Art of Life Counselling

https://www.inc.com/chris-winfield/need-help-focusing-think-about-two-rabbits.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1nw3YFm-WDgEdbp1TAtXavidL--ztnBU0AXmb1VWIWUQ4CE7XzPq-asyE  

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/focusing

The world is social distancing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and most of our communication at the moment is through text, video chat, Instagram and other social media. We are unsure how long social distancing will be in place but most of us agree that we are potentially saving lives in doing so.   During this time, we may be tempted to become engrossed in other’s media lives and their seemingly interesting and stress free experience of social isolation or at worst quarantine. Lighthearted video’s and memes can create laughter, reducing stress by flooding us with endorphins and feel good hormones. We all want more of that.  There may be, however, a danger of the opposite effect occurring when we choose to compare these short snippets of other’s lives to our personal experiences of being. Hilarious pranks, argument free relationships, perfectly behaved children, bubbly personalities and endless fun may be the impression we are given in these well-lit and orchestrated p...

While undergoing any form of counselling, whether it be one-to one, group work or support groups, it is important to connect to what is happening to the whole self during sessions and  especially during all of the time in between. Often people expect that the time spent with the counsellor or group facilitator is when most of the therapeutic work takes place. In fact, it is during the time away from the session that the material that may have come up for an individual may become of more importance to the person. It is during this time that a person might be triggered, remember new material or have a deeper relationship with a particular topic.  Triggering, remembering and feeling a stronger relationship to a difficult topic can be a frightening experience. It is very important at this time to understand that the topic itself can not harm you. You are safe. You may experience some internal or biological discomfort. At this time it is important to...

I believe that Psychotherapy, in all modalities, may be beneficial for individual emotional and/or psychological needs, whether experience life difficulties or putting into place a tool kit or safety maintenance during the calmer times so that a safety net is prepared when crisis occurs. We each have needs unique to the individual, so it is important to engage in a form of psychotherapy that fits your needs. Are you a person who likes to use words to express yourself for example? Maybe talking , or narrative therapy might be right for you. If connecting to your body is one of your needs,  movement or music therapy may help you dance your anxiety away or whole body focusing can enable less physical exploration of you inner world. Creative arts therapies are a great way to engage with thoughts and feelings when you are unable to find the words to say what you need to say.  Mindfulness , meditation and grounding  might be your go to for staying in the present while u...

https://quartzy.qz.com/1132986/neuroscientists-have-identified-how-exactly-a-deep-breath-changes-your-mind/?utm_source=qzfbarchive

For those who don't know yet, I am in the process and writing and illustrating an interactive self reflective book to promote personal well being, interpersonal connection and mind, body and spiritual involvement to our environment and the benefits of these connections to one's well being. environmental . The foundation of the book are bases on the teachings of the cultural significance of sacred circles in many forms and within many cultures, for example the Tibetan Mandala, Native American Medicine Wheel, Celtic Cross and The flower of Life to name a few. I also encourage individual appreciation for the seemingly universal archetypal values of the teachings of cultural sacred circles. throught the practices of Mindfulness, Focusing and reflection. Celtic Cross Tibetan Mandala  Medicine Wheel Flower of Life A small offering of what is to come in my book The Circle of Genuine Meaning First Draft - nb; These illustrations are not my property but taken from ...

If you or friends are looking for a group of women who are on the cusp of transformation and self discovery, "Woman -This is ME! " might just be the Women's Tribe for you. Bring your Strengths, Vulnerabilities, Gifts and all that is YOU to our gatherings, twice monthly, or share your thoughts and ideas on this page, to experience, share and learn from our Collective Feminine Wisdom We honour and welcome all who identify as female. As your facilitator, I will ensure you are safely held and respected while on your unique path, whatever it may be. Although this is not a counselling group, our gathering will still be focusing on confidential, strengths based, fun and positive experiences, offering authentic giving, receiving and witnessing. Medicine Women,   Sacred Feminine,   Self Care, Philosophy, Spirituality, Working Women,   Intimacy,   Sexuality,   Shamanism,   Health, Empathy,   Nat...

Lift Your Spirits: Simple Activities to Boost Your Mood in Tough Times In the swirl of life's challenges, finding your calm can seem like a daunting task. Yet, the power to elevate your mood lies in simple, everyday actions. Engaging in straightforward activities can transform your outlook, creating ripples of positivity throughout your day. Courtesy of  Art of Life Counselling , let's explore how these accessible activities can be your allies in navigating turbulent times. Embrace Nature's Tranquility When the walls of your routine close in, stepping out  for a walk in nature  can be a breath of fresh air. Surrounding yourself with greenery and the subtle sounds of the outdoors works wonders for your mental state. This natural connection not only soothes your mind but also invigorates your body,  boosting your mood  through the simple act of movement. Whether it’s a quiet stroll through a park or a brisk walk along a trail, the healing power of nature is just a...

I have noticed that it is almost impossible to live through one single day without coming across an inference about improving our physical health. This is great because we who follow western diets, often sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy social traditions seem to be carrying more body fat than we ever have before. Articles about the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity related disease report epidemic rates of childhood adolescent and adult physical health issues but not the possible underlying mental health issues. It is wonderful to exercise and care about the food that we consume but as a holistic mental health therapist, I believe that  we might only be engaging in superficial changes. In order to make any real changes in our lives we may need a whole person approach, body, mind and spirit. There are no miracle cures or magic potions that will offer you better health. We humans, like all organic beings, have vulnerabilities and so to do our mind. Just lik...

Post traumatic stress disorder can present a variety of difficult experiences for those who are under it's grip. My responses to the childhood trauma and PTSD have been hyper-vigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty in social situations, confusion of thought, inability to relax in crowds, dissociation, numbness, disconnect from the body and over thinking which have lead to overwhelming tiredness. A new experience had developed over recent months since the recent arrest of Brother Bernard Hartman, the man who sexually abused me as a child. I have struggled being alone in my home. In the past I have really enjoyed having some me time. I would paint and draw, listen to music, read, garden and whatever else I fancied, but during the past 5 months, noises and thoughts seemed to become louder, time seemed to loose meaning and my focus became very serious, almost macabre. I seemed to hold a fatalistic view of the world that was magnified when I was on my own. I felt as though I was s...

I have been in a very unique position to take part in my own little study about the uncharacteristic behaviours that we have all been seeing and hearing about since the Coronavirus first entered our vernacular. If you have been living in a void for the past two months, I am talking about the hording of large quantities of household products and food items, and the physical altercations, verbal abuse and aggression displayed by some over wanting to purchase the last item on the shelf. I am a trauma counsellor who lives in an apartment above a supermarket. I have been curious about why many in my little community have decided to clear the shelves, denying others the ability to purchase basic needs. I know many of these people. They are wonderful, caring members of the community.  What might be going on? WE CANNOT KNOW OR ASSUME THE INTRACIES OF ANOTHER PERSON’S STORY Many of us may be feeling as if our lives are out of our control. We might be placing all of our focus and...