Living Fully
Life comes with challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. Tune in to listen to conversations with counsellors, psychologists, and other experts as well as inspiring real-life stories from people who have gained the tools needed to tackle the difficult challenges they were facing. Each episode will have practical strategies on a variety of topics, from how to improve your relationship with your spouse, manage your anxiety, get through grief, connect with your teenagers and much more.
Reframe and Reset for a Mentally Healthy New Year
The start of a new year can feel like a time for fresh beginnings, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the pressure to reinvent yourself and set new year’s resolutions. In this episode of Living Fully, we explore how to reflect on the past year with gratitude and self-compassion, set meaningful intentions, and build habits that support mental well-being. Our guest, psychologist Lisa McIssac, shares strategies for letting go of perfectionism, managing stress around resolutions, and creating a more balanced approach to the new year. Learn how to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, identify what trul...
Dealing With Loneliness During the Holidays
The holidays come with a lot of expectations. This episode of Living Fully explores the emotional complexities of the holiday season, highlighting the pressures that can lead to feelings of loneliness, even when surrounded by others. Social worker, Sharona Pilmeister, talks about why the holidays can be challenging for those who are alone, whether due to grief, distance, strained relationships, or personal choice, and offers advice on coping with these emotions. Learn practical ways to create meaningful traditions, build connection, and find moments of joy.
"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care...
New parent survival guide – navigating parenthood with confidence
This episode explores the mental and emotional challenges new parents face as they adjust to life with a newborn. Counsellor Jennifer Grassie talks about how parenthood can impact both moms and dads differently, from balancing work and family roles to handling feelings of responsibility, self-doubt, and overwhelming pressure to "get everything right."Â
Our conversation covers practical self-care strategies, ways to keep the relationship strong, and tips for supporting mental health during this major life transition. We also talk about managing exhaustion, practicing self-compassion, and asking for help when things feel overwhelming. Expectant or new parents will find a...
Finding Help and Hope in the Face of Domestic Abuse
Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, we talk to Stefan De Villiers, Christine Berry, and Kyle Ho – counsellors at Calgary Counselling Centre - about the many forms of abuse beyond the physical, including emotional, financial, digital, and spiritual abuse, and the often-hidden impacts these those who have experienced the abuse. We talk about how to recognize early signs of abuse, such as controlling behaviors, and offer guidance on supporting loved ones safely.
We also cover the complexities of helping people who have used abuse, emphasizing the ro...
Exploring Social Connections as a Key to Overcoming Depression
Depression often makes you want to shut yourself off from the world, but staying connected can be a key part of feeling better. In this episode, Katherine Hurtig sits down with Sarah Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Counselling at Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta, to explore the role social connections play in overcoming depression. They talk about how loved ones can offer support, ways to stay connected when you're feeling down, and why reaching out—even in small ways—can make a big difference. Whether you’re struggling with depression yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode has practi...
RE-RELEASE: One Step Better — Small Actions to Tackle Depression
On this episode, we’re re-running our conversation from October 3, 2023, with registered social workers, Anna Hemens and Camille Kim about how small actions can have a big impact on our mental health. Â
When we’re feeling depressed even the most basic, daily activities can feel overwhelming, and the thought of feeling better can seem out of reach. But small, manageable actions, while they may seem insignificant, are the key to helping us feel like ourselves again. Whether it's the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning, or having a shower, taking a walk, or reachi...
Strategies for Supporting Loved Ones
In this episode, we explore the nuances of supporting someone you care about through their mental health journey. Learn how to recognize the signs that a loved one might be struggling, and the best approaches for having open, empathetic conversations about mental health. We explore the importance of active listening and share practical tips on where and how to learn more about mental health.
We also address the delicate balance of encouraging a loved one to seek professional support while setting healthy boundaries for your own well-being.Â
We discuss how to be prepared in case o...
Recognizing and Addressing Childhood Depression
Knowing what to do when your child is struggling with their mental health can be overwhelming. This episode breaks down the signs of childhood depression and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Symptoms: Children may not always express their feelings verbally, in this episode we walk you through some of the signs to look for, both physical and behavioural, and how these symptoms differ between young children and teens.
Starting the Conversation: Approaching your child about their mental health can be tricky. We offer age-appropriate strategies to help you talk openly, ask the right questions...
Enhancing Counselling Through Research
In this episode, we welcome Derek Caperton, research officer at Calgary Counselling Centre, to talk about the role of research and data in mental health counselling. He’ll give his perspective on how studies and data analysis are shaping the future of counselling. Our conversation covers how research improves counselling outcomes, how counsellors apply these insights in practice, and what limitations might exist in the field of counselling research.
"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.Â
Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alb...
Campus Confidence: Mastering Stress and Self-Care for Academic Success
In this episode of Living Fully, we explore the challenges that come with college and university life. From juggling classes, part-time jobs, and a social life to maintaining healthy habits, the demands of post-secondary education can be overwhelming. Psychologist Joel Zimmerman discusses the realities of student life and offers strategies for managing stress and time effectively. We delve into common pressures like financial worries and balancing academics with personal life, while Joel provides actionable tips to help you build resilience and maintain a positive mindset throughout your academic journey.
"Living Fully" is not a substitute or...
