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On People-pleasing
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What is people-pleasing? People-pleasing is not your character or your nature — it’s a strategy. It’s a learned behaviour that often develops as a way to stay safe and maintain connection. At some point, you might have learned that in order to be liked and accepted, you had to put others’ needs before your…
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Moving Through Conflict
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If you’re someone who doesn’t like conflict and would prefer to hide or run from it, you’re not alone. Many of us grew up in environments where conflict felt unsafe, unpredictable or pointless. If managing or moving through conflict in relationships was not modelled for us, avoiding it can feel like the safest option.…
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Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Want?
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Have you ever found yourself wishing your partner would just know what you need—without you having to spell it out? You hint. You drop clues. Maybe you get quiet. You think to yourself “If they really care, they would just know” – and when they don’t pick up on it, you’re left feeling let…
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Healthy Relationship Checklist
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There isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe for our relationships, as they are unique. However, some practices and attitudes can make our connections stronger, more respectful, and ultimately more fulfilling. We can think of it like a healthy relationship checklist, although this is by no means an exhaustive one! Let’s break it down into a few…
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Unhelpful Communication Cycles in Relationships
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Our relationships are deeply influenced by our thoughts and beliefs. Often, the way we react to others is shaped more by our subjective interpretation of events than by what’s actually happening in the moment. When we feel defensive in our relationships, it’s often a sign that we’re responding not to the present situation, but…
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Reclaiming Your Time as a Parent
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Parenting is a balancing act. Balancing a professional life, family and personal life can feel like an endless juggling act. The pressure, whether real or perceived, can be high. The pressure to meet everyone’s needs – at work, at home, and even within yourself – often leads to exhaustion, frustration, and self-doubt. If you’re also struggling…
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From Procrastination to Action
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Have you ever found yourself stuck in procrastination, unable to propel yourself forward? Perhaps you have plans or dreams but can’t muster the courage to step out of your comfort zone. I have and I know that many people do from time to time. Getting started is about beginning something new or perhaps returning…
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Reflections on Self-care
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I have been thinking about the idea of ‘self-care’ lately. It’s a term that gets tossed around quite a bit, often carrying a sense of obligation. We all recognise the importance of self-care and the need to incorporate it into our lives more frequently. However, what isn’t discussed as often is precisely what we…
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What to Do if You Don’t Know What to Talk About in Sessions
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Embarking on a counselling journey can bring a range of feelings. Sometimes, you might feel like the sessions are too short to express everything you wish to share, and other times, you may find yourself struggling to find the right words or topics to discuss during your sessions. It’s perfectly normal to have moments…
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The Art of Setting Boundaries for Couples
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We are relational beings. As a consequence, the health of our relationships contributes significantly to our mental health. One crucial aspect of fostering healthy relationships as a couple is setting boundaries. Therefore, how/when/whether we set boundaries in our relationships has a positive or negative effect on our emotional well-being. It is also important to…