by Veronique Rioux | Aug 15, 2023 | news
Life’s journey is often marked by twists and turns, moments of clarity and periods of uncertainty. At times, we find ourselves stepping into the unknown, confronting fears, and taking paths that challenge our comfort zones. One such journey took me to Newcastle Island in Nanaimo, where I embarked on a walk in the dark – a metaphor for life’s uncertainties. What began as a simple walk from the beach to our tent transformed into an adventure of introspection, bonding, and embracing the beauty of the unknown.
The Absence of Light and Amplified Senses; facing fears
As the sun dipped below the horizon, enveloping the island in darkness, a sense of anticipation and anxiety arose within me. The absence of light amplified my senses – every rustle of leaves, every whisper of the wind, and every distant sound seemed magnified, sending shivers down my spine. The darkness awakened a primal vulnerability, and I found myself nervously laughing in response to the mixture of emotions that surged within me.
Companionship and the Power of Presence
Walking in the dark became a unique experience when accompanied by my two young boys, aged 12 and 9. Their small hands holding mine brought comfort and reassurance, reminding me of the strength of companionship in times of uncertainty. Their innocent courage was a beacon of light, illuminating the path and guiding us through the shadows with a bond that words alone cannot adequately describe. It was a testament to the power of human connection and the support we find in those closest to us.
Trusting Instincts and Embracing Simplicity
Every step we took became an exercise in trust – in our senses, instincts, and each other. The darkness stripped away our reliance on sight, forcing us to navigate using other faculties. In a world often dominated by screens and distractions, this walk served as a poignant reminder of the beauty in simplicity. It was a humbling experience that demonstrated the strength that lies within us when we let go of our metaphorical crutches and embrace the present moment.
Symphony of Nature and Heightened Senses
Amidst the darkness, the symphony of nature unfolded around us. The waves crashing against the shore and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures created a soothing backdrop that connected us to the environment in a profound way. The absence of visual stimuli allowed our other senses to come to the forefront, heightening our awareness of the subtleties of the world around us. It was a reminder that even in darkness, beauty and wonder persist.
Confronting Fear and Illuminating Shadows
As we continued our journey, I found myself jumping at each unfamiliar sound in the bushes. It became clear that fear has a way of distorting our perceptions. What might have seemed like a menacing threat was often just the product of a gust of wind or a curious raccoon. This experience was a poignant reminder that our minds can conjure up elaborate scenarios, often obscuring the truth. It underscored the importance of shining a light on our fears and anxieties, realizing that many of them are merely shadows waiting to be illuminated.
Gratitude and Cherishing Moments
Amidst the laughter, anxiety, and unexpected encounters with the unknown, a prevailing sentiment emerged – gratitude. I felt grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself, to bond with my children in ways that transcend words, and to embrace the beauty of darkness without letting it overshadow the light within me. This experience taught me to cherish every moment, no matter how uncertain or intimidating it may initially seem.
Walking in the Dark as a Metaphor for Life
Walking in the dark on Newcastle Island became a profound metaphor for the journey of life itself. It symbolizes stepping into the unknown, confronting our fears, and discovering the strength that emerges when we embrace the darkness. It reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, we can find solace in the company of loved ones and appreciate the simplicity that lies beyond the complexities we often encounter. Just as we navigated through the darkness on that island, so too can we navigate through life’s challenges, drawing strength from the bonds we form and the lessons we learn.
The experience of walking in the dark on Newcastle Island in Nanaimo was far more than a physical journey; it was a journey of the mind, heart, and soul. It taught me about vulnerability, trust, companionship, and the hidden beauty within uncertainty. As we step forward on our individual paths, let us remember that life is full of moments waiting to be embraced – whether in the light or in the dark. By confronting our fears and embracing the unknown, we can uncover the hidden gems that lie within every experience, cherishing the journey as we go. To read more check this post: “Navigating Anxiety: Understanding, Coping, and Thriving“.
by Veronique Rioux | Aug 15, 2023 | news
In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of mental health cannot be overstated. The serene surroundings of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island provide an ideal backdrop for addressing mental and emotional well-being. As a professional counselor offering both in-person and online therapy services in this community, I understand the crucial role mental health plays in leading a fulfilling life. This article delves into the profound importance of prioritizing mental health and the benefits of seeking therapy in Nanaimo, whether it’s through face-to-face sessions or convenient online platforms.
The Landscape of Mental Health
Mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Just as we care for our physical health, nurturing our mental and emotional health is essential for leading a balanced and rewarding life. In Nanaimo, a city characterized by its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to assume that mental health concerns are minimal. However, the truth is that mental health challenges affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their surroundings.
The Role of Counseling in Mental Health
Counseling serves as a guiding light for individuals navigating the complexities of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking personal growth, counseling offers a safe and confidential space for exploration. As a counselor based in Nanaimo, I am dedicated to providing personalized support to empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their mental health goals.
In-Person Therapy in Nanaimo
The beauty of Nanaimo provides an inspiring backdrop for in-person therapy sessions. Engaging in face-to-face interactions allows for a deeper connection between counselor and client. Our in-person sessions provide a chance to truly understand your unique circumstances and work collaboratively to develop tailored strategies for coping and growth. Whether we’re discussing stressors related to work, relationships, or other life challenges, the serene environment of Nanaimo fosters a sense of tranquility that complements the therapeutic process.
Online Therapy: Convenience and Accessibility
In a digital age where convenience is paramount, online therapy has emerged as an invaluable resource. Our online therapy services offer the same level of professionalism and expertise as in-person sessions, while adding a layer of accessibility and flexibility. If you’re located in Nanaimo or anywhere on Vancouver Island, online therapy allows you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, mobility constraints, or those who prefer the anonymity of virtual interactions.
Benefits of In-Person and Online Therapy
- Personalized Connection: In-person therapy allows for face-to-face interaction, promoting a deeper and more personal connection between counselor and client. Online therapy, on the other hand, caters to individuals seeking support from remote locations or those who are more comfortable with virtual interactions.
- Flexibility: Online therapy eliminates geographical barriers, making it an ideal choice for individuals in Nanaimo and beyond. In-person sessions offer the advantage of engaging in therapy within the serene surroundings of Nanaimo.
- Anonymity and Comfort: Online therapy provides a level of anonymity that some clients find comforting. In-person sessions in Nanaimo offer the benefit of experiencing therapy in a relaxing and inspiring environment.
- Consistency: Both in-person and online therapy ensure consistent access to professional support, contributing to a more stable mental health journey.
- Tailored Approach: Regardless of the mode of therapy, my approach remains personalized to your unique needs and circumstances. Whether we’re meeting face-to-face in Nanaimo or virtually online, the goal is to provide effective guidance and strategies for your well-being.
In the serene embrace of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, the importance of mental health shines brightly. Whether you’re seeking in-person therapy sessions immersed in the beauty of this coastal city or you’re opting for the flexibility of online therapy, prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is a choice that empowers you to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. As a dedicated counselor in Nanaimo, I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater mental health and overall well-being, no matter the path you choose.
Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking therapy is a proactive step toward living your best life in the heart of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. You can also check post: Understanding Suicide: Warning Signs, Prevention, and Support.
by Veronique Rioux | Nov 3, 2022 | news
Can giving birth be a traumatic event?
As a mother of three children, I know from experience how birthing a child into the world can be a traumatic event. I don’t think we talk about it enough.
My intention in sharing my story is to help you share yours as well. It’s important to talk about your experience and to feel heard, to release some of the emotions and not just store them inside of you.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I read lots of books and watched birth videos. I was supervised by a midwife and followed the recommended schedule of appointments with my partner to be as prepared as possible.
Although we thought we were informed and prepared, it turned out to be a traumatic event, and we were not at all prepared for the way things went.
How a home birth with midwife turned into traumatic childbirth
We had decided to do a home birth with a birthing pool. We thought that being at home would be the safest and easiest option. Looking back, I wish we had visited the obstetric department at the hospital and seen how convenient, luxurious, and private it was. I also wish I had known how messy birth was, and that we had known about the cleaning up that was required after birth — which you don’t have to do at the hospital!
My water broke at 8 pm while we were watching a movie. I was lying down on the couch and heard a “pop” sound. I stood up, and water started to leak down on my leg onto the floor. We got excited and wondered what the next step was — should we fill up the birthing pool? Call the midwife? We decided to go for a short walk to help the labour progress, and started to monitor the contractions. The contractions were far apart, and we tried to rest that night.
The next morning, we called the midwife, and she came mid-morning. She said I was in active labour, dilated at 3 cm, and would have a baby by dinner time. I now see that this was a mistake that set me up with unrealistic expectations, and from that point on, I kept on looking at the time.
An unplanned visit to the hospital: emergency birth
At midnight the midwife told me that I was fully dilated and told me to start pushing, even though I didn’t feel the urge to push. As I started to push, my cervix kept swelling over the baby’s head and she had to put her hand into my vagina to push the cervix back over the baby’s head. I pushed for three hours without progress.
At 3 am, without any warning, the midwife told us that we had to go to the hospital. After 31 hours of labour, this caught us by surprise. She hadn’t advised us to have a bag ready just in case. I guess we should have known, but . . . we didn’t.
Once we arrived at the hospital, the doctor tried forceps, which was quite traumatizing on its own to see how much force and yanking the doctor used to try to get the baby out. When that didn’t work, we were told that they were going to do an emergency C-section.
My partner had to leave the room while they gave me a spinal, which is a little different than an epidural, but has a similar purpose. The anesthesiologist wasn’t careful or professional and kept trying to puncture me while I was having contractions. At this point, I had been through over 30 hours of labour without any sleep or much rest and I was exhausted. They punctured me over a dozen times before succeeding.
After they finally injected me with a spinal, they rolled me toward the operating room for an emergency C-section. My partner was allowed to be back with me. I remember not being able to feel or move my legs anymore, and crying, telling my partner I was scared while he was holding my hand. Our baby boy was finally born, and we were taken to a recovery room.
Complications
Over the next few days at the hospital, I kept complaining about a stiff neck and sore head. I was being told it was muscle pain from birth and that everything would be okay once I recovered. I kept saying that I know my body, and that it didn’t feel like normal muscle pain and stiffness.
I was sent home three days later, and the symptoms didn’t improve. They kept getting worse. I had to wear sunglasses inside the house because light was affecting me. I had a massive headache and couldn’t hold my head upright. When I started asking my husband if he could hear “bird noises” in the house, he decided to take me back to the hospital, where I was told that I was suffering from a spinal fluid leak. They had to take blood from my arm and inject it into my spine in the hope of “sealing” the leak. It magically worked, and I was sent back home to recover again.
This was a difficult adjustment, recovering from this traumatic event while also recovering from the C-section, and learning to look after our first baby.
Understanding Traumatic Birth
I wish the story ended there, but our son suffered a kink in his neck from the forceps, and it took us a while to realize it. He was crying all the time in pain, and we couldn’t understand what was going on.
The first couple of years as a parent were difficult, and I wish that I had had more support to navigate the difficult emotional recovery. Looking back, I wish that someone had talked to me about it, to help me process the event. This is where a counsellor can help you, through talk therapy and somatic processing.
Addressing Traumatic Birth Experiences
With our second son, I managed to have a vaginal birth after the previous C-section, and was only in labour for eight hours. The third time around, at 42 years old, was fantastic! I felt empowered, cared for, supported, and managed to have a vaginal birth without any tears because of the excellent doctor and nurse that were with us.
My partner caught the baby, and our third son came out into the world peacefully without even crying. It was beautiful. We’re feeling blessed and grateful.
Make sure you check my post about “Exercising During Pregnancy: My Personal Experience, Tips for Staying Healthy and Dispelling Myths”
You can slo check my post about “Nurturing Harmony: A Guide to Healthy Family Dynamics and Effective Parenting“.
Working in a profession that involves giving to others can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging and emotionally taxing. Care professionals like counsellors, nurses, care givers, and social workers spend a significant amount of time, energy, and emotions supporting others in their time of need. While these professions have a strong sense of altruism and a desire to help others, it’s important to remember that self-care and support are necessary to prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being.
All relationships have their ups and downs, but sometimes couples experience significant challenges that seem insurmountable. Miscommunication, disagreements, and other issues can cause couples to feel disconnected, frustrated, and unhappy. Imago Therapy is a specialized form of couples therapy that can help couples build stronger, healthier relationships and feel better about their partnership.
Gottman therapy, also known as the Gottman method, is a form of couples therapy that is widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping couples build and maintain healthy, long-lasting relationships. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the therapy is based on over four decades of research and clinical experience with thousands of couples.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. These four behaviors are toxic to relationships and can lead to the breakdown of communication and intimacy. In Gottman therapy, the therapist helps the couple to identify and avoid these behaviors and replace them with positive communication strategies.
During therapy sessions, the therapist will use a range of techniques to help the couple communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build a stronger, more loving relationship. These techniques may include role-playing, exercises to increase emotional awareness and empathy, and homework assignments to practice new skills outside of therapy sessions.