During this long-term COVID-related isolation phase, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on how to best cope with all of the restrictions we’re currently having to navigate. It seems that all of the things we used to do in order to find joy and satisfaction in our lives are temporarily on hold. Here is a list … [Read more...] about What Can Grandparents Teach Us About Global Crises?
Increasing Happiness
How to Know if You’re Ready for Therapy: Stages of Change
I felt moved to write this piece because many people who contact me to learn more about doing therapy struggle with knowing when they are ready to make major changes in their lives which they are often terrified of doing. This often creates the emotional state of ambivalence- something I have to navigate … [Read more...] about How to Know if You’re Ready for Therapy: Stages of Change
The Easiest Way to Start a Meditation Practise: The Insight Timer App
I admit it- I’m a podcast addict. Every morning, I look forward to listening to a spiritually uplifting and enlightening podcast. I recently began listening to a really interesting one called Mindful Living Spiritual Awakening with Psychologist Dr. Marjo Puleo. The topic I chose was “Conscious … [Read more...] about The Easiest Way to Start a Meditation Practise: The Insight Timer App
A Therapist’s Reflection on COVID-19- A Time for Pause and Self-Work
I wanted to write something instructive and useful during this pandemic of COVID-19 which is affecting all of us at this time. At the time of this writing, a large part of Canada is shutting down schools, workplaces and environments which have the potential of spreading this virus. While most of my clients … [Read more...] about A Therapist’s Reflection on COVID-19- A Time for Pause and Self-Work
Why You Need ‘Blue Space’: Why being by a body of water is good for you
It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy… Beach Therapy - Amy Dykens Over twenty years ago, I made the decision to move from the bustling urban core of downtown Toronto to the peaceful and regenerative smaller city by the … [Read more...] about Why You Need ‘Blue Space’: Why being by a body of water is good for you
Five Gratitude Practices That Will Increase Happiness Right Now
I’ve decided to write about gratitude even though I’ve written about it before. Why am I so into gratitude practices? Because there is solid science behind why they are good for our physical and mental health. Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits from a wonderful article in Psychology Today on … [Read more...] about Five Gratitude Practices That Will Increase Happiness Right Now
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A lot of my clients struggle with sleep and ask me for tips on how they can get a deeper, longer, and rejuvenating night’s rest. I’ve done a lot of research and personal trial and error with sleep, and here are some tricks that work for a lot of people you can try. Esther’s Ten Top Tips on Developing Healthy … [Read more...] about How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
How to Build Resilience Within Yourself Starting Right Now
In this piece, I want to talk about the power of resilience- an incredible power and quality that all of us possess. Sometimes, we don’t know we have it until we’re put to the test. I come from a long line of resilient women and have written about their incredible struggles and triumphs: The Reluctant … [Read more...] about How to Build Resilience Within Yourself Starting Right Now