Living Fully

We all worry sometimes. But when does worry become anxiety, and how can you tell the difference? In this episode, social worker Carmen Sadoway talks about how anxiety works, why it can feel so intense, and how it often connects to uncertainty, change, and the urge to prepare for every possible outcome.

You’ll learn to recognize the physical signs of anxiety, panic attacks, explore both helpful and unhelpful coping strategies, and discover simple ways to approach anxiety with more compassion. 

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

This episode originally aired February 6, 2024. 

Beyond allowing us to pay the bills, the way we make our living can fill us with purpose and can be a part of our identity. But it’s not uncommon for our work life to bring up feelings of worry and anxiety. The pressures of longer hours, inflexible schedules, and demanding workloads can contribute to increased stress, creating a delicate balance between professional fulfilment and emotional well-being.  

On this episode of Living Fully, registered social worker Kelsey Bradley talks about the relationship between work and anxiety, unravelling its sources and o...

Is it okay to laugh when things feel hard?

In this episode of Living Fully, we talk to psychologist Joel Zimmerman about humour and laughter as a coping strategy. He explains how laughter affects stress hormones, why it can calm your nervous system, and how it helps break up all-or-nothing thinking.

You’ll also hear about the balance between levity and sensitivity, how family and culture shape our comfort with humor, and how laughter can help us shift perspective.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

What if your worth isn’t measured by your productivity? So many of us move through life chasing the next milestone — the next promotion, the next goal, the next improvement — believing that if we just achieve a little more, we’ll finally feel like enough. But that constant striving often comes at a cost.

In this conversation, we talk with registered psychologist, Lisa McIsaac about how perfectionism and productivity culture shape the way we see ourselves. Larn how the drive to always perform can fuel burnout, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and tension in relationships — and why the bar for “enough” keep...

If money worries are keeping you up at night, you’re not alone. Counsellors Joel Zimmerman and Long Zhou talk about how financial stress shows up emotionally, physically, and in our relationships—think irritability, isolation, avoidance, and that “I can’t keep up” feeling. They dig into why money triggers a survival response, and share practical shifts that can help better cope.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial b...

Good mental health isn’t the absence of pain. It’s how we respond to it.

In this episode we’re joined by Claire Masikewich, who shares her experience navigating her daughter Sloan’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and relapse — and how her family continues to cope through uncertainty, grief, and fear.

Claire speaks candidly about the early shock of diagnosis, the ongoing emotional toll, and the practical routines that help her get through the hardest days — from movement and gratitude to asking for help and leaning on community. 

Counsellor Ashley Enzie from Calgary Counselling C...

Loneliness is more common than we think, but it doesn’t always look the way we expect. You can be surrounded by people, busy at work, active on social media – and still feel deeply alone.

In this episode of Living Fully, we talk with counsellor Rasha Taha from Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta about loneliness in a real, relatable way. They explore what loneliness is, why it shows up at different points in our lives, and how we can begin to feel more connected again.

Drawing on both clinical experience and everyday examples, they talk...

The holidays can be meaningful and memorable—but they can also be exhausting. Between family expectations, packed calendars, gift exchanges, and tighter budgets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this episode, counsellor Denis Shushkin shares practical strategies for managing holiday stress and maintaining healthy relationships.

Denis shares how to:

For many men, identity is tied to being strong, steady, and responsible for providing to their family. But those expectations aren’t always healthy or realistic. In this episode of Living Fully, we talk to counsellors Sarah Rosenfeld and Joel Zimmerman about how identity, masculinity, and mental health intersect. They discuss the ways pressure shows up in daily life, why some coping strategies stop working over time, and how small shifts in perspective can make a big difference. It’s about redefining strength, recognizing when it’s time for support, and seeing that reaching out can be one of the he...

Breakups are a common reason people reach out for counselling. In this episode, counsellor Rasha Taha joins Katherine to discuss what make breakups so painful. They talk about what healthy grieving looks like, how to rebuild confidence and self-worth, and the small daily habits that can help you recover and feel like yourself again. 

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers.

For help across Canada and...

Starting counselling is a big step, and finding the right person can make all the difference. In this episode, counsellor Rasha Taha talks about the importance of the counsellor-client relationship, what a “good fit” actually means, and how to find a counsellor that is a good fit for you. 

You’ll hear practical advice on how to find the best counsellor for you, how to ask for a new counsellor if needed, and how to stay open to different approaches that might surprise you.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or...

Social connection is one of the strongest protectors against depression. In this episode, we talk with registered social worker, Sarah Rosenfeld about why human connection is so important for our mental health, and how to keep relationships alive when motivation is thin. We also hear from Maddi, a Calgary Counselling Centre client, who shares how individual and group counselling helped her feel less alone and build day-to-day tools.

From October 6–12, take the free, confidential depression screening quiz at areyoufeelingok.com.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

C...

Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns — and also one of the most treatable. In this episode, we talk with psychologist Long Zhou about what depression really feels like, the signs it may be time to seek help, and how counselling can make a difference. We explore what to expect when starting counselling, why early support matters, and the small but powerful changes that can help people move forward.

From October 6–12, you can also take the free, confidential depression screening quiz at areyoufeelingok.com.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alte...

We often hear the word “trauma,” but what does it actually mean? In this episode, we talk with counsellor Ashley Enzie about what trauma is, how it can show up in our thoughts, emotions, and bodies, and why each person’s experience is unique. We cover common signs, the role of triggers, and ways to start building safety and support—whether you’re ready for counselling or just beginning to explore your experience.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling...

Social media is part of everyday life, but the constant comparisons, late-night scrolling, and pressure to post can take a toll—especially on teens. In this episode, Katherine sits down with counsellors Mansi Saini and Krystal Blacklock to explore the impact of scrolling on teen mental health—and what can help. 

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers.

For help across Canada and the United States...

In this episode we continue the conversation with counsellors Aja Manning and Nicole Ward about helping kids navigate big emotions. We explore what happens in children’s counselling, the role of parents, and what behaviours or changes might signal that it’s time to reach out for help. You’ll also hear about the importance of validation, play therapy, and what to do when parenting doesn’t go as planned.

Head to our website to find the following free resources to help your kids:

Kids can experience emotions that feel overwhelming, with reactions that might seem outsized compared to what’s happening in the moment. And sometimes they need help understanding and managing these feelings. In this episode, counsellors Aja Manning and Nicole Ward share practical, everyday ways parents and caregivers can support children through tough moments. They explore how to co-regulate, model calming strategies, validate feelings, and give kids the words to express what’s going on inside. You’ll also hear creative ideas, like using games and breathing exercises, to help build emotional awareness in fun, approachable ways.

Head to our...

The early days of a relationship are often full of excitement, ease, and spark — but what happens when things settle down? In this episode, Calgary Counselling Centre counsellor Kyle Ho talks about how relationships evolve over time and what helps keep them strong. Learn how to stay close with your partner, communicate openly, and keep the relationship fresh, even when life gets busy. From navigating change to building deeper connection, this conversation offers simple, meaningful ways to support long-term love.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Cou...

Whether it’s a big presentation, a job interview, a performance, pressure has a way of getting to all of us—no matter how prepared we are. In this episode, psychologist Joel Zimmerman and professional bagpiper Daniel Lidgren, talk about what performance anxiety really is and how to manage it. You’ll hear Daniel’s personal story of grappling with anxiety on stage, and Joel’s insights into what happens in our brains and bodies under pressure. 

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling...

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode of Living Fully, Paula shares how her journey from Colombia to Canada, and her efforts to build a successful life, led to burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress. 

Paula opens up about the pressure of cultural expectations, the experience of being an immigrant navigating unfamiliar systems, and how counselling helped her reflect, regroup, and rebuild. Her story is a powerful reminder that progress isn’t always linear—and that support can make all the difference.

"Living Fully" is not a substitute or alterna...

Job loss can shake your confidence, your sense of purpose, and even how you see yourself. In this episode, we talk with social worker Jessica Sitko about the emotional toll of losing a job and how to start putting the pieces back together.

We explore why careers often feel so tied to our identity and what it looks like to rebuild self-worth when that identity is shaken. You’ll hear practical advice for managing financial stress, navigating difficult conversations with family, and finding hope when the job search feels overwhelming.

This conversation also dives into th...

Change is part of life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether it’s something positive like starting a new job, or something more difficult like financial instability or big world events, uncertainty can be hard to sit with. So how do we know when normal stress tips into anxiety? And what can we do to feel more steady during unpredictable times?

In this episode, social worker Rasha Taha joins host Katherine Hurtig to explore how change affects our mental health and what we can do about it. They talk about the pull of worst-case-scenario thinking...

From a young age, many of us start comparing how we look to others—and those comparisons can stick with us for years. Whether it’s pressure to stay a certain size, hide signs of aging, or meet a beauty standard that feels impossible, how we see ourselves can have a major impact on our mental health.

In this episode, host Katherine Hurtig talks with social worker Sharona Pilmeister about where our self-image comes from and why it can be so hard to feel good about our appearance.  

Sharona shares practical ways to shift your minds...

How we think about challenges, setbacks, and our own abilities can shape the way we navigate life. In this episode, psychologist Joel Zimmerman joins us to talk about the power of a growth mindset—what it is, why it matters, and how shifting the way we view failures can have a major impact on our mental well-being.

We explore why it’s so easy to focus on the negative when things go wrong and how small mindset shifts can make a big difference. Joel talks about learning from failure, embracing change, and finding opportunities to grow—even in dif...

The relationships we have with our families shape so much of who we are—from how we communicate to how we see ourselves and handle emotions. But when those relationships are challenging, they can take a toll on our mental well-being.

In this episode, social worker Shannon McKinnon joins us to talk about how family dynamics can impact mental health in both positive and difficult ways. She shares how to recognize when a family relationship might be affecting you, how to set boundaries without guilt, and how to have tough conversations in a way that feels right.

Shame is a deeply personal and often painful emotion, yet it’s something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. In this episode, psychologist Lisa McIsaac helps us understand what shame really is, how it differs from guilt, and why it can feel so isolating.

We explore where shame comes from, how it develops over time, the impact it has on mental health and self-esteem, and why it can be so difficult to talk about. We also discuss how shame can affect relationships, contribute to anxiety and depression, and lead to patterns of self-isolation and avoidance.

Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a celebration of romantic love, but for many people, it can be a tough day—especially if you’re single, recently out of a relationship, or grieving a loss. In this episode, social worker Camille Kim shares how to navigate the emotions that can come up and ways to make the day meaningful, no matter your relationship status.

We explore why Valentine’s Day can feel isolating and how to cope with the emotions it brings up. If you’re feeling down, Camille shares practical ways to shift the focus from what’...

Why are goals such an important part of counselling? In this episode, social worker Carmen Sadoway helps us understand how setting meaningful goals can give you direction and clarity, no matter what you’re going through—whether it’s depression, anxiety, grief, stress, or just feeling stuck.

We’ll chat about:

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 McIsaac, 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...

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...

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." 

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...

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...

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...

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.  

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...

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. 

We discuss how to be prepared in case o...

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...

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. 

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alb...

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...

Couples counselling isn’t just for when your relationship is struggling. In this episode, social worker, Denis Sushkin, talks about how counselling can help couples in many ways including guiding you and your partner in making important decisions, processing feelings, and navigating the end of a relationship, especially when children are involved. The episode covers such topics as how to get the most out of couples therapy, the role of the counsellor, and breaks down some common misconceptions about counselling for your relationship.  Tune in to understand how counselling can help you create the relationship you want and grow bot...

In this episode, social worker Stephanie Warner, with her expertise in holistic nutrition and eating psychology, delves into the profound connection between our diet and mental health. Discover how the quality of our food impacts our mood and overall well-being, and gain insights into managing mental health issues like anxiety and depression through nutrition. Stephanie shares practical examples of beneficial foods and discusses common misconceptions about food and mental health. She also emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, positive food relationships, and the influence of cultural background. Learn strategies for healthier eating habits, managing cravings, fostering positive relationships with...