Psychotherapy  & Naturopathic Services in Etobicoke

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Month: January 2021

2021: New Year, New Shift

We tend to think of the New Year as the ideal moment to start fresh.

We see themes of what others are doing, which inspire us to improve and move forward.

What will help us is one of the keys to self-development: adopting a fresh mindset. If we are able to reframe, or think differently, we are able to create a new perspective for ourselves and our lives.

This past year, we have been tested and challenged in many ways that we never could have imagined. We have all felt symptoms of anxiety and/ or depression at one time or another.

 

Please know that, if you are reading this, YOU ARE RESILIENT. Just getting through, and tending to your basic needs, is sometimes the most important starting point.

 

It’s 2021: New Year, New Shift!

Rather than making New Year’s resolutions, I think that putting new habits and routines into practice are important throughout the year. I do, though, think it is important for us to take what we learned in 2020, and use it to make decisions and changes with a new, fresh perspective in mind. While uncertainty is there (and we do not know what 2021 will hold), we do know that it will be different. What we do have control over is the ability to choose what we focus on that is helpful, and to turn away from what may be harmful.

2020 has taught us that we cannot always be in control and that we must be willing to adapt. One thing we can control is our attitude and how we choose to approach conversations and/or minor and major decisions. An optimistic attitude is critical and necessary for 2021. It pushes us forward, encourages us, and helps us overcome obstacles. It inspires those around us and helps us in accomplishing dreams and goals. A positive attitude also helps with making difficult tasks easier to complete. A positive frame of mind increases our motivation to push forward – and do well as a result.

 

Here are some helpful tips and ideas to help you find what works for you this year:

 

One Step at a Time

The mere act of engaging in a positive action is all that matters. One action — as tiny as it may seem — can have an impact that you may not have anticipated. Do not overthink your actions or try to judge them for being too small. Just focus on implementing an action per month, then one per week, then one per day. By breaking things down, you will be able to reach certain goals and milestones you set for yourself.

 

Accept, Process, and Learn from Shortcomings

Not succeeding is scary. When faced with a task that feels impossible, some people do not even try it because it is more reassuring and there is no risk of failure. We learn this at a very young age – a baby does not stop trying to walk even after countless falls. We can do the same. The less fearful of failing you are, the more opportunities will naturally start presenting themselves in your life… and you will be able to welcome them.

Embrace and Adapt

Whether it is working from home, having our kids attend school virtually, and/ or finding a way to live and work in the same space as others, we have all faced a massive year of change. What we have learned is that we are able to adapt in extreme circumstances. We have had no choice but to find a way. What can be less exhausting, and create a smoother transition, is embracing rather than resisting. What I mean by this is the ability to accept a new obstacle and be curious about it, rather than allowing it be a barrier to our growth.

 

How We Can Help YOU:

 

  • Mental Health: There are several psychotherapists on our team who are here to provide a safe place, and to give you the ability to speak to someone subjective about your issues or concerns. This is an opportunity to build a trusting therapeutic relationship, where you can feel accepted and not judged. We are happy to work with you in individual counselling, relationship counselling, and/ or family therapy. Each of our therapists have different therapy styles and client focuses, and we provide a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet appointment so that you may ask questions and ensure the therapist you select is the right fit for you.

 

  • Naturopathic Medicine: We have two lovely practitioners on our team who utilize conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools to assess health concerns and to determine the most appropriate treatment methods. Typically, the first session, or initial intake, is longer than your subsequent sessions, involving a comprehensive health history (a detailed family history, lifestyle analysis of nutritional status and eating habits, description of stressors, past medical history, history of injury, or physical/ mental/ emotional trauma) that may be impacting your wellbeing. If you are curious to learn more about how naturopathic doctors can help you achieve optimal health, please feel free to book a complimentary meet and greet with them here.

 

Most importantly, a positive attitude awakens happiness within ourselves and those around us. We have all recognized that we need hope, positivity, joy and happiness in 2021. We will get through this pandemic if we stay positive together!

 

Still finding it hard to think this way? It can be challenging at times to find a more positive perspective, and we can show you how. To learn more, or to make a therapy appointment, email us at info@balancedmindandwellness.com or 416-232-2780 to connect with a therapist in our practice. You can also book online here.

Finding the Good in 2020

Because we are now actively trying to block out all of the negativity brought on by COVID-19, we are able to find some of the light. Even though it may be small in comparison to the bad, there is good nonetheless. We are trying, more than ever, to be more aware of our mental health. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, and we are more open to acknowledging it within ourselves and to others. The psychology behind coping with COVID-19 sheds light on the importance of positivity.

 

Rather than focusing on what 2020 “hasn’t been” for you, try shifting your focus to what it “has been” for you.

 

UNITY. If anything, 2020 has created a collective experience for you to share with others. If you were feeling alone, there are more ways to connect and understand those around you. We have all struggled in one or more ways this year.

INNOVATION. Businesses have had to adapt to a new way of working and this has meant unprecedented levels of innovation and invention. While change can be challenging, it can also bring opportunities.

CHANGE OF PACE. Finding a way to slow down. And noticing that it is okay, and perhaps more effective, to do so.

SIMPLICITY. Finding joy in simple tasks. We now have a new perspective on daily activities, such as trying a new recipe, spending time on doing things for yourself and others.

ADAPTABILITY. There are many ways we have grown to pivot this year. One of the most profound is working remotely. As a result, there are less cars on the road, and more time with family and friends.

COOPERATION & SOCIAL SUPPORT. We are realizing the importance of staying connected. We were becoming a world of individuals, and we now realize the need to remain cohesive. More than ever, we are talking about mental health struggles, or speaking to a psychotherapist.

 

If you are reading this, you have done what it takes to keep afloat. Above are just a few of the ways you can find a different perspective on what may have been a very challenging year.

And you made it – welcome to 2021!

Still finding it hard to think this way? It can be challenging at times to find a more positive perspective, and we can show you how. To learn more, or to make a therapy appointment, email us at info@balancedmindandwellness.com or 416-232-2780 to connect with a therapist in our practice. You can also book online here.