The Beauty of Fall as a Metaphor for Life

Every year, I watch the leaves begin to change, and I’m reminded of how natural change really is. 🍂 Fall shows us that letting go can be beautiful, and that endings often carry the promise of new beginnings. For me, it’s a perfect metaphor for life—and for therapy.

 In my work as a therapist, I often reflect on how much courage it takes to show up to the first session. Whether you walk into my office or join a virtual call, that act already tells me something important: you are motivated, and you’re ready for change.

 Why People Come to Therapy

 People seek therapy for many different reasons. Some come after a breakup or struggling with a current relationship, others are experiencing a loss, or overwhelming stress at home or work. Others come because they feel stuck, notice themselves repeating old patterns, or want to gain a deeper understanding of who they are.

Some carry trauma. Some long for healthier relationships. And others can’t quite name why they’re here, only that something inside says, life could be different.

 No matter the reason, I see one thing clearly: just by showing up, you’re already taking your wellbeing seriously.

 Showing Up Is Already Change

 I truly believe that showing up is the first and most powerful shift. Even before we begin exploring together, you’ve said “yes” to yourself. That single step matters.

 A Place of Possibility

 Therapy isn’t about erasing your struggle. Rather, it is more about creating space for curiosity, compassion, and growth. It’s where patterns can be understood, tools can be learned, and self-compassion can take root.

 Just like the trees in fall, we can release what no longer serves us and create space for what comes next. 🌱

 Every time you show up, you’re reminding yourself: change is possible, and you are worth the effort.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional advice or therapy. Reading this does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you are in crisis, call 911 in Canada or contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7).

The grief that comes with healing from trauma

Today, while reviewing a self-compassion presentation I had done, I was reminded of Kristin Neff’s work, specifically the power of showing ourselves love and compassion. She writes about how, at the start of practicing self-compassion, we can sometimes feel pain. She explains that when we start to treat ourselves with kindness, we may suddenly “see” all the conditions that were attached to love in our past relationships.

This hit me deeply and reminded me of something I witness often in therapy: the grief that emerges when we begin the process of trauma work.

When we start this journey of self-compassion and healing, we often come face to face with how others let us down - sometimes in ways that were completely justified for us to feel hurt by. We begin to see what we lost, what we wished for but never received, and how these experiences shaped us.

There’s a unique kind of grief in this realization. It’s the grief of:

• What could have been if we’d been treated with more kindness

• The energy we spent protecting ourselves instead of growing

• The relationships that hurt us when they should have nurtured us

• The parts of ourselves we had to suppress to feel safe or loved

And here’s what can feel particularly unfair: all the work of untangling this and processing the emotional impacts, healing our nervous systems, rebuilding our sense of self, which ultimately falls on us. The very people who were hurt have to do the work of healing. Sometimes that just isn’t fair.

But here’s what I’ve learned, both personally and professionally: the first step isn’t to rush toward healing or positive thinking. The first step is often to allow ourselves to feel how this all feels. To honor the grief. To acknowledge that yes, this is hard work, and yes, sometimes it isn’t fair.

Self-compassion doesn’t mean bypassing this pain . As Neff explains,

it means holding space for it with the same kindness we’d offer a dear friend.

If you’re in this place of recognizing old wounds, know that the grief is valid. The unfairness is real. And you don’t have to be grateful for trauma or rush to find the silver lining. Sometimes healing begins with simply saying, “This was hard, and I’m allowed to feel that.”

If you are interested in learning more about self-compassion and Neff’s work, check out https://self-compassion.org/

#TraumaHealing #SelfCompassion #Therapy #MentalHealthAwareness #Grief #HealingJourney

Please note: The information and strategies discussed in this post are general suggestions based on common experiences and are not intended as professional advice. If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, please consider consulting with a qualified mental health professional who can provide personalized support.

Navigating Back-to-School Anxiety: Finding What Works for You

As summer winds down and fall approaches, millions of students from kindergartners to graduate students are preparing for a new academic year. Whether you’re starting fresh at a new school, returning to familiar halls, or pursuing higher education as an adult, the back-to-school transition often brings a complex mix of excitement and anxiety.

 Having recently completed my master’s degree, I can personally attest to the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with academic transitions. The anticipation of new challenges, the pressure to perform, concerns about fitting in, and the disruption of summer routines can create a perfect storm of stress for learners of all ages.

 You’re Not Alone in This Feeling

 Back-to-school anxiety is common and completely normal. It might manifest as:

 - Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite

- Worry about academic performance or social situations

- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches

- Feeling overwhelmed by new routines or expectations

- Concern about making friends or maintaining relationships

 These feelings are valid responses to significant life transitions, and acknowledging them is the first step toward managing them effectively.

 Finding Your Personal Toolkit

 What works for managing back-to-school anxiety varies from person to person. Through my own educational journey, I discovered that having a structured approach made all the difference. Here’s what helped me:

 Creating Structure and Routine

I found that having a clear schedule was my anchor during stressful times. I used my phone’s calendar and reminder functions extensively, setting up notifications for everything from assignment due dates to meal times. This external structure helped quiet the mental chatter of “what am I forgetting?”

 Protecting Your Downtime

One of the most crucial discoveries was the importance of dedicated days off. I learned to schedule rest and leisure time just as seriously as I scheduled study sessions. These weren’t “lazy” days—they were essential maintenance for my mental health and academic performance.

 Building in Flexibility

While structure was important, I also learned to build in some flexibility. Life happens, plans change, and being too rigid with my schedule sometimes creates additional stress rather than relieving it. I would try to get ahead of big assignments and tests by breaking them down into smaller pieces so that when the due date came, I was not feeling so overwhelmed.

  Strategies Worth Exploring

 While everyone’s path is different, here are some approaches that many people find helpful:

 Start Small

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try focusing on one small change or preparation at a time rather than tackling everything at once.

 Establish Support Systems

Identify trusted friends, family members, classmates, or mentors you can reach out to when stress feels overwhelming.

 Practice Self-Compassion

Remember that adjustment takes time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition.

 Maintain Healthy Habits

Regular sleep, nutritious eating, and physical activity can significantly impact your ability to manage stress and anxiety.

Celebrate your successes, too

Give yourself credit for the things you accomplish, even when they feel small. Going to class when you're feeling worried? That's worth celebrating.

 When to Reach Out for Additional Support

 Sometimes, despite our best efforts, anxiety can feel overwhelming or interfere significantly with daily life. If you’re experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, significant sleep disruption, or if anxiety is preventing you from participating in school or social activities, it may be time to seek professional support.

 Many schools offer counseling services, and there are mental health professionals who specialize in helping people navigate academic stress and transitions. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a proactive step toward taking care of your well-being.

 Moving Forward with Confidence

 Change will always involve some degree of stress and adjustment. The goal isn’t to eliminate all anxiety—some nervousness about new experiences is natural and can even be motivating. Instead, the goal is to develop strategies that help you manage these feelings effectively while still engaging fully in your educational journey.

 Remember that finding what works for you may take some trial and error. What helped me through my master’s program might not be the perfect solution for your situation, and that’s completely okay. The key is to stay curious about what strategies serve you best and to remain open to adjusting your approach as needed.

 Whether you’re heading into your first day of kindergarten or your final semester of graduate school, give yourself credit for taking on the challenge of learning and growing. That takes courage, and you’re already demonstrating it by preparing thoughtfully for the journey ahead.

Please note: The strategies discussed in this post are general suggestions based on common experiences and are not intended as professional advice. If you’re struggling with significant anxiety or mental health concerns, please consider consulting with a qualified mental health professional who can provide personalized support.

Beyond Sleep: The 7 Types of Rest You Didn't Know You Needed

When we think of rest, most of us picture sleep or maybe taking a break from work. While these are absolutely important, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, reveals there's so much more to true restoration.

According to Dr. Dalton-Smith there are 7 types of rest that our minds and bodies crave:

1. Physical Rest - Sleep, relaxation, and gentle movement like yoga

2. Mental Rest - Taking breaks from decision-making and letting thoughts flow freely

3. Emotional Rest - Processing and expressing feelings in healthy ways

4. Sensory Rest - Reducing overwhelm from constant stimulation

5. Creative Rest - Engaging in activities that spark joy and inspiration

6. Social Rest - Choosing when to connect and when to step back

7. Spiritual Rest - Practices that align you with your deeper values and purpose

In our digital world, I have noticed that sensory rest has become especially crucial. Our phones, notifications, bright lights, and constant noise can overstimulate parts of our brain that desperately need quiet. This can be particularly challenging for those who are more sensitive to sensory input.

Finding ways to soothe your senses can be deeply healing: wrapping yourself in a soft blanket, breathing in a calming essential oil, or savouring a warm cup of your favourite tea.

Which area speaks to you most right now? Often, the type of rest we resist most is exactly what we need.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, stress, or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional.

The Protective Side of Anxiety: A Different Way to Look at Worry

Note: This perspective represents one therapeutic approach among many and may not resonate with everyone's experience of anxiety.

Reframing Our Relationship with Anxiety

What if anxiety isn't always the enemy we've been taught to believe it is? Many therapeutic approaches, including Coherence Therapy, invite us to consider whether anxiety might actually be our system's attempt at a solution. Maybe those anxious feelings are a protective response that made perfect sense at some point in our lives.

This reframing can be helpful for some people, though individual experiences with anxiety vary greatly. Rather than viewing anxiety as something broken that needs fixing, this perspective explores it as a message from our deeper wisdom—even when that message feels overwhelming or outdated.

The Protective Origins of Anxiety

Many therapeutic approaches suggest that at some point in our lives, often at a very young age, we learned that something or someone wasn't safe. Our brain and body, in their incredible wisdom, may have developed strategies to protect us. For many people, anxiety became an early warning system, a way of staying alert to potential threats.

This learning often happens at levels deeper than conscious thought. Our nervous system may remember and respond, even when our logical mind can't quite put together why we feel anxious in certain situations.

The Challenge of Old Messages in New Contexts

The protective strategies that once served us can sometimes become problematic when they're activated in contexts where they're no longer needed. It's like having a smoke alarm that's so sensitive it goes off when you're making toast—the alarm system isn't broken, but the calibration might need adjustment.

For some people, anxiety carries messages from earlier experiences, and sometimes these messages may be heightened or mismatched to current reality. The part of us that learned to be hypervigilant might still be trying to protect the adult we've become.

The Polyvagal Perspective: Connection and Safety

According to polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, our nervous system responds to safety and threat in predictable ways. When we feel truly safe and socially connected, our ventral vagal system may allow us to be calm, present, and engaged with others.

However, when our system detects a threat, whether real or perceived, we may enter states of fight-or-flight activation or even shutdown and withdrawal. Many people find it helpful to understand these responses as protective, rather than pathological, which can help us approach anxiety with curiosity rather than criticism.

Taking Time for Exploration

For many people, feeling safer and reducing anxious responses takes time and gentle exploration. Therapeutic approaches often focus not on forcing ourselves to "get over" anxiety, but on understanding its roots and slowly building new experiences of safety.

Therapeutic work often involves:

• Exploring what situations or relationships may trigger protective responses

• Understanding the historical context that might have created these protective patterns

• Gradually building experiences of safety and connection

• Learning to differentiate between past threats and present reality

The Necessity of Our Protection

Perhaps most importantly, many therapeutic approaches acknowledge that our anxiety may have been, and in some cases still is, necessary. It may have protected us when we needed protection and helped us survive difficult circumstances. Honoring this protective function, rather than fighting against it, can sometimes be a helpful step toward a more peaceful relationship with anxiety.

Moving Forward with Compassion

This perspective isn't about dismissing anxiety or pretending it doesn't cause real distress. Instead, it's about potentially approaching our anxious responses with curiosity and compassion, recognizing them as adaptive strategies that our system may have developed for very good reasons.

When we can explore anxiety as a message rather than a mistake, we might open up space for understanding, healing, and gradually building new patterns of safety and connection.

For more information on polyvagal theory and the nervous system, visit the Polyvagal Institute website.

.Important Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational purposes only and reflects general therapeutic concepts found in various approaches to mental health. It is not intended as professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual experiences with anxiety vary greatly, and what feels helpful to one person may not work for another. If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, relationships, or well-being, please consult with a qualified mental health professional who can provide personalized assessment and support tailored to your specific needs.

A bit about Mindfulness

Mindfulness Is Easier Than You Think

Okay, let's be real. When someone says "mindfulness," you probably think of people sitting cross-legged for hours, looking all zen and peaceful. ( I know thats what I thought) But here's the thing …mindfulness at its core is actually just about being present.

When Your Brain Goes on Autopilot

You know that feeling when you're stressed and suddenly realize you've been running on autopilot? Like you ate lunch while doom-scrolling without tasting anything? Or when your thoughts are just spinning in circles.

Mindfulness is just a way to come back.

It's All About Getting Back to You

Think of mindfulness as your personal reset button. When you notice you've mentally checked out, you can use simple stuff to anchor yourself back in the moment. So how does this work…. how can I do this?

Your Breath (It's Free!)

Your breath is like the ultimate mindfulness hack. Feeling scattered? Take three deep breaths and actually pay attention to them. Feel the air going in, filling you up, then flowing back out. Boom—you're back. Every microsecond can help us and we can build those small moments into seconds and maybe even minutes to help calm our nervous system (and maybe even create new neural network pathways in our brain- check out this about neural networks)

Use Your Senses

Your five senses are basically instant presence tools:

Feel your feet on the ground or the sun on your face

Listen to whatever sounds are around you (even boring ones count)

Look around and actually see the colors and details

Notice any smells such as coffee, fresh air, whatever

If you're eating or drinking something, actually take a moment to enjoy the taste

Turn Boring Stuff Into Mini Meditation

Here's where it gets fun. Take your morning coffee and instead of chugging it while checking your phone, what if you actually smelled it? Felt the warm mug in your hands? Tasted that first sip like it mattered?

Suddenly your regular coffee becomes this little moment of calm. And those moments? They add up.

Small Stuff = Big Impact

You can practice mindfulness while brushing your teeth, walking to your car, or waiting in line. No special equipment needed, no perfect posture required. Just you, showing up to whatever you're doing.

Every time you choose to be present instead of spacing out, you're basically training your brain to chill. And the more you do it, the easier it gets to stay calm when life gets crazy.

Just Start Anywhere

Look, you're not going to be mindful 24/7, and that's totally fine. The whole point is just to notice when you've drifted off and gently come back. No judgment, no pressure.

Your breath is right there. Your senses are ready to go. This moment is happening right now.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your mental health or treatment options. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services or crisis hotline immediately.

Finding the Right Therapist

How to Find the Right Therapist: A Guide to Therapist Shopping for you

Finding the perfect therapist doesn't happen overnight – and that's completely normal. Here's my ideas on how to navigate the process of finding your ideal therapeutic match.

Why Therapist Shopping is Not Only Normal, But Essential

Choosing a therapist isn't like picking a dentist from your insurance directory. The therapeutic relationship is deeply personal, and finding the right fit can make a difference because unless you feel comfortable sharing it can be hard have those insights. Therapist shopping – the process of meeting with multiple therapists before committing to one is recommended.

A lot of pain we experience is relational ( in relation to someone else). Whether it's childhood trauma, relationship struggles, or patterns that keep us stuck, these wounds often happened in connection with others. This means healing also happens in relationship – specifically, the therapeutic relationship. When you feel safe and connected with your therapist, real change becomes possible.

The Importance of a Good Therapeutic Fit

Why Connection Matters in Therapy

Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of successful treatment outcomes. You need to feel:

Safe to be vulnerable without judgment

Understood and heard in your experiences

Comfortable with their communication style

Confident in their expertise for your specific needs

Aligned with their approach to mental health

Signs You've Found a Good Match

You'll know you're with the right therapist when:

You feel genuinely heard and understood

They remember important details from previous sessions

Their approach resonates with how you see the world

You feel increasingly comfortable being authentic

You notice positive shifts in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors

They adapt their style to what works best for you

Essential Questions to Ask When Interviewing Therapists

Most therapists offer free 15-minute consultation calls specifically for this purpose. Don't feel guilty about using them – this is exactly what they're for! Here are the crucial questions to ask:

1. Education and Training

"What is your educational background and training?"

"Are you licensed in this state?"

"Do you have specialized training in [your specific concern]?"

"How long have you been practicing?"

2. Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy

"How do you view mental health 'problems'?"

"What is your general approach to therapy?"

"Do you see symptoms as problems to eliminate, or as information about what's needed?"

Look for therapists who see symptoms as solutions or adaptations rather than just problems to fix. This strength-based perspective can be incredibly healing.

3. Treatment Modalities and Integration

"What therapeutic modalities do you use?"

"Do you integrate different approaches, or focus on one specific method?"

"How do you decide which approach to use with each client?"

"Are you trained in trauma-informed care?"

4. Practical Considerations

"What does your typical treatment timeline look like?"

"How do you measure progress?"

"What is your policy on between-session contact?"

"Do you accept my insurance, or what are your rates?"

How to Make the Most of Consultation Calls

Before the Call:

Write down your main concerns and goals

Prepare your questions in advance

Consider what type of therapeutic relationship you want

During the Call:

Pay attention to how they make you feel

Notice if they answer questions directly and thoroughly

Ask about their experience with your specific issues

Trust your gut reaction

After the Call:

Reflect on whether you felt heard and understood

Consider if their approach aligns with your needs

Don't rush – it's okay to interview multiple therapists

What to Do When a Therapist Can't Help You

Sometimes a therapist might realize they're not the best person to help with your specific needs. When this happens, many therapists will suggest someone else who might be a better match. They often know other therapists who work with different issues or use different approaches.

If the therapist sees they are not a right fit, or you want someone different, ask:

"Can you recommend someone who specializes in this area?"

"What type of therapist do you think would be most helpful?"

"Do you know anyone who uses [specific approach you're interested in]?"

Making Your Final Decision

After your consultations, consider:

Gut feeling: Did you feel comfortable and safe?

Expertise: Do they have experience with your concerns?

Approach: Does their philosophy align with your values?

Practical fit: Do logistics work (schedule, location, cost)?

Growth potential: Can you imagine opening up to this person?

Remember: You're in Control

Therapy is one of the few services where the relationship between provider and client is paramount to success. You wouldn't stay with a doctor who made you feel worse, and the same applies to therapy. You have every right to find someone who truly gets you.

The bottom line: Therapist shopping isn't picky or difficult. Taking time to find the right therapeutic relationship is an investment in your healing journey.

Looking for a therapist who sees your struggles as adaptations rather than just problems? Ready to find someone who truly understands your unique needs? Start your therapist shopping journey today – your future self will thank you.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your mental health or treatment options. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services or crisis hotline immediately.

When Trauma Won't “File Away”: The Power of EMDR

When Memories Don't File Properly

As I've been reading Francine Shapiro's foundational work on EMDR as part of my training, one concept that makes sense to me is how traumatic memories can become "stuck" in our minds. Think of it like files on a computer - when everything is working smoothly, our experiences get properly processed, categorized, and stored in our long-term memory where they belong.

But sometimes, particularly with traumatic or highly distressing experiences, this natural filing system gets disrupted. Instead of being organized and integrated with our other memories, these traumatic experiences remain in a kind of "active folder" - unprocessed, fragmented, and still triggering our nervous system as if the danger is happening right now.

How it works…

EMDR is one way to help the brain complete this interrupted filing process. Through bilateral stimulation (traditionally eye movements, but also sounds or tactile sensations), EMDR appears to activate the same neural mechanisms that naturally process experiences during REM sleep. This allows those "stuck" traumatic memories to finally be properly integrated and stored, reducing their emotional charge and intrusive quality.

Why I'm Excited to add this tool to my toolkit

The research supporting EMDR is compelling, and I've seen firsthand how trauma can impact people's daily lives in profound ways. The idea that we can help the brain's natural healing processes work more effectively - that we can help people "file away" their traumatic experiences properly - feels both hopeful and empowering.

I'm looking forward to learning the specific protocols, understanding the theory more deeply, and eventually being able to offer this evidence-based approach to my clients. As a therapist, I think it's important to have a diverse toolkit to help clients, as each person is unique.

Moving Forward

I'm reminded of why I love this field so much. Every new therapeutic approach offers fresh perspectives on the human experience and new ways to support healing. I’ll be sure to update everyone when I can expand this service to all my clients.

Check out https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ or About EMDR Therapy - EMDR International Association for more information on EMDR.

Video resources https://youtu.be/hKrfH43srg8?si=BrnOAIL8RxGLa7K9

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.

Understanding Grief: Beyond Simple Definitions

Having recently completed specialized training in grief counselling, I've been reflecting on how the word "grief" itself may not fully honour the complexity of each person's unique experience.

Grief is More Than Loss of Life

When we think of grief, we often picture the loss of a person such as a family member, friend, or beloved pet. But grief encompasses so much more. It can be the loss of an ex-partner, a job, a cherished dream, or the expectations we held for our future. Each of these losses deserves recognition and space to be processed.

Every Path is Different

What strikes me most is how uniquely each person processes grief. There's no universal roadmap, no standard timeline, and no "right" way to grieve. For some clients, the relationship with the person they've lost complicates their feelings. Perhaps it was an ex-partner, or the loss is connected to a criminal offense. In some cases, our legal and social systems can perpetuate feelings of injustice or shame, adding layers of complexity to an already difficult journey.

Moving Beyond the "Process" Mindset

The idea that grief follows a predictable process can be limiting. It suggests there's an endpoint, a finish line where we're "done" grieving. This framework can leave people feeling broken or inadequate when their experience doesn't match these expectations.

Grief as a Room in Our House

Instead, I'm drawn to the metaphor of grief as a room in our house. We can honour our loss, remember what we've lost, and spend time in that space when we need to. But slowly, we also move to other rooms and start connecting with other people, exploring new ideas, engaging with life. The beautiful thing about this metaphor is that we never shut the door to that grief room. It remains accessible, a part of our home, but it doesn't have to be the only room we inhabit.

This approach allows us to carry our losses with us while still living, honouring both our grief and our capacity for continued growth and connection.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.

Meaning Making

Why I Named My Practice "JC MindScience Counselling"

You might wonder about the story behind the name I chose for my new venture. The answer lies in something deeply important to me: creating meaning.

The Foundation: Logotherapy and Viktor Frankl

During my graduate studies, I was profoundly influenced by Viktor Frankl's logotherapy. At its core, logotherapy emphasizes helping people find personal meaning in life. This therapeutic approach focuses on the future and our remarkable ability to endure hardship and suffering through the pursuit of purpose. Frankl's wisdom became a cornerstone of how I view both healing and human resilience.

The Personal in "JC"

While "JC" represents my initials, it carries much deeper significance. These letters also honor the initials of special people in my life—individuals who have navigated mental health challenges and shown me the power of resilience.

Through witnessing these journeys, I've learned that we can grow and adapt even in the face of hardship. This doesn't negate the pain that comes with struggle; rather, it reminds me that our identity isn't defined by only our moments of difficulty. It's crucial to remember both the pain and the growth—they're inseparable parts of our human story.

The Science Behind "MindScience"

"MindScience" honors my background in science, which taught me two invaluable qualities: curiosity and a love of learning. Being a scientist shaped how I approach understanding the human mind and healing—with wonder, rigor, and an openness to discovery.

The integration of scientific thinking with therapeutic practice feels natural to me. Just as science seeks to understand and explain, therapy seeks to understand and heal. Both require patience, observation, and the courage to explore the unknown.

A Name With Purpose

JC MindScience Counselling represents the convergence of personal experience, professional training, and scientific curiosity. It's a name that honors the people who shaped me, the education that prepared me, and the belief that everyone deserves to find meaning and purpose in their lives—even in the midst of struggle.

This is more than a business name; it's a commitment to walking alongside others as they discover their own capacity for growth, resilience, and meaning-making.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.

Finding Your Path to Therapy: A Personal Journey

When we think about starting therapy, a mix of emotions may come up—excitement, nervousness, fear, or even shame. Mental health is still perceived differently from our physical health. We have come a long way in destigmatizing mental health, but there is a lot more work to do.

There is no formula that works for everyone, and finding a therapist who works for you is important. Our pain and wounds are often relational, meaning it was people or systems that hurt us, so the idea of opening up to a stranger can feel uncomfortable.

We learn to “adapt” ourselves to protect ourselves from hurt and pain, which is one reason I love Coherence Therapy. With Coherence Therapy, we work on uncovering the core painful experiences, emotional learnings, and the resulting adaptations you made.

We can learn to pause and listen to the messages of our emotions. Sometimes these “ emotional learnings” were helpful in the past, but may not serve us in our lives now.

For example, you may have been made fun of while doing a presentation on a hobby and learned that the things you enjoy do not matter. You adapted by not sharing your ideas and instead focusing only on what others need. Implicit learnings like this run in our subconscious, and therapy can help us uncover this.

When that inner critic comes up, it may be helpful to ask, "What is this trying to protect me from feeling or doing, and is this helpful right now?"

Judith Klapak

jcmindscience@outlook.com

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care . If you are experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services.