Transpersonal Counselling: A Holistic Approach to Therapy in Nanaimo

Transpersonal Counselling: A Holistic Approach to Therapy in Nanaimo

by | Aug 13, 2022 | news

Note: I use the terms “counselling” and “therapy” interchangeably throughout this website.

Counselling doesn’t have to follow one rigid model. People are complex, and what helps one person may not be what another person needs.

My foundation is in transpersonal counselling, an integrative and holistic approach that considers the emotional, relational, physical and, when meaningful to the client, spiritual dimensions of our experience.

My three-year training through the Clearmind International Transpersonal Counselling Program introduced me to a variety of therapeutic approaches. Rather than trying to fit every client into one model, I draw from different perspectives depending on the person, their goals and what is happening in their life.

What Is Transpersonal Counselling?

Transpersonal counselling looks at the whole person.

While our past experiences and relationships matter, counselling can also explore who we are becoming, what gives our lives meaning, and what may be getting in the way of living more authentically.

For some people, spirituality is an important part of that exploration. For others, it isn’t. I follow the client’s own beliefs and values rather than imposing a particular spiritual perspective.

At the heart of my work is the belief that difficult experiences can deeply affect us without defining everything about who we are.

A Person-Centred Foundation

One of the strongest influences on my work is person-centred counselling.

This approach emphasizes empathy, authenticity and acceptance. Rather than positioning myself as the expert on your life, I want to understand your experience and help you explore what feels true for you.

The relationship we create together is an important part of the therapeutic process.

Understanding Relationships, Attachment and Family Patterns

Many of the struggles we experience as adults can make more sense when we understand the relationships and environments that shaped us.

I may draw from attachment theory and family systems perspectives to explore patterns involving trust, connection, boundaries, conflict and family-of-origin experiences.

Understanding where a pattern came from doesn’t mean blaming the past. Instead, greater awareness can give us more choice about how we want to live and relate today.

Working With Thoughts, Emotions and the Body

Sometimes counselling involves exploring thoughts and beliefs. At other times, emotions or sensations in the body may tell us something that words alone cannot.

Depending on what is helpful for you, our work may incorporate elements informed by:

  • Cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches
  • Gestalt and experiential work
  • Attachment and family systems perspectives
  • Psychodynamic exploration
  • Somatic and body-awareness practices
  • Psychodrama and creative exercises

You don’t need to know which therapeutic approach you need before coming to counselling. We can discover together what feels useful.

Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

Mindfulness is another tool I may incorporate into counselling.

Learning to notice thoughts, emotions and physical sensations without immediately reacting to them can create more space for choice and self-understanding.

If you’d like to explore mindfulness further, you can read my article Mindfulness: A Path to Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance.

Counselling That Adapts to You

Some people come to counselling wanting practical tools. Others need a place to slow down, understand themselves, process difficult experiences or explore patterns that keep repeating.

Often, it’s a combination.

My role isn’t to tell you who you should become. My role is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where we can explore what is happening, understand the patterns underneath it and help you move toward a life and relationships that feel more authentic to you.

You can also learn more about holistic counselling and what it means to work with the whole person.

Is Transpersonal Counselling Right for You?

You don’t need to consider yourself spiritual to benefit from transpersonal counselling.

This approach may appeal to you if you want counselling that looks beyond symptoms alone and considers your relationships, experiences, emotions, body, values, identity and sense of meaning.

It can also be helpful if you want the counselling process to adapt to you rather than feeling that you need to fit into one particular therapeutic model.

If you’d like to know more about the counselling I currently offer, you can explore my counselling services in Nanaimo and online.

Taking the Next Step

Reaching out for counselling can feel vulnerable, particularly when you’ve been trying to manage things on your own for a long time.

I aim to meet that vulnerability with curiosity, compassion and respect. We can begin by talking about what is bringing you to counselling, what you hope might change, and whether my approach feels right for you.

If you’re considering counselling in Nanaimo or online, you can request a free 15-minute consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.

 

 

 

 

 

Person-Centred Therapy: The Healing Power of Empathy and Acceptance

Person-Centred Therapy: The Healing Power of Empathy and Acceptance

by | Aug 3, 2022 | news

Note: I use the terms “counselling” and “therapy” interchangeably throughout this website.

One of the approaches that most strongly influences the way I work with clients is person-centred therapy.

Person-centred therapy is based on a relatively simple but powerful idea: people have an inherent capacity for growth and greater self-understanding when they are provided with a relationship where they feel genuinely heard, accepted and understood.

Rather than positioning the therapist as the expert who tells you what to do, person-centred counselling creates space for you to explore what is happening inside you and discover what feels true for you.

What Is Person-Centred Therapy?

Person-centred therapy was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers beginning in the 1940s.

Rogers challenged the traditional idea that the therapist should be the authority in the room. Instead, he emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself.

The client isn’t a problem to be fixed.

The counsellor’s role is to create an environment where the client can explore thoughts, emotions, relationships and experiences without fear of being judged.

This philosophy has had an enormous influence on modern counselling and continues to influence the way I work today.

The Three Core Conditions

Carl Rogers identified three qualities that are particularly important within the therapeutic relationship.

Empathy

Empathy means trying to understand another person’s experience from within their perspective.

As your counsellor, I don’t assume that I know exactly how you feel simply because I’ve experienced something similar.

Instead, I become curious.

What is this experience like for you?

What does it mean to you?

What happens inside you when you talk about it?

Feeling deeply understood can sometimes allow us to understand ourselves differently.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Unconditional positive regard means meeting the person with acceptance and respect.

It doesn’t mean that every behaviour is automatically healthy or that a counsellor agrees with everything a client does.

It means that underneath behaviours, mistakes, defences and struggles is a human being deserving of dignity and compassion.

For someone who has spent much of their life feeling criticized, judged or believing they aren’t good enough, experiencing acceptance within counselling can be powerful.

Congruence

Congruence means being genuine.

I don’t believe counselling requires me to hide completely behind a professional role.

There are still important professional boundaries, but within those boundaries I want our relationship to feel human, authentic and real.

You Are the Expert on Your Own Experience

One of the things I appreciate most about person-centred counselling is the belief that you know your internal world better than anyone else does.

I can ask questions, reflect what I’m hearing, notice patterns and sometimes offer tools or perspectives.

But ultimately, I don’t want to make your decisions for you.

Counselling can help you hear yourself more clearly so that your choices increasingly come from your own values, needs and understanding rather than simply from what other people expect from you.

What Does Person-Centred Counselling Feel Like?

A person-centred counselling session may feel different from an approach in which the therapist follows a predetermined program or gives extensive advice.

You may notice that I:

  • Listen carefully to what you’re actually saying
  • Ask questions rather than assuming I understand
  • Reflect emotions or patterns I notice
  • Make room for difficult or uncomfortable feelings
  • Respect your pace
  • Avoid making major life decisions for you
  • Encourage curiosity rather than judgment
  • Treat the relationship between us as part of the therapeutic work

That doesn’t mean I will simply sit silently and nod.

My broader approach is integrative, so when it is useful I may incorporate practical exercises, mindfulness, relationship work, body awareness or other therapeutic tools.

But the person-centred foundation remains: the work needs to serve you, rather than forcing you to fit the therapy.

How Empathy Can Support Change

Sometimes people come to counselling believing they need someone to tell them what’s wrong with them.

Often, something very different happens.

When we feel safe enough to talk openly without immediately defending ourselves, we can begin noticing things that were difficult to see before.

We may recognize patterns in relationships.

We may understand why certain situations affect us so strongly.

We may discover needs we’ve repeatedly ignored.

We may begin questioning beliefs we’ve carried about ourselves for years.

Empathy doesn’t magically solve these problems. But feeling genuinely understood can create the safety needed to explore them.

Person-Centred Therapy and My Holistic Approach

Person-centred therapy is an important foundation of my work, but it isn’t the only approach I use.

My training in transpersonal counselling introduced me to different ways of understanding emotional health, relationships, attachment, family patterns, mindfulness and the connection between mind and body.

You can read more about my transpersonal and holistic approach to counselling.

My goal isn’t to decide in advance exactly how your counselling should unfold.

We begin with you.

How Do You Know Whether a Counsellor Is Right for You?

Training and therapeutic approach matter, but so does the relationship you have with your counsellor.

You should ideally feel that you can gradually become more honest rather than having to perform or say the “right” thing.

You should feel respected.

You should be able to disagree.

You should be able to tell your counsellor when something isn’t helping.

And you should feel that the person sitting across from you is genuinely interested in understanding your experience.

If you consistently don’t feel heard or understood, it is okay to talk about that with your counsellor. Sometimes that conversation itself becomes meaningful therapeutic work. And sometimes it may mean that another counsellor would be a better fit.

My Commitment to You

I aim to create a counselling relationship grounded in empathy, curiosity, acceptance and honesty.

I will respect your experiences and your individuality. I will not expect you to become a particular version of yourself simply because someone else thinks that’s who you should be.

I see vulnerability as an important part of human connection, and I will treat what you share with care and respect.

If you’d like to understand some of the personal and spiritual influences that have shaped my thinking, you can also read my reflections on A Course in Miracles.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re looking for a counsellor who combines a person-centred foundation with a broader holistic approach, you can learn more about my counselling services in Nanaimo and online.

If you’d like to see whether we might be a good fit, you can also request a free 15-minute consultation.

 

Self-Care for Mental Health: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Prevent Burnout

Self-Care for Mental Health: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Prevent Burnout

by | Sep 11, 2018 | news

a women with open arms walking in a forest with rays of sunlight flowing through forest​Being busy can make it easy to put yourself last. Work, parenting, relationships, caregiving, and everyday responsibilities can gradually take up all of our energy.

Self-care isn’t necessarily a vacation, a spa day, or another task to add to your list. Sometimes it means noticing what you need, creating healthier boundaries, resting, moving your body, spending time outside, connecting with people you care about, or simply allowing yourself to slow down.

At Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling in Nanaimo, I often encourage clients to look at self-care as part of their overall emotional well-being—not as something they need to earn after everything else is finished.

Start With Sleep and Rest

Sleep affects our mood, concentration, energy, and ability to cope with stress. When we’re exhausted, even relatively small challenges can feel much harder to manage.

Consider your own relationship with rest. Are you giving yourself enough time to sleep? Do you have difficulty switching off at night? Are stress and worry following you into bed?

A few simple habits can help: maintaining a reasonably consistent sleep schedule, reducing screens before bed, limiting caffeine later in the day, and creating a quieter evening routine.

Persistent sleep difficulties can have many causes, so if sleep continues to be a significant problem, consider speaking with your healthcare provider.

Make Space for Things That Bring You Joy

Self-care isn’t only about recovering from stress. It’s also about creating a life that contains things you genuinely enjoy.

That could mean dancing, gardening, exercising, creating art, reading, cooking, spending time in nature, seeing friends, or learning something new.

Ask yourself:

What makes me feel more like myself?

Sometimes we become so focused on responsibilities that pleasure, play, and curiosity disappear from our lives. Making room for them—even in small ways—can be an important part of emotional well-being.

Learn to Say No

Self-care can also mean recognizing your limits.

If you’re constantly saying yes to other people’s needs while ignoring your own, exhaustion and resentment can build over time. Healthy boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They help us recognize what we realistically have the capacity to give.

Before automatically saying yes, try asking yourself:

Do I actually have the time, energy, and desire for this right now?

Giving yourself permission to pause before answering can be a small but meaningful form of self-care.

Take Care of Your Body

Mental and physical health aren’t separate.

Movement, nourishing food, adequate hydration, time outside, and rest can all influence how we feel emotionally. Self-care doesn’t need to mean following a perfect wellness routine. Small, sustainable choices often matter more than trying to change everything at once.

Even a short walk outside, stretching for ten minutes, preparing yourself a nourishing meal, or taking a few slow breaths can be a way of reconnecting with your body.

Create Moments of Quiet

You don’t need an elaborate spa day to slow down.

Take a bath. Sit outside with a cup of tea. Put your phone away for half an hour. Listen to music. Journal. Practice a few minutes of mindfulness. Go for a walk without headphones.

The goal isn’t to perform self-care perfectly. It’s simply to create moments when your nervous system isn’t constantly being asked to respond to another demand.

If slowing your mind down is difficult, you may also find my guide to mindfulness and emotional balance helpful.

When Self-Care Isn’t Enough

Sometimes self-care advice can become frustrating.

If you’re experiencing ongoing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, trauma, or burnout, another bubble bath probably isn’t going to address what’s underneath it.

Self-care can support mental health, but it doesn’t mean you have to manage everything alone.

Counselling can provide a space to understand what is contributing to your stress, recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you, develop healthier boundaries, and reconnect with what you actually need.

Self-Care and Self-Worth

One of the deeper questions behind self-care can be:

Do I believe my needs matter too?

For some people, taking care of everyone else feels natural while receiving care—or making themselves a priority—feels uncomfortable.

Learning to value your own needs can therefore be about much more than developing healthier habits. It can become part of developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

You may also enjoy reading Embarking on a Journey of Self-Esteem: My Reflections on Transformation and Empowerment.

Counselling and Self-Care in Nanaimo

Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by noticing one area where you consistently put yourself last and ask yourself what one small change might make life feel more manageable.

At Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling, I offer in-person counselling in Nanaimo as well as online counselling. My holistic approach considers emotional health alongside relationships, movement, rest, connection, meaning, and the other parts of life that contribute to well-being.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from yourself, you can request a free consultation to see whether counselling together feels like a good fit.

Understanding Suicide: Warning Signs, Prevention and How to Help

Understanding Suicide: Warning Signs, Prevention and How to Help

by | Mar 1, 2018 | news

Suicide is a deeply tragic and complex phenomenon that affects individuals, families, and communities across all demographics. In Canada, it is a pressing public health issue, particularly among Indigenous communities, where rates of suicide are disproportionately high. For individuals under 44 years old, suicide remains a leading cause of death. Each year, approximately 4,000 Canadians lose their lives to suicide, and alarmingly, rates among teenage girls continue to rise.

Despite its prevalence, suicide can be prevented with awareness, timely intervention, and support. Recognizing the warning signs, understanding the causes, and knowing how to take action are crucial steps to saving lives.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Identifying the warning signs of suicide can make a significant difference. It allows individuals to intervene and provide much-needed support. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, take them seriously and seek help immediately.

Common warning signs include:

  • Suicidal talk or expressions of hopelessness
  • Drastic changes in behaviour (e.g., lethargy or hyperactivity)
  • Giving away personal possessions
  • Making changes to a will or personal affairs
  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol
  • Engaging in self-harm or risky behaviours
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Unusual sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia or excessive sleeping)

If someone talks about feeling like a burden, losing purpose, or wanting to escape their pain, these may also indicate suicidal thoughts. Having a compassionate, non-judgmental conversation can open the door for help.

Understanding Why People Consider Suicide

Suicide stems from a variety of factors, often influenced by mental health conditions, personal circumstances, or social environments. Counsellors and mental health professionals identify six primary reasons people may consider suicide:

  1. Depression: Severe depression can create feelings of despair, making individuals believe that their situation will never improve. With treatment, such as therapy and medication, depression is highly manageable.
  2. Psychosis: Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia can involve delusions or hallucinations that distort reality. Proper medical and therapeutic intervention is critical in these cases.
  3. Substance Abuse: Addiction can amplify impulsive behaviours, particularly when combined with underlying emotional pain. Treating substance dependency alongside mental health is essential.
  4. A Cry for Help: Some individuals engage in suicidal behaviours not intending to die but as a way to seek attention or express deep distress. These cries should never be dismissed but met with care and action.
  5. Terminal Illness or Philosophical Decisions: Individuals facing terminal conditions may choose suicide as a way to regain control. Open discussions about end-of-life care and support can help address these feelings.
  6. Accidental Outcomes: Risk-taking behaviours or experimenting with dangerous practices can lead to unintentional fatalities.

Suicide Prevention Plans

Developing a suicide prevention plan can be a life-saving step for those at risk. This plan often involves:

  • Identifying Triggers: Recognizing situations, thoughts, or feelings that lead to distress.
  • Emergency Contacts: Keeping a list of trusted friends, family, or professionals who can be contacted in a crisis.
  • Crisis Resources: Knowing where to turn for immediate help, such as a suicide hotline or local counselling services.
  • Safety Measures: Removing or limiting access to means of self-harm (e.g., firearms, medication).
  • Self-Soothing Techniques: Engaging in activities that promote calmness, like deep breathing, journaling, or connecting with nature.

Work with a qualified counsellor to create a personalised plan that suits the individual’s needs and circumstances.

How to Help Someone Contemplating Suicide

Supporting someone in crisis requires empathy, patience, and action. Here are steps you can take:

  1. Start the Conversation: Approach the person with care. Ask direct but non-judgmental questions like, “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “How can I support you right now?”
  2. Listen Without Judgment: Allow them to express their feelings openly. Avoid offering solutions immediately or minimizing their emotions.
  3. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest reaching out to a counsellor, therapist, or crisis line. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them if they feel apprehensive.
  4. Be Present: Your presence alone can be a source of comfort. Avoid leaving someone who is actively suicidal alone.
  5. Act in Emergencies: If you believe someone is at immediate risk, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Available Resources

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, resources are available to provide immediate support. Some of the key helplines in Canada include:

  • Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888
    Available 24/7, providing emotional support and intervention services.
  • Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
    Text support: 45645 (2 PM–2 AM ET)
  • 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
    Provides suicide assessment, de-escalation, and intervention services.
  • 310Mental Health Support: 310-6789
    Available 24/7 for mental health-related concerns.

For international calls, the Vancouver Island Crisis Line can also be reached at 1-250-754-4447.

Seeking Professional Counselling

Working with a licensed counsellor can provide long-term solutions and coping strategies for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or their loved ones. Counsellors offer a safe space to explore emotions, develop resilience, and navigate complex challenges.

Through a combination of therapy, medication (if necessary), and holistic support, recovery is possible. Many individuals who have faced suicidal thoughts go on to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives with the right help.

Final Thoughts

Suicide is preventable. By raising awareness, fostering open conversations, and ensuring access to professional counselling and crisis resources, we can save lives. If you or someone you care about is struggling, remember that support is available, and hope is never lost.

Take the first step today by reaching out to a crisis line or booking a session with a professional counsellor. Together, we can work towards a future free from the pain of suicide. You can also check this post about Self-Care at Home: Expert Tips from Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling.

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Mindfulness: A Path to Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance

Mindfulness: A Path to Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance

by | Apr 27, 2017 | news

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. Instead of becoming caught up in worries about the future or replaying experiences from the past, mindfulness invites us to notice what is happening right now — in our thoughts, emotions, bodies, and surroundings.

For many people, mindfulness can become a practical tool for navigating stress, anxiety, difficult emotions, and the demands of everyday life. It isn’t about clearing your mind or never feeling overwhelmed. It’s about learning to notice your experience without immediately being swept away by it.

Understanding the “Monkey Mind”

Our minds naturally move from one thought to another. We might be thinking about something that happened yesterday, worrying about what could happen tomorrow, remembering an uncomfortable conversation, or mentally working through our never-ending to-do list.

This restless mental activity is sometimes called the “monkey mind.”

Mindfulness doesn’t require us to stop our thoughts. Instead, we practise noticing them.

You might simply recognize, I’m worrying right now, or I’m replaying that conversation again.

That small moment of awareness can create space between having a thought and automatically reacting to it.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

Research suggests that mindfulness practices may support emotional regulation, attention, stress management, and overall psychological wellbeing.

With regular practice, mindfulness may help you:

  • Become more aware of your thoughts and emotions
  • Notice stress before it becomes overwhelming
  • Respond rather than react during difficult situations
  • Develop greater self-compassion
  • Improve focus and concentration
  • Become more present in your relationships
  • Create moments of calm during a busy day

Mindfulness isn’t a quick fix. Like most skills, it develops through practice.

How to Practice Mindfulness

You don’t need special equipment, an hour of free time, or a perfectly quiet mind to practise mindfulness.

Here are several simple ways to begin.

1. Start With Simple Observation

Find a comfortable place and give yourself a few minutes to simply notice.

What can you hear?

What sensations do you notice in your body?

What thoughts are passing through your mind?

You don’t need to change anything. Practise observing your experience with curiosity rather than deciding whether it is good or bad.

2. Mindful Breathing

Your breath can be a simple anchor to the present moment.

Notice the sensation of breathing in and breathing out. When your mind wanders — because it will — gently bring your attention back to your breath.

You don’t need to breathe perfectly or force yourself to relax. The practice is simply noticing when your attention has wandered and returning.

Even a minute or two can be a useful place to start.

3. Try a Body Scan

A body scan brings awareness to physical sensations.

Sitting or lying comfortably, slowly move your attention through your body. Notice your feet, legs, hips, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, and face.

You might notice warmth, tightness, tingling, heaviness, comfort, or perhaps very little at all.

Rather than trying to force tension away, practise noticing what is present.

4. Take a Mindful Walk

Walking can become a mindfulness practice.

Notice your feet connecting with the ground, the movement of your body, the temperature of the air, sounds around you, colours, smells, and sensations.

When you realize you’ve become lost in thought, gently return your attention to walking and your surroundings.

For people who find sitting meditation difficult, mindful walking can be a wonderful alternative.

5. Practise Mindful Eating

Eating gives us another opportunity to slow down and notice.

Pay attention to the smell, taste, texture, and appearance of your food. Notice hunger and fullness cues and how your body responds as you eat.

You can also become curious about the emotions surrounding eating without judging yourself.

6. Allow Emotions Without Judgment

Mindfulness isn’t about getting rid of uncomfortable emotions.

When sadness, anger, fear, frustration, or anxiety appears, see whether you can notice the emotion before immediately trying to change it.

You might quietly name it:

I’m feeling anxious.

I’m angry.

I’m hurt.

Sometimes simply recognizing what we’re experiencing can help us understand what we need.

When Your Mind Won’t Stay Present

One of the most common misunderstandings about mindfulness is believing you’re “bad at it” because your mind keeps wandering.

Your mind wandering isn’t a failure.

Noticing that your mind wandered is the mindfulness practice.

Each time you notice and gently return your attention to your breath, body, or surroundings, you’re practising awareness.

If five or ten minutes feels overwhelming, start with one minute. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Bringing Mindfulness Into Everyday Life

Mindfulness doesn’t have to happen during meditation.

You can practise while:

  • Drinking your morning coffee
  • Taking a shower
  • Walking your dog
  • Driving to work
  • Cooking dinner
  • Spending time outside
  • Listening to someone you love
  • Waiting in line

Choose one ordinary activity and practise giving it your full attention.

Mindfulness for Stress and Anxiety

When we’re stressed or anxious, our attention often becomes focused on what might happen next.

Mindfulness can help bring attention back to what is actually happening in the present moment.

That doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It can mean creating enough space to ask:

What am I feeling right now?

What is actually happening versus what am I imagining might happen?

What do I need in this moment?

If stress is something you’re struggling with, you can also read my guide to stress management.

Mindfulness in Relationships

Mindfulness can also influence how we connect with other people.

During conflict, we can practise noticing our own emotional reaction before responding. We can listen without immediately preparing our defence. We can become curious about what our partner is experiencing while remaining aware of our own feelings and needs.

That small pause between reaction and response can sometimes change an entire conversation.

Mindfulness for Parents and Families

Parents are often managing multiple demands at once. Mindfulness doesn’t make parenting easy, but it can create small opportunities to slow down and reconnect.

A very simple family exercise is mindful listening.

Sit together quietly for one minute and listen to the sounds around you. Afterwards, have everyone share what they noticed.

Children often hear things adults completely miss.

It’s simple, playful, and gives everyone an opportunity to practise being present together.

Mindfulness and Counselling

Mindfulness is one of the tools I may incorporate into counselling when it is appropriate for the person I’m working with.

It can help us slow things down enough to notice emotions, physical sensations, recurring thoughts, relationship patterns, and automatic reactions.

I don’t believe there is one technique that works for everyone. Mindfulness is simply one possible tool within a broader, holistic approach to counselling.

Starting Your Own Mindfulness Practice

You don’t need to completely change your routine.

Try starting with:

  • One to five minutes of mindful breathing
  • One mindful walk each week
  • One meal without your phone
  • A short body scan before bed
  • Pausing once during the day to notice what you’re feeling

Choose one, rather than trying to do everything.

Mindfulness is less about doing it perfectly and more about repeatedly returning to the present moment.

A More Mindful Relationship With Yourself

Perhaps one of the most valuable parts of mindfulness is learning to meet ourselves with curiosity rather than constant judgment.

We can notice our thoughts without believing every thought.

We can experience difficult emotions without defining ourselves by them.

And we can learn to pause long enough to choose how we want to respond.

If you’d like support exploring mindfulness, stress, anxiety, relationships, or other challenges in your life, I offer holistic counselling in Nanaimo as well as online sessions.

Book a consultation to see if working together feels like the right fit.

 

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