In my practice, one of the most common issues I hear people talk about is addiction; in all its various forms, guises and mutations. I help clients overcome their own personal addictions, and also spend a great amount of time counseling them on how to deal with loved ones who have their own addictions. In my … [Read more...] about What to do when someone you love has an addiction
Codependency
Tips to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder
It's been a very busy summer my end. Since moving to Victoria, BC this spring, I’ve been spending lots of time meeting other healthcare professionals to talk about what I do for a living- empower women to become all that they dream of being. One topic that always comes up is eating disorders and women’s … [Read more...] about Tips to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder
Shifting from Toxic to Healthy Relationships
At last, spring has finally sprung! As I write this, I have three colours of tulips in my garden. Spring is a great time to start eating healthier, lighter food, wear bright colours, and get outdoors. It also happens to be a great time to fall in love. Perhaps scientists will one day reveal a specific … [Read more...] about Shifting from Toxic to Healthy Relationships
How One Woman Left a Toxic Relationship for Good
Well dear readers, *I asked for your stories, and I got some! Yay! The following story touched my heart and soul so deeply as I’m sure it will yours as well. The writer paints a very vivid picture of what it is like living with an abusive ‘partner’, as well as why so many intelligent women have a hard time … [Read more...] about How One Woman Left a Toxic Relationship for Good
Esther’s Recommended Reading: Dealing with Borderline
One topic that comes up in my practice at least once a week or more is dealing with a loved one who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). You may have read an earlier article I wrote on borderline mothers and how to cope with them. In my opinion, the best online resource for people in this … [Read more...] about Esther’s Recommended Reading: Dealing with Borderline
Esther weighs in on 12 step groups
In my therapy practise these days, I tend to be seeing a lot of women with various addictions including alcohol, drugs, food, and unhealthy relationships. As part of their recovery plan, I always go over what resources they plan on using besides one-on-one therapy sessions in order to meet their goal (which … [Read more...] about Esther weighs in on 12 step groups
The Power of NO!
I admit, I am in the mood for reading lately and I have not been let down by the self-help sections of my local bookstore. Actually, this book came to me via a dear friend whom I told about my last great read about people-pleasing and how to stop it. This book should actually be in the ‘humour’ section of the … [Read more...] about The Power of NO!
Recovering from the ‘disease to please’
A very wise client of mine recently told me about a very helpful book she’d read called, “The Disease To Please: Curing the People-Pleasing Syndrome” by Harriet B. Braiker, Ph.D. And being the studious and curious therapist that I am, I ran out and got a copy and have not been able to put it down! While … [Read more...] about Recovering from the ‘disease to please’