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Perfectionism Is Not a Personality Trait—It’s a Coping Strategy

Perfectionism Is Not a Personality Trait

Do you constantly feel like what you do is never quite enough, no matter how much you achieve? Do you find yourself overthinking every detail, fearing failure, or setting impossibly high expectations for yourself? If you’re caught in a cycle of self-criticism and burnout, you might be struggling with perfectionism—a deeply ingrained pattern that many

Understanding and Healing People-Pleasing Tendencies

understanding the mental health

Why Am I Always Putting Others First? Do you find yourself constantly saying “yes” when you want to say “no”? Do you worry about disappointing others, even at the expense of your own needs? If you feel exhausted from always putting everyone else first, you may be struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, and you’re not alone. Many adults

When Food Feels Complicated: Healing Disordered Eating with Compassion

For many adults, food isn’t just food. It can carry a weight far heavier than calories or ingredients. The relationship with eating may be tangled with guilt, stress, control, or the need to feel “enough.” Disordered eating isn’t always obvious—it doesn’t always look like an eating disorder in the traditional sense. Sometimes, it’s the constant

Things I Wish I Knew Before Grief Hit Me

Grief has a way of changing everything. It doesn’t arrive politely or gradually. It hits—suddenly, unexpectedly, and with more weight than you ever imagined carrying. Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or a life that no longer exists the way it once did, the experience of grief

The Youth Mental Health Crisis – What Parents (and Teens) Need to Know

Illustration of a concerned parent and teenager discussing mental health, symbolizing family therapy and support for youth mental health crisis in Ottawa.

Abstract  Teen mental health challenges are on the rise, leaving many parents and caregivers wondering how to best support their children. Between academic and peer pressure and social media stress to shifting family dynamics, today’s teens are navigating unprecedented emotional hurdles. Without the right coping skills, these soon-to-be adults can feel overwhelmed and lost. In

Understanding Neurodivergence: A Guide for Parents of Preteens and Teens

Understanding Neurodivergence: A Guide for Parents of Preteens and Teens, Ashley Croke psychotherapist Qualifying at Family-Therapy in Ottawa, signs of neurodivergence in teens, How Parents Can Support Their Neurodivergent Child

Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges and rewards. Whether your child is awaiting a diagnosis or you’re just beginning to explore what neurodivergence means, understanding how to support them is key. This guide will help you recognize signs and symptoms, navigate the diagnosis process, and explore how therapy can help your child thrive.

Navigating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in Ottawa

Abstract  Navigating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Ottawa is a detailed guide to managing winter depression in Canada’s capital. With just 8 hours and 42 minutes of daylight during our shortest winter days, Ottawans face unique mental health challenges. Learn evidence-based strategies, from light therapy to exercise, specifically tailored

Managing Adult Stress: Finding Balance in a Busy World

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can take a serious toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Between work pressures, family obligations, financial concerns, and the constant digital distractions of modern life, many adults find themselves feeling drained, anxious, and stuck in survival mode. At

Struggling with Social Anxiety? We’ve got you.

Social Anxiety, counselling, #youthcounselling

Do social situations make you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even paralyzed? Have you ever been told you’re just “shy” or that you should simply “get over it”? If only it were that easy. Social anxiety is a real and often debilitating condition that can impact every aspect of your life—whether it’s school, work, relationships, or

Navigating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in Ottawa

A Guide to Beating Winter Blues

Abstract  Navigating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Ottawa is a detailed guide to managing winter depression in Canada’s capital. With just 8 hours and 42 minutes of daylight during our shortest winter days, Ottawans face unique mental health challenges. Learn evidence-based strategies, from light therapy to exercise, specifically tailored