When it comes to lending a supportive ear, whether to a close friend, loved one, acquaintance or someone we just met, what we do to help that may come most naturally to us may not always be the most helpful, and might even be counter-productive. In this insightful blog Connecte therapist Camille Zolopa explains why that may be, and shows us how a motivational interviewing approach might hold the key to lending support that works.
It feels so natural for us to show compassion to a loved one in need, so why do we struggle with showing ourselves the same kindness? In this insightful blog from Connecte clinical psychologist Dr Ege Bicaker, Ege identifies key reasons why self-compassion can be so hard to practice, and her thoughtful observations help us re-frame in a way that will lead to a better, more compassionate understanding of our own emotional needs.
All couples experience conflict… but the need to communicate effectively during arguments, when we feel hurt or misunderstood, can feel like the last thing we want to focus on. How can we navigate conflicts in a way that keeps us close instead of driving us apart? Couple and family therapist Patricia Paul shares recommendations to help prioritize connection, even when things get tense.
Learning to honour your emotional, physical, and practical limits later in life can be both scary and liberating… and well worth the effort! According to Connecte therapist and PhD Candidate Kayla Hollett, honouring your limits will help you feel more in control of your time and energy, and help to create more balance in your relationships.
Have you ever found yourself apologizing for simply needing something, even before you ask for it? Or saying yes when you want to say no? For many, guilt can drive us to abandon our own needs to preserve connection, avoid conflict, or maintain the image of being “good.” a pattern that can leave us feeling hollow, resentful, or chronically exhausted. Connecte therapist and PhD Candidate Sara Matovic helps us to understand how guilt can sometimes lead us to disconnect from ourselves, and how healing begins when we learn to stay loyal to our own feelings.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, we can feel as if we are trapped in our own “eye of the storm,” a place of isolation where everything feels harder to navigate, leaving us feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Connecte psychotherapist Lindsey Moncarz shows us how, practicing kindness can be our simple yet powerful way out when we find ourselves in emotional heavy weather.
What do we control? What do we not control? How can we be well-informed but not overexposed to the uncertainty we hear of in the news? Connecte clinical psychologist Leanne D. Rondeau shares her takeaways from a great interview featuring the president of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec, Dr. Christine Grou, in conversation with Julie Dufresne of Radio-Canada’s Midi Info.
The holidays can be a tough time for people coping with EDs in general, and for those dealing with binge-eating specifically it can be particularly challenging! Connecte clinical psychologist Dr. Stephanie Gallant’s Holiday Survival Guide: Managing Binge Eating With Psychology, Intuition, and Several Servings of Compassion shares proven tools and solid advice to help people understand binge eating, and navigate binge eating over the holidays ✨❤️
For some of us, holidays are a time we want to make everything ‘perfect’ for family and friends, whether it be with meals, gifts or decorating for festivities, and while it’s natural for us to want to create a pleasurable time for loved ones, sometimes the pressure we put on ourselves to do so can be counterproductive. Read on as Connecte therapist and PhD candidate Danielle Penney demonstrates why that is, and what we can do about it!
The cozy Fall change of seasons can signal changes in the tone and the depth of our of our intimate partner relationships as well. Read on to explore couples and family therapist Candace Kensley’s reflections on deepening partnerships during this autumnal period, sometimes known as cuffing season 💕
