Sleep disturbances and stress are intricately connected, with each often influencing and exacerbating the other. People experiencing high levels of stress frequently report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Over time, the...
Mental Health and Wellbeing Articles
Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance, Stress, and Substance Use
Early Stages of Gender Dysphoria: Understanding and Coping Strategies
Signs, Feelings, and Coping Strategies What Is Gender Dysphoria? Gender dysphoria is the psychological distress experienced when a person’s gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This dissonance can affect individuals of all ages,...
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (before the age of 18) and can have lasting effects on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. These experiences are commonly categorised into three domains: Abuse:...
Is Mindfulness Simply Creative Boredom?
In the fast-paced world we live in, the concept of mindfulness has gained traction as a method for reducing stress, increasing self-awareness, and improving mental well-being. But a question often arises—could mindfulness just be a form of structured boredom? Or does...
I’m Dead. Now What?
This isn’t about what happens to us after we die. That great mystery is, as yet, unknown. This is about what we leave behind for our loved ones. Are they left to deal with a mountain of paperwork and questions, along with their grief? Or can they take a deep breath,...
Understanding the Window of Tolerance in Trauma-Informed Care
The “window of tolerance” is a concept introduced by Dr. Dan Siegel that refers to the optimal zone of arousal in which a person can function effectively and respond to stress in a regulated way. When individuals are within their window of tolerance, they...
Navigating My Sexuality in a Straight Marriage
When I married my partner, I was deeply in love and felt certain about the life we were building together. We were what society would call a “straight couple,” and our marriage reflected that definition. Yet, as the years passed, I began to notice feelings and...
What Is Stimming and How Can It Help Neurodivergent People?
Often neurodivergent clients engage in behaviours known as “stimming.” Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, can include a wide range of actions like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or repeating words and sounds. While these behaviours are most commonly...
7 Things You Did Not Know About Anxiety
I often work with clients who struggle with anxiety, a common but often misunderstood condition. While many people are aware of anxiety’s more obvious symptoms, there are several lesser-known aspects that can significantly affect one’s life. Here are seven things you...
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