Living Fully

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...

Finishing high school. Moving away from home, heading to university. Starting your first “real job.” These are big, exciting changes. You gain more independence but the path to adulthood can also feel overwhelming at times. In this episode, we explore the unique mental health challenges that young adults face as they transition to adulthood. Psychologist Wardah Elahi sheds light on these challenges and offers practical advice for navigating this critical phase of life. From dealing with financial stress and pressure, to gaining autonomy, to building a healthy relationship with technology, this episode covers a range of strategies to smooth the...

Ever notice how after a workout, you feel better, calmer, happier, and more relaxed? That’s because physical activity plays a crucial role in your mental health. Engaging in regular exercise of any form, it doesn’t need to be strenuous, and you don’t need to get an expensive gym membership, releases “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, elevating your mood and reducing stress. Additionally, exercise helps you process your emotions and fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting your self-confidence and promoting mindfulness.  

On this episode of Living Fully, our host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered s...

Self-esteem influences how we view ourselves and the world around us, which directly impacts our mental health. Low levels of self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and hopelessness, creating a cycle of self-doubt and negative thoughts. In our last episode, we explored the intricacies of self-esteem and its impact on our lives. Today, we’re taking it a step further and hearing from two CCC clients who have lived through its challenges first-hand.  

On today’s episode of Living Fully, our host Katherine Hurtig talks with clients Brad and Jessie about their personal stories, what they...

Self-esteem is essential for your mental health. The way you think and feel about yourself affects all aspects of your life. It plays a role in your relationships, your work, and how you approach your goals. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more confident in your relationships and have the passion and motivation to work towards your future. But there are many factors that can affect your self-esteem, and if you’re struggling with low self-esteem, it can be hard to know how to improve it.  

On this episode of Living Fully, our host Katherine Hurti...

Grief is one of the most human emotions you can experience- it’s inevitable that at some point in our lives, we’ll all experience it.  Everyone experiences grief in their own way, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with loss. Knowing how to navigate the complex emotions that come from grief and loss can be overwhelming.  

On this episode of Living Fully, our host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered psychologist Amy Ramler to explore the intersection of grief, loss, and mental health. Amy shares how she helps her clients navigate the grieving process, provides guidan...

Although perceptions about counselling have evolved, there are still many myths about how counselling works and whether it helps or not.  These misconceptions can be barriers for some people who could benefit from counselling.

On this Living Fully episode, social worker Sarah Rosenfeld walks us through some of the main misconceptions about counselling. She explains how counselling works, what to expect from counselling sessions, who can benefit from counselling, when is the best time to go to counselling and the time commitment needed to see changes.  In this episode we also cover affordable fees, the stigma of me...

For a lot of people, the idea of practicing self-compassion can be challenging. Many of us were brought up seeking external validation and believing in the words of other people more than our own experiences. This can make it hard to ignore our inner critic and reframe our thoughts to be more compassionate. 

On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker Anna Hemens about self-compassion and how it affects our mental health. They explore different strategies for cultivating self-compassion, overcoming societal influences, reframing your thoughts, and showing yourself kindness. 

...

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, our Host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker, Kelsey Bradley about the relationship between work and anxiety, unravelling its sources and offering valu...