by Veronique Rioux | Nov 18, 2024 | news
Why Choose Holistic Counselling? Exploring the Whole Self for True Wellness
In my 20 years as a health and fitness expert, Choose2be.ca I’ve worked with countless individuals seeking to improve their physical health, heal from injuries, or find a better balance in life. Over time, I’ve realized that we are so much more than just our physical bodies. This understanding has profoundly shaped my journey, leading me to holistic counselling—a practice that addresses the full spectrum of what makes us human.
Holistic counselling is about looking at the whole person: body, mind, and soul. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of our lives, from physical health to emotions, beliefs, relationships, and even the environment we live in. This approach acknowledges that wellness is multidimensional and that each part of our lives impacts the others.
The Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness goes far beyond physical fitness or nutrition; it encompasses several interconnected dimensions:
- Physical Wellness: Includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, and overall bodily health. Our physical state affects our mental and emotional health—and vice versa.
- Emotional Wellness: Our ability to understand, process, and express emotions. Unresolved emotions often manifest physically as stress or illness.
- Spiritual Wellness: The quest for meaning and connection beyond ourselves, which can provide resilience and clarity during tough times.
- Intellectual Wellness: A commitment to continuous learning and mental stimulation to keep our minds sharp and adaptable.
- Social Wellness: Healthy relationships and a sense of belonging are crucial for emotional support and personal growth.
- Environmental Wellness: The spaces we inhabit impact our mood, health, and energy. A cluttered or toxic environment can contribute to stress and stagnation.
- Financial Wellness: Stability in our finances contributes to overall peace of mind. Financial stress often spills into other areas of life.
- Occupational Wellness: Fulfillment and satisfaction in our work life impact our overall happiness and sense of purpose.
When one of these areas is out of balance, it creates a ripple effect on the others. For example, unresolved emotional pain may manifest as physical tension or illness, while financial stress may impact our relationships and mental well-being. Holistic counselling brings awareness to these connections, helping us identify and address root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
Everything Is Interconnected
Our lives are intricately interconnected. Family dynamics, cultural influences, belief systems, and even epigenetics—the way our environment and behaviors can influence gene expression—play a role in shaping who we are and how we experience the world. If you want to read more about epigenetic look at this post. Holistic counselling considers these influences, offering a wide-angle view of a person’s life.
For example, someone seeking support for anger management may discover their triggers are rooted in family-of-origin patterns or past trauma. Grief over a loss might also unveil a deeper spiritual need or unresolved relational conflicts. Understanding these layers requires a compassionate, holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person’s life.
Creating Safe Relationships Through Counselling
One of the core aspects of holistic counselling is creating a safe, secure relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. This sense of safety allows for deeper exploration and healing. Many of us carry attachment wounds from childhood or past relationships, which shape how we interact with others and view ourselves.
Through a secure therapeutic relationship, clients can begin to develop secure attachment patterns, learning how to trust, communicate, and set healthy boundaries. This is a foundational step toward healing and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Holistic Counselling and the Physical Body
As someone who has always valued an active lifestyle, I’ve seen firsthand how the physical body holds our experiences. Stress, trauma, and emotions often manifest in the body as tension, pain, or illness. This connection between the mind and body is central to holistic counselling.
For example, practices like yoga and mindfulness—both of which I’ve studied and taught—can help release stored tension and promote a sense of balance. Understanding the body’s role in wellness is essential for addressing the root causes of physical and emotional discomfort.
Addressing Beliefs and Patterns
Our belief systems—many of which are formed early in life—shape how we perceive and respond to the world. These beliefs often operate unconsciously, influencing our behaviors and emotions. Holistic counselling helps clients uncover and examine these beliefs, empowering them to challenge unhelpful patterns and develop new, healthier perspectives.
For instance, someone struggling with low motivation may discover that they’ve internalized a belief that they’re not “good enough.” By addressing this belief and exploring its origins, they can begin to build self-compassion and confidence, creating a foundation for meaningful change.
The Role of Connection in Healing
Connection is at the heart of holistic counselling. Connection to oneself, to others, and to the world around us. Often, life’s challenges leave us feeling isolated or fragmented. Holistic counselling works to restore these connections, fostering a sense of wholeness and belonging.
This might mean deepening self-awareness through mindfulness practices, strengthening relationships through improved communication, or finding purpose through meaningful work or spiritual exploration. Each client’s journey is unique, but the goal is always to help them feel more connected and aligned with their true selves.
Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
Holistic counselling isn’t about fixing a person—it’s about supporting them in becoming the best version of themselves. It’s about exploring what wellness means for them personally and helping them create a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and authentic.
This process takes time and patience, but the results are transformative. Clients often find that as they address one area of their lives, positive changes ripple out to others. A shift in perspective can lead to healthier relationships, increased motivation, and a greater sense of peace.
Why Holistic Counselling?
In a world that often encourages quick fixes and narrow solutions, holistic counselling offers a refreshing and compassionate approach. It reminds us that we are complex, interconnected beings, deserving of care and understanding on every level.
If you’re ready to explore your own interconnectedness and take steps toward a more balanced, fulfilling life, I invite you to learn more about holistic counselling at VancouverIslandHolisticCounselling.ca. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, uncover your strengths, and create a path toward the best version of yourself.
Your journey to wellness starts here contact info@vancouverislandholisticcounselling.ca
by Veronique Rioux | Nov 7, 2024 | news
In recent years, the field of epigenetics has revolutionized how we understand the connection between our environment, behaviors, and genetic expression. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself but can still be passed down to future generations. Essentially, our genes can be influenced by external factors like stress, diet, exercise, trauma, and emotional well-being. This emerging science opens new doors in holistic therapy, both for online and in-person counseling. Understanding epigenetics empowers you to break free from generational patterns, creating a healthier and more balanced life.
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics literally means “above genetics.” It refers to chemical modifications that occur on the DNA or on proteins associated with DNA (such as histones) that regulate how genes are expressed. These modifications can turn genes “on” or “off” without changing the genetic code itself.
For example, if your family has a history of anxiety, depression, or chronic illness, traditional wisdom might suggest that you are destined to follow a similar path. However, epigenetics shows that while you may inherit certain genetic tendencies, external factors and lifestyle choices can greatly influence how these genes are expressed. This means that, through holistic therapy, you can actively create change, promoting health and well-being by making conscious choices in your life.
In my therapy sessions, whether online or in-person in Nanaimo, I integrate epigenetic principles into our work. I aim to help you rewrite the narrative of your life and step into a new way of being, free from the limiting beliefs and patterns that may have been passed down through generations.
How Epigenetics Impacts Mental Health
Mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders can be influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. While it’s true that some individuals are more genetically inclined to develop these conditions, epigenetics teaches us that we are not helpless. Our mental health is not solely defined by our genes. Instead, factors like stress, trauma, nutrition, and even the social environment can play a pivotal role in determining which genes are activated and which remain dormant.
This understanding brings hope. In my holistic therapy sessions, I work with you to identify the triggers and influences that may have activated certain genetic expressions. Whether you choose online therapy or in-person counseling in Nanaimo, I can help you address these concerns, focusing on a deep understanding of your unique genetic and environmental background.
Epigenetic Trauma and Generational Healing
One of the most compelling areas of epigenetics is the concept of inherited trauma. Studies show that trauma experienced by one generation can be passed down epigenetically to future generations. For example, children or grandchildren of individuals who have experienced war, genocide, or abuse may display heightened anxiety or stress responses, even if they have never experienced the trauma themselves.
I understand how generational trauma can manifest in present-day struggles. My therapeutic techniques are designed to help you address not only your personal history but also the inherited patterns that may be affecting your well-being. Through approaches such as somatic therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed counseling, I support you in breaking free from inherited cycles of pain and making space for healing.
Whether you prefer to work with me online or in-person at my Nanaimo office, I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and release these deep-rooted patterns.
The Role of Lifestyle in Epigenetic Expression
One of the most empowering aspects of epigenetics is the realization that we have a degree of control over how our genes are expressed. By making conscious choices in key areas of life, you can positively influence your health, both physically and mentally.
Here are some lifestyle factors that can impact epigenetic expression:
1. Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can have a significant impact on epigenetic markers. Certain nutrients, such as folate, B vitamins, and polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables, have been shown to support healthy gene expression. I recognize the importance of nutrition in mental health and can incorporate holistic nutritional counseling into our therapy sessions. Together, we’ll explore how diet can support emotional balance and overall wellness.
2. Stress Management
Chronic stress is one of the most significant contributors to negative epigenetic changes. Stress hormones like cortisol can alter the expression of genes linked to inflammation and immune response, leading to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Through stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I can provide tools to help you reduce stress and improve your mental resilience.
3. Physical Activity
Regular exercise is known to have a profound effect on gene expression. Physical activity can turn on genes associated with longevity and turn off genes related to inflammation and stress. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or structured fitness routines, I can help you create a plan that works for your body and lifestyle. I may also incorporate movement-based therapies to release stored emotions and trauma from the body, supporting both mental and physical healing.
4. Mind-Body Practices
Practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong have been shown to influence gene expression by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing mental clarity. These practices not only calm the mind but also have a measurable impact on the epigenetic markers associated with stress and inflammation. I offer these modalities, both online and in-person, as part of a comprehensive approach to healing.
Holistic Therapy and Epigenetics: A Synergistic Approach
My approach to therapy is holistic, addressing the mind, body, and spirit in every session. By integrating the principles of epigenetics, I provide clients with tools to rewrite their genetic narrative, empowering them to create lasting change.
Online Therapy for Convenience and Accessibility
If you’re unable to attend sessions in person, online therapy offers a convenient and effective alternative. Virtual sessions mirror the depth and quality of in-person counseling, allowing you to work on your healing journey from the comfort of your home. Online therapy is ideal if you’re living in remote areas, dealing with time constraints, or experiencing mobility issues.
In-Person Therapy in Nanaimo
For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, in-person sessions in Nanaimo offer a peaceful and welcoming environment where you can explore your mental and emotional health. Whether you’re working through personal trauma, relationship challenges, or seeking to improve overall well-being, my holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your experience is considered.
Conclusion: Empowering Change with Epigenetic Insights
The science of epigenetics gives you the power to influence your mental and physical health. You are not defined by your genetic predispositions. In my online and in-person therapy sessions, I help you take control of your well-being, guiding you toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
By combining holistic approaches with the latest research in epigenetics, I offer personalized therapeutic solutions that address the root causes of your challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
by Veronique Rioux | Oct 6, 2024 | news
In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in how the breath can be used to heal the mind, body, and spirit, especially in the context of trauma and stress. Breathwork, which involves consciously controlling the breath to regulate the body’s functions, is gaining recognition as a powerful tool in addressing nervous system dysregulation and even epigenetic trauma. Somatic practices, which focus on the body’s role in emotional healing, have shown remarkable results in helping people release deeply stored trauma.
In this post, we’ll explore the connection between breathwork, the nervous system, and how trauma—both personal and inherited—can be stored in the body. We’ll also discuss the role of epigenetic trauma and how somatic therapies can help release these traumas for greater emotional and physical well-being.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork refers to various practices that use breath awareness and control to influence physical, emotional, and mental states. In many ancient traditions, the breath is seen as the essence of life—referred to as prana in yoga or qi in Chinese medicine. Science now confirms what these traditions have long known: breathing patterns have a profound effect on our health, particularly when it comes to managing stress, anxiety, and trauma.
By changing how we breathe, we can influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. Breathwork offers an accessible and powerful way to regulate our body’s stress responses, calm the mind, and facilitate deep emotional healing.
The Nervous System: The Breath’s Powerful Impact
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two primary branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These two systems are often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” and “rest-and-digest” systems, respectively.
- Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): When we are stressed, anxious, or feel threatened, the SNS kicks into high gear. This system is responsible for the classic “fight, flight, or freeze” response. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to the muscles, and quickening the breath. However, when the SNS is chronically activated due to prolonged stress or trauma, it can lead to ongoing issues such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): The PNS is the body’s way of hitting the reset button. When activated, it promotes relaxation, slows down the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and encourages deep, restorative breathing. Breathwork, particularly slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing, stimulates the vagus nerve, which is a key player in activating the PNS. This is why practices like yoga and meditation place such a heavy emphasis on breath control—by consciously shifting our breathing, we can calm our nervous system and bring ourselves back into balance.
Trauma and the Body: How Stress is Stored
When we experience trauma—whether from a car accident, childhood abuse, or even an ongoing toxic relationship—it affects both the mind and the body. Trauma is not just a mental or emotional issue; it also leaves a physical imprint on the body. This is where somatic therapy comes in.
Somatic therapy recognizes that the body holds onto stress and trauma, sometimes for years or even generations. Traumatic experiences trigger the fight-or-flight response, which, if not properly processed, can lead to chronic tension, pain, and even illness. This unprocessed trauma becomes stored in the body’s tissues, contributing to nervous system dysregulation and emotional suppression.
- Muscular tension: Have you ever noticed how your shoulders tense up when you’re stressed or how anxiety can make it hard to breathe deeply? Trauma often manifests as chronic muscle tension, particularly in the chest, shoulders, neck, and lower back. This tension can restrict breathing, causing us to take shallow breaths, which further activates the stress response.
- Chronic pain: Many people who suffer from chronic pain, such as headaches, neck pain, or back pain, may be dealing with unresolved trauma stored in the body. This pain can persist even when there is no obvious physical cause, often baffling both patients and healthcare providers.
- Nervous system dysregulation: Trauma can also keep the body stuck in a state of hyperarousal (constantly on edge) or hypoarousal (numb, disconnected). People with unresolved trauma may find themselves alternating between feeling hypervigilant and anxious and feeling emotionally numb or dissociated. This can lead to a host of problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and difficulties in relationships.
Epigenetic Trauma: Inherited Stress
The idea that trauma can be passed down through generations is not just a metaphor—science is beginning to show that trauma can be passed down biologically through changes in gene expression. This phenomenon is known as epigenetic trauma.
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that don’t involve alterations in the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be triggered by environmental factors, including stress and trauma. For example, studies have shown that children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors exhibit signs of trauma, even though they didn’t directly experience the events their ancestors did.
In essence, traumatic experiences can leave a biological imprint, altering the way genes are expressed and predisposing future generations to heightened stress responses, anxiety, and depression. This doesn’t mean that trauma is a life sentence—it means that by addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of trauma, we can heal not only ourselves but also break the cycle for future generations.
Breathwork and Somatic Therapy: Tools for Healing Trauma
Because trauma is stored in the body, it makes sense that the body must play a role in healing it. Somatic therapies, which include modalities like yoga, bodywork, and breathwork, aim to release the stored tension and emotional blockages caused by trauma. These practices work by creating a bridge between the mind and body, allowing us to process and release emotions that may have been suppressed for years.
Breathwork as a Somatic Tool
Breathwork is a particularly powerful tool for trauma healing because it gives us direct access to the nervous system. By consciously controlling our breath, we can calm the nervous system, release stored tension, and create a space for repressed emotions to surface.
Certain types of breathwork, such as holotropic breathwork or pranayama, are designed to bring people into altered states of consciousness where they can access deeply buried emotions and memories. In these states, people may re-experience traumatic events, but in a safe and controlled way, allowing them to process and release the emotions associated with the trauma.
Reprogramming the Nervous System
Breathwork doesn’t just help release trauma—it also helps reprogram the nervous system. By regularly practicing breathwork, we can increase vagal tone, which refers to the strength of the vagus nerve’s ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. A stronger vagal tone means we’re better able to calm ourselves down in stressful situations and return to a state of relaxation more quickly.
Over time, this helps us shift from a trauma-induced state of constant stress or emotional numbness to a state of balance and emotional resilience.
Healing Trauma and Building Resilience
Trauma, whether it’s personal or inherited, leaves a lasting impact on both the mind and body. However, through breathwork and somatic practices, we can begin to release this trauma, reprogram our nervous system, and build emotional resilience. By focusing on the body’s natural healing abilities and the power of the breath, we can move towards greater well-being, not just for ourselves, but for future generations as well.
If you’re interested in learning more about how breathwork and somatic therapy can help with trauma healing, contact us today. Together, we can begin the journey of healing the body, mind, and spirit.
by Veronique Rioux | Feb 15, 2024 | news
by Veronique Rioux | Feb 1, 2024 | news
by Veronique Rioux | Jan 15, 2024 | news
In the heart of Nanaimo, where the rhythm of family life intertwines with the gentle pulse of the community, the essence of healthy family dynamics and effective parenting takes center stage. This guide is a testament to the intricate dance of relationships within families—a dance that, when guided with intention and love, creates a harmonious symphony. Join me on a journey where the wisdom of counseling meets the warmth of family life, offering insights into nurturing robust family connections and fostering effective parenting strategies.
Understanding Family Dynamics
Family dynamics, the intricate interplay of relationships within a family, form the foundation of a thriving household. Each family is a unique tapestry woven with threads of personalities, communication styles, and individual needs. Understanding these dynamics is the first step towards fostering a healthy family environment.
Communication is Key: Open, honest, and respectful communication lays the groundwork for a resilient family structure. Encourage family members to express themselves, listen actively, and validate each other’s feelings.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Families, like the ever-changing tides of Nanaimo’s ocean, must be flexible and adaptable. Embrace change and challenges as opportunities for growth, and instill in your family the resilience to weather life’s storms together.
Parenting is a dynamic journey that evolves alongside the stages of our children’s lives. In the early years, the emphasis is on setting strong boundaries to ensure their safety and well-being—like a protective shield guiding them away from potential harm. As they grow, our role shifts to maintaining a delicate balance between guidance and flexibility. It’s about being present, providing a safety net while allowing them to explore the world with a bit more independence. In adolescence, our parenting style adjusts again, becoming more supportive and less directive. We’re there to offer a listening ear, guidance when sought, and a safe harbor during turbulent times. Finally, as they embark on adulthood, our role transforms into that of a witness—a supportive presence in their journey, ready to step in when needed but allowing them the autonomy to navigate life’s complexities. Recognizing and adapting our parenting style to suit the evolving needs of our children is a skill that requires attunement, understanding when to offer guidance, and when to simply be there as a witness to their unique unfolding paths. Each of us finds our comfort in a particular parenting style, yet the art lies in our ability to fluidly transition between these roles to meet the ever-changing needs of our children.
Effective Parenting Strategies
Parenting is both an art and a science, a delicate balance of guidance and nurturing. Effective parenting strategies become the cornerstone for raising emotionally intelligent and well-adjusted children.
Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and create an environment where children feel valued and supported.
Setting Boundaries with Love: Establish clear and consistent boundaries, infused with love and understanding. In Nanaimo’s community spirit, these boundaries provide a sense of security, allowing children to explore and grow within a safe framework.
Quality Time: Prioritize quality time with your children. Engage in activities that foster connection, whether it’s exploring parks, enjoying local events, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table.
Navigating Challenges Together
Every family faces challenges, whether it’s conflicts between siblings, generational gaps, or external stressors, addressing challenges as a united front strengthens family bonds.
Conflict Resolution: Teach effective conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of expressing emotions constructively, cooperation can inspire families to approach conflicts with empathy, seeking resolutions that benefit everyone.
Embracing Diversity: Diversity offers a valuable lesson in embracing differences. Encourage an inclusive mindset within your family, fostering an environment where individual uniqueness is celebrated.
The Role of Counselling in Family Well-Being
Counselling becomes a guiding light for families navigating complex dynamics. Professional counselling offers a safe space for open communication, conflict resolution, and the development of effective parenting strategies. Whether facing specific challenges or seeking proactive support, counselling becomes a valuable resource for families in Nanaimo.
Tailored Solutions: A counsellor in Nanaimo provides personalized strategies based on the unique dynamics of your family. From communication skills to coping mechanisms, counselling offers tailored solutions to enhance family well-being.
Building Resilience: In the face of adversity, counselling equips families with tools to build resilience. Strengthening family bonds and developing coping mechanisms contributes to a more resilient and cohesive unit.
Cultivating a Flourishing Family in Nanaimo
In the heart of Nanaimo, where the ocean’s whispers echo the stories of families, the journey towards healthy family dynamics and effective parenting unfolds. Embrace the lessons of open communication, effective parenting strategies, and the supportive embrace of counselling. In this vibrant community, let the tapestry of your family life be woven with threads of love, understanding, and the shared experiences that make Nanaimo a nurturing home for families.
Emotional maturity means knowing how to control your emotions, taking responsibility for your mistakes instead of blaming others, and being accepting of other people’s points of view. Unfortunately, being an adult does not equal being emotionally mature, and that can have negative consequences on their children.Embark on a transformative journey in the heart of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, as we delve into the profound insights shared by clinical psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson in her groundbreaking book, “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents.” If you grew up with emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parents, the echoes of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment may resonate within you. This post is a guiding light for those who recall childhood as a time when emotional needs went unmet, feelings were dismissed, and adult responsibilities were shouldered prematurely.
The diversity in interpretations of optical illusions serves as a tangible example of how two individuals can experience different realities when viewing the same thing. Much like the varied perceptions of these visual puzzles, people bring their unique perspectives and backgrounds to everyday situations. Recognizing the importance of validating someone else’s reality becomes crucial in fostering understanding and empathy. Just as there’s no singular correct way to perceive an optical illusion, appreciating that different viewpoints coexist enriches our interactions, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the diverse realities people bring to the table.Lies a profound approach to conflict resolution—the art of validation. In the realm of counselling, we explore the transformative power of validating someone else’s experience as a gateway to dissolving conflicts. It’s a skill that transcends agreement and disagreement, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and harmonious connections.
Cultivating Calmness for Effective Validation
Empathy: The Catalyst for Validation
Communication Skills in Conflict Resolution