Weathering the Storm: Understanding the Cycle of Abuse.
Abusive relationships rarely begin with chaos. They usually start with warmth, connection, admiration, and the promise of stability. Over time, the emotional climate shifts. Confusion replaces clarity, tension replaces safety, and the survivor becomes immersed in a weather system they did not create and cannot control.
The Cost of Kindness: How People-Pleasing Slowly Erases Your Sense of Self
Between Sessions: Gentle Practices to Support Your Growth
As a Calgary therapist, I’ve seen how small daily practices — such as noticing your emotions with compassion, setting gentle boundaries, or taking a mindful breath — can create profound change over time. These tools are meant to help you:
People-pleasing is a fawn strategy. It says, “If I meet your needs, you won’t leave.”
People-pleasing feels kind, but it chips away at self-worth. Learn how micro-sacrifices blur identity and how to reclaim your authentic voice.
Keywords: people pleasing, micro-sacrifices, self-worth, boundaries, self-abandonment, authenticity, nervous system healing, codependency, identity loss, emotional regulation
The Hidden Face of Avoidance: When Protection Turns Into Pushback
Avoidance hides behind control, criticism, or blame — not cruelty. Learn how this defense masks deeper emotions and how to meet it with compassion.
Keywords: avoidance, emotional defense, criticism, victim mindset, relationships, trauma response, emotional intelligence, therapy, self-protection, self-awareness
Avoidance and People-Pleasing — Two Sides of the Same Fear
Avoidance and people-pleasing look opposite, but both stem from the same fear — the need to stay safe from rejection. Learn how to find balance and belonging.
How to Break Free from Anxiety Spirals (and Take Back Your Calm)
Anxiety spirals have a way of sneaking in—suddenly your chest is tight, your brain is racing, and you’re doing anything to escape the feeling. Sound familiar? This article breaks down why your body reacts this way, how past hurts fuel today’s panic, and what you can do to stop the spiral before it runs your life.
Kind-Clear-Brief Boundaries Cheat Sheet
From Chaos to Clarity: Finding Confidence in Your Boundaries
Why Saying “No” Feels So Hard…One way to bring clarity to boundaries is a simple communication tool I teach my clients: Kind-Clear-Brief.
When Your Breakup Story Doesn’t Make Sense to Anyone Else
Make a Date—with Anxiety
What If You Scheduled a Date… with Your Anxiety?
Yes, a date.
Not with a person. Not with a project.
With your anxiety.
Anxiety loves to lurk in the background. It creeps in while you’re trying to work, have a conversation, drive, study, or even relax. It whispers worries while you’re doing your best to stay focused on something else.
Face the Wave: How Turning Toward Anxiety Can Help You Regain Control
Learn why resisting anxiety makes it stronger—and how facing it with awareness can move you toward peace, clarity, and action.
Facing the Wave—Why Resisting Anxiety Doesn’t Work
Understanding the Fear and Anxiety Triggered by Narcissism
Image by Talip Özer from Pixabay
Narcissistic colleagues are often skilled manipulators who hide their toxic behaviors behind a veneer of charm, expertise, or even community admiration. These individuals typically do not exhibit any emotion unless they want something from others, whether it's validation, control, or an advantage in a work-related situation. They use tactics like gaslighting—making others doubt their perceptions of reality—and deflecting accountability for their actions, which creates confusion and frustration.
Navigating Narcissism in the Workplace: A Guide to Empowerment and Healing
Navigating Narcissism at Work