On self kindness. If your internal dialogue isn’t very nice, it’s very likely that if you spoke to other people the way you speak to yourself, well, you’d have no friends. That was stupid. Why do you always mess things up. What’s wrong with you? You are getting so fat. You are so ugly. You can’t ever get it right. … Read More
Burnout. In the book “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny” by Kate Manne, a fasci…
Burnout. In the book “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny” by Kate Manne, a fascinating concept is introduced: Human Giver Syndrome. Human Giver Syndrome is the belief that some people (the givers) are supposed to exist to put all of their energy into creating comfort and success for other people, and to be attractive and available, physically and emotionally, at … Read More
Saying goodbye. Just a pet? No way. “Just” isn’t a word that should be att…
Saying goodbye. Just a pet? No way. “Just” isn’t a word that should be attached to a beloved member of your family, extension of your self or best friend. Our hearts break in two when we have to say goodbye, often made more complex when we are the ones making the decision. Grief knows no form, and is as real … Read More
Introductions. I’m Catherine. The counselling therapist and coach of “Momentum…
Introductions. I’m Catherine. The counselling therapist and coach of “Momentum”. Facts about me: 🗝I’m a mom. Not always a super mom. (But sometimes I am.) 🗝I’m Indigenous. Born to the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan in Duck Lake,SK – and now a citizen of Metis Nation of BC. 🗝My true annoyance includes people not knowing who (or what) the Metis people … Read More
You already know what to do. I’m not the therapist who is interested in teachi…
You already know what to do. I’m not the therapist who is interested in teaching you new skills. I’m the therapist interested in why you are not issuing the ones you already have. You already know what to do. But there’s something that is holding you back. Getting in your way. Making you uncertain. Fuelling that uncertainty. Creating fear. New … Read More
The body knows. The body knows your emotional afflictions. No secrets can exis…
The body knows. The body knows your emotional afflictions. No secrets can exist between the soul and the host. It will not let you mask those concealed experiences forever. Eventually, the body has enough. Enter chronic pain, disease, depression, anxiety, rigidity, locked, burned out. You carry with you the road map of your life stored in the fibres of your … Read More
Until. Here’s what I’ve learned in working for over 20 years in the helping pr…
Until. Here’s what I’ve learned in working for over 20 years in the helping profession (and through my own struggles): Until you deal with thing(s) that are holding you back, tethering you to old survival skills and behaviour that no longer benefits you, you will be held back from truly growing into your potential. Sure, you may be successful and … Read More
More than a few chapters. In the story that is my life I’ve experienced many c…
More than a few chapters. In the story that is my life I’ve experienced many chapters. Like many of you, some chapters are pretty awful. I’ve survived: Childhood traumas Eating disorder Parentification Victimization Learning disability Poverty Relationship violence Emotional / psychological abuse Dysfunctional family patterns Where I’ve been is not where I am today. Those chapters will not define me. … Read More
Questions The questions I get, every day: 1) what’s wrong with me? 2) when w…
Questions The questions I get, every day: 1) what’s wrong with me? 2) when will I stop being this way? 3) does that make sense? 4) why am I like this? 5) is there something wrong with me? Answers: 1) you are a human having a human experience, the full range of emotions and responses to this jagged life. 2) … Read More
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with @john.a.brink for his @brink_g…
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with @john.a.brink for his @brink_group podcast called “On the Brink”. It was one of those conversations that stays with you. From survive to thrive is the story of John, living in a war zone and then immigrating to Canada, he’s open about his own struggles with ADHD, PTSD and his experiences … Read More