Now the worries are different. They are about fitting in, being kind, finding your voice, and gaining self confidence. I don’t have as much control as I used to over what he wears, hears or who he spends his time with. So I have to trust in him. I have to have some faith in the job we are doing. I have to guide from the sidelines now. I am truly beginning to understand just how fast the years go by. I found it so annoying when they were little and people told me the days are long but the years are short. It didn’t feel like that then. But it does now. So if this is you today too, I see you. I am over here too, feeling all the big feelings. Happy Friday Mama’s! We got this! Xo Chelsea

REAL TALK If you don’t want to bawl your face off at bedtime the night before your oldest goes to kindergarten I recommend avoiding Oh, the places you’ll go by @drseuss Just saying. ... #firstdayofkindergarten #mybabyisgrowingup #bigday #sappymompost

COVID has brought up all kinds of tension and new issues in our interpersonal relationships. All of a sudden we are having to manage everyone else's comfort levels around exposure again our own. Sometimes we are on a different page than our partner. Sometimes we are struggling with our parents or inlaws. Whatever interpersonal relationships you are struggling with, therapy can help. ... You are half of the solution! Working through your own feelings and developing good strategies to reduce tension and resolve conflict can be extremely helpful in repairing fractured or strained relationships. We are living in a stressful time and it is taking a toll on our personal relationships. If you need support, reach out! I offer telephone & video sessions at an affordable rate. DM for more info or check out my website www.villagetherapy.ca Chelsea #yycmom #yycfamily #yegmom #calgarymom #yqlmom #albertamama See more