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

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

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

Are there any common myths about mental health that need debunking? 

crowd bullying a woman

In a world where physical health and beauty is sometimes considered even more important than our physical health, mental health is often shadowed and shrouded by misconceptions and myths. As we delve into the faulty beliefs surrounding mental health, it becomes evident that debunking these myths is not just necessary—it’s very crucial. Welcome to our

What exactly is mental health stigma, and why is it such a big deal?

woman suffering with mental health stigma

Imagine navigating through life with a burden you can’t shake off, one that’s invisible to the naked eye but weighs heavily on your mind and spirit. This is the reality for many individuals facing mental health challenges, compounded by the pervasive cloud of stigma that hangs over them. In this blog, we will focus on

Ottawa Counselling Services – Understanding Depression in Men and Women

Understanding Depression in Men and Women

In this comprehensive Q&A session, we dive deep into the intricate realm of depression, exploring how it manifests differently in men and women. Our aim, here at Family-Therapy in Ottawa, is to provide you with valuable insights into the complex world of major depressive disorder and how it uniquely impacts individuals based on their gender.