Trauma: You can’t *think* your way out of it

Trauma: You can’t *think* your way out of it Our conscious mind processes 40 things in a single second, whereas our unconscious mind is processing 20,000 things in a single second (that is a whooping 500,000 times faster). Our unconscious mind is assessing for threat based on past lived experience, even when we do not […]

Gaslighting

Gaslighting The term gaslighting* refers to an emotional abuse tactic that causes a victim to question their own feelings, instincts, and sanity, putting the abuser in a position of power. A clear indicator of a gaslighter is one who overrides your truth and tries to convince you that your perception of reality is false.  A […]

When Healthy Eating Turns Unhealthy

When Healthy Eating Turns Unhealthy “Clean eating” is a term frequently used these days.  However, it is one that I personally try to avoid as it can create a problematic view of food that can incite debilitating shame (i.e: clean versus dirty; good versus bad – polarized beliefs are something mental health professionals try to […]

Healthy Recovery Alternatives

Healthy Recovery Alternatives Because Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step groups are so well known, they have come to be known as the golden standard in recovery treatment.  But the truth is: AA is not a fit for everyone.  For those that feel more like the black sheep rather than a member of the AA […]

DISORDERED EATING

DISORDERED EATING While disordered eating may look like a lifestyle choice that simply requires behaviour modification, akin to addiction issues, successful treatment can not occur without an exploration of one’s social constructs and reconciling one’s trauma.  Eating disorder symptoms often reflect developmental processes (such as puberty), and life transitions (such as going to university).  However, […]

FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL

FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL Chances are you know excessive alcohol use is bad for you, but how bad is it? Although it may seem as though alcohol is an enhancement to having a good time, the reality is that alcohol is a DEPRESSANT. People who drink heavily are three times more likely to suffer with major […]