Vicki and Michelle Gibson unpack the Internal Family Systems counselling model. Michelle describes how parts make up the internal systems of who we are, and how developing Self-energy is the foundation of healing. She also talks about her journey of learning many different counselling models to find her own personal approach to counselling.  … Read More

Vicki and Jennifer Slay explore the research on adverse childhood experiences and discuss the power of greater awareness of one’s past life story to understand today’s behaviours and choices. Jennifer explains how what is happening in a child’s environment can create toxic stress that has ongoing impact on their developing brain and relationships. She also shares her resource to Slay Your Inner Critic as an example of moving toward more freedom and choice. Read More

Vicki and Family Therapist Wilma Schroeder discuss the growing area of dementia care. They explore a perspective shift from valuing others for their cognitive abilities, to valuing the whole person and relationship. Wilma shares many practical tips for enriching the life of someone living with symptoms of dementia, such as using colour and music, as well as key steps for family members and carers to attend to their own wellness. Wilma shares her hope for a future with dementia-friendly communities.  For further reading on dementia care read Wilma’s blog. Read More

Vicki and David Jung explore the experience of burnout in a counselling role and how we often only notice it once it has already arrived. They unpack David’s three key strategies to help notice signs of burnout sooner, and he describes learning how to say no and when to end toxic relationships. Read More

Vicki and Kelly Smith discuss the growing interest and research around psychedelic-assisted counselling. Kelly describes what a typical process is like for a client at Field Trip Health where she works, and notes important considerations for when this is a safe and beneficial choice for someone. Kelly suggests ways any counsellor can increase their knowledge and support clients who might be curious about psychedelics. Read More

Vicki and International Association of Journal Writing Director Lynda Monk discuss the power of journaling both in a personal reflective practice and as a counselling resource. Lynda describes helpful structured steps for therapeutic journaling, as well as a range of ways to start journaling for burnout prevention and overall wellness. She also shares several helpful resources for people to get started, as well as an opportunity to access a free gift. Find her book, Life Source Writing, here. Read More

Vicki explores the use of photovoice as a counselling technique with Briar Shulz, who describes five accessible ways to use photos and images in the counselling process. They unpack the importance of being cautious with this counselling technique because of the powerful ways images can facilitate a deepening of insight and expression. Briar also shares training suggestions for photovoice and her current passion for crafts. Read More

Vicki has a conversation with Krystel Salandanan, PsyD. They explore what a multicultural view of depression may look like and consider the example of “smiling depression.” Vicki and Krystel also discuss the role of the DSM and how it needs to be always evolving to be relevant. And Krystel offers guidelines for any counsellor to increase their capacity for a multicultural approach to understanding mental health. Read More

Vicki interviews elder, Louise McKay. They explore blending Western clinical counselling approaches with traditional Indigenous practices. Louise describes learning to listen differently, allowing oneself to be led by Spirit, embodying gifts we may not even know we have. And Louise offers suggestions for any counsellor to become more inclusive of an Indigenous worldview, embodying reconciliation.  … Read More

Vicki interviews counsellor and trainer, Galya Chatterton. Together they explore the powerful impact of experiential work, and the importance of using presence to deepen therapy work while spending more time in positive experiences. Galya also gives helpful illustrations of slowing down to support unconscious emotions and beliefs to come into awareness, and we learn how skydiving helped shape her counselling approach. Read More

Vicki interviews Noela Crowe-Salazar – trainer, counsellor, author, and Kookum. They explore Noela’s life long learning for balancing Western mental health concepts alongside Indigenous teachings and views. Noela gives practical suggestions for decolonizing thinking and approaches in counselling. And together they reflect on the importance of conversation and relationship. Read More

Vicki interviews counsellor, author, and trainer, Dr. Reece Malone. They discuss how sexual health contributes to overall mental health and how it links to one’s broader identity. Reece encourages all counsellors to consider the intersection between culture and sexuality, and to maintain an attitude of curiosity about life by continuing to ask, “Why?”… Read More