WATCH THE PRESENTATION

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ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

This presentation is offered by Registered Clinical Counsellor, Laura Roy, who has been working as a counsellor for the last eight years on a community mental health team supporting children, youth and families. She is passionate about working with families and including caregivers in treatment.

ABOUT MATTERS OF THE MIND

Matters of the Mind is a series of free online public events focusing on relevant and timely topics related to mental well-being.

We’re contributing to the wellness of all British Columbians by fostering community connection, breaking stigma, and providing empowering information to help people through complexity.

In these sessions, BCACC brings the experts to you, to provide collaborative and captivating conversations. Each session is carefully crafted to empower, inspire, and equip you with the knowledge to help navigate life’s challenges.

When will the next workshop take place?

Matters of the Mind presentations take place throughout the year and are offered virtually. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the next topic!

The post Top 10 Strategies for Caregivers Supporting a Child with Anxiety [Video] appeared first on BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

When people are not doing well psychologically, this impacts their presenteeism, absenteeism, morale, and productivity.

As leaders, we must practice what we preach. We not only need to talk about what a psychologically safe workplace is, we need to act in alignment with it.

In this workshop, Kelsey Grimm, an RCC passionate about workplace wellness, talks about the contributing factors of a psychologically safe workplace and what you can do to create it. 

Watch the presentation.

Video Resources:
What is Psychological Safety at Work? How Leaders Can Build Psychologically Safe Workplaces by the Center for Creative Leadership

Want more BCACC content? Check out our Youtube Channel.

About Kelsey Grimm:

Kelsey Grimm is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and has a Masters in Counselling and Leadership. As a counsellor, Kelsey has supported many clients working in psychologically unsafe workplaces and has seen the impact on people’s well-being as well as the impact on the workplace. From a desire to support those on their path of healing, she founded Healing Spaces – a group counselling practice. In addition to being passionate about counselling, Kelsey is also passionate about psychologically safe workplaces and believes this contributes significantly to the health and wellness of our society.

About Matters of the Mind:

Matters of the Mind is a series of free online public events focusing on relevant and timely topics related to mental well-being.

We’re contributing to the wellness of all British Columbians by fostering community connection, breaking stigma, and providing empowering information to help people through complexity.

In these sessions, BCACC brings the experts to you, to provide collaborative and captivating conversations. Each session is carefully crafted to empower, inspire, and equip you with the knowledge to help navigate life’s challenges.

When will the next workshop take place?

Matters of the Mind presentations take place throughout the year and are offered virtually. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the next topic!

The post Workplace Wellness for Leaders [Video] appeared first on BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Dive deep into understanding the hidden mental costs of toxic workspaces with Zakia Ovington, an RCC with over 20 years of experience in the corporate world.

Explore:

• the nature of workplace toxicity,
• the profound psychological effects,
• the strain on personal relationships,
• and even the unexpected physical ailments that arise.

More importantly, equip yourself with strategies to cope, heal, and advocate for change.

Watch the presentation.

A must-see for anyone navigating challenging work dynamics or organizations looking to foster a healthier, more positive workplace!

Want more BCACC content? Check out our Youtube Channel.

About Zakia Ovington

Before becoming a counsellor, Zakia worked in powerhouse companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and General Electric for over 20 years. Today, Zakia lives out her true passion as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a licensed counselor with the Washington Department of Health, and a member of the Canadian Certified Counsellors. Zakia combines her unique business insights with an unwavering dedication to emotional well-being. Committed to assisting individuals to navigate work-life challenges, Zakia emphasizes alignment with life’s purpose, genuine self-leadership, and emotional resilience. As a BIPOC woman of South Asian Islamic heritage, her diverse background enriches her understanding, making her an invaluable guide for those grappling with the pressures of professional environments.

To learn more about Zakia and her work – go to her website.

About Matters of the Mind

Matters of the Mind is a series of free online public events focusing on relevant and timely topics related to mental well-being.

We’re contributing to the wellness of all British Columbians by fostering community connection, breaking stigma, and providing empowering information to help people through complexity.

In these sessions, BCACC brings the experts to you, to provide collaborative and captivating conversations. Each session is carefully crafted to empower, inspire, and equip you with the knowledge to help navigate life’s challenges.

When will the next workshop take place?

Matters of the Mind presentations take place throughout the year and are offered virtually. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the next topic!

The post The Hidden Mental Costs of Toxic Workspaces [Video] appeared first on BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Psychotherapy and Clinical Counselling are unique and vulnerable human-to-human relationships. Embarking on the journey to become a psychotherapist opens doors to a world of transformative moments and the humbling, human experience of participating in another’s journey of vulnerability and change. One of the most compelling aspects of this career lies in its ability to facilitate meaningful change in people’s mental health and overall well-being. In a world where mental health is increasingly important from many perspectives, the role of psychotherapists has become pivotal. Let us delve into the numerous benefits of choosing a path in psychotherapy, focusing on the honor and sacredness of the relationship that offers opportunities to empower healing and positive transformations. 

There are multiple reasons that people choose to become a Psychotherapist and the decision oftentimes takes many years and complex transitions to decide to further their training. In short: It is a journey.  Can I invite you to join me on the journey, as you embark on your path to the profession? As a supervisor I ask supervisees and students this question: “What drew you to decide to become a clinical counsellor?” The answers to this question vary. Here are some answers from various interns and supervisees: 

“I always knew I wanted to help people. I originally thought it was through nursing, but realized in my undergraduate that the sciences were not for me, it was the ability to help people through tough times that drew me to the helping professions” (Intern at SFU) 

“Originally I studied to be a teacher, and worked in schools for many years, before realizing that there was more, I could do to support families and children who are vulnerable and struggling as an RCC with real experience of supporting high-needs children through their mental health challenges” (School Counsellor and RCC) 

“I was working for the Government, more involved in advocacy, and wanted to do more to support healing and health in families and especially young adults aging out of Child and Youth Mental Health teams. I realized I could do more the help heal people as a therapist, work my schedule, focus on the clients who most need my skill, and support their engagement with the system more effectively as a therapist” (New student in a master’s program under supervision) 

There are so many more stories of career change and development in the career than can be included here. In sharing some of these thoughts I hope to help you see that there is no one way to becoming a psychotherapist, and many “doors” through which you can enter the profession. 

In discussing the value of being a psychotherapist let us begin with a metaphor.  

A popular sport in Australia involves Rally car driving. It is a sport that is racing the clock on a prescribed gravel road track through wilderness tracks. It requires having an agile, responsive vehicle, a skilled expert driver, and a skilled and brave navigator. Your client is the driver, as the expert in their life experience. The agile, responsive car reflects their life experience, community, social, environmental, physiological, and family factors that affect their journey. The road map you, as the navigator use represents the orientations and modalities or tools, which inform your understanding of the client’s suffering, the process of change, and the role of the therapist in the relationship. As the navigator, your role is to pay attention to the roadmap, the signs, and the turns. In this way, you are informing the client of information on how they can respond to their world differently, and options for achieving their goals, supplying agency and autonomy, and trusting the process.  

So often we think therapy is taking control of the wheel, directing the process, and ‘informing’ the client on the decisions they should make. And there are times when a little more direction is indicated. But we must stay in our role as the navigator, seeing the perspective of the client by being alongside. It can be a wild ride if we, the navigators, are not paying attention to the signs, any turn, the need to slow down, and where the end goal is on the map. Counseling is so often about helping the client get to their destination of greater mental health and wellness in many aspects of their life and relationships. What does this look like day to day? 

There are common themes in the process of counseling or psychotherapy, and many ways that we can participate in healing and change that are tailored towards the individual. This begins with the creation of a therapeutic relationship, where the client can experience a safe, non-judgmental relationship. Dr Daniel Siegel author of “The Mindful Therapist” (2010), speaks to this relationship as an opportunity for the client to see themselves differently through the eyes of the therapist. There is an element of co-creation in these moments; of seeing the potential for change from ‘stuckness’ to freedom, wounds to healing, chaos to integration, fears to confidence, and a stronger sense of self that is emotionally and cognitively agile. 

The psychotherapist would do well to position themselves in the relationship from a stance of compassionate, deep curiosity about the client’s experience of suffering. The way people experience their suffering and the impact on their day-to-day life then becomes part of the conversation, as the psychotherapist works to put aside assumptions and bias and move in close to the clients’ experience. Psychotherapists also look to science, research, and various therapeutic models to understand what may be clinically indicated and informed that supports the process of change for the client, this supports people in exploring achievable and manageable goals for healing and change, with clinical support and tools that may be needed to facilitate that change. 

Acceptance, Growth, and Healing is painful. 

 At the heart of psychotherapy lies the remarkable opportunity to facilitate personal growth and healing in individuals facing mental health and wellness challenges. Psychotherapists endeavor to guide their clients to a place of acceptance, and readiness for changes in their world and relationships. By increasing insight, understanding of their suffering, and seeing themselves differently through the eyes of the therapist, people can move towards change and health with more courage and boldness. A corrective emotional experience can then occur for the client to experience healing and change in themselves. This change can potentially, more easily, be carried into the clients’ relationships. 

 Change and the desire and motivation to change may be fluid throughout therapy, and given this is dependent on the individual, psychotherapists need to remain flexible and agile in their responses. As people learn to let go of ways of coping developed under circumstances of stress and trauma, they then are faced with a transition, like a “Give Way” sign, that indicates something new up ahead. It is an invitation to pause and consider current coping strategies and to take hold of new ways to manage. This transition is often filled with fear and apprehension about the ‘new.’ Questions such as “What does this mean for me,” “Can I do this?” “What would this cost for me to respond differently” are all questions that clients face. It is natural for people to weigh up the consequences of adopting new ways of thinking, feeling, processing, and responding. As a psychotherapist, you cannot waver. Keep your eyes on the map, the signs, and the direction, and provide your client with the confidence to explore the way forward. 

Through a combination of education and research, deeper exploration, and training in evidence-informed techniques, and a genuinely connected therapeutic relationship, psychotherapists endeavor to empower clients to overcome barriers and face fears so healthy emotional processing can occur. Together they continue to work towards greater emotional and mental well-being.  

Resilience is hard if it means letting go. 

As I mentioned previously, by creating a safe and supportive environment, psychotherapists empower clients to unearth their innate resilience and develop effective coping strategies. This safe and supportive environment is the heart of the therapeutic relationship. As humans, we are wired to connect with one another. Relationships that are safe, supportive, and responsive are the emotional ‘Petrie dish,’ a potential environment where healing can occur. Psychotherapists, whether through cognitive restructuring, mindfulness techniques, or many of the therapeutic techniques based on talk therapy, empower individuals to face their distress. As clients gain insights into their emotional responses, thought patterns and behavioral tendencies, they become better equipped to manage challenges and foster positive change. 

When we talk about resilience, we often think this is about becoming harder, more rational, or developing ‘thick skin.’ We sometimes attribute resilience to being less sensitive. However, as a psychotherapist, I am more inclined to think about resilience as developing more tolerance for challenging emotions, not avoidance of them, or dismissing those emotions or behaviors. Resilience is more about staying ‘with’ an emotion until it transitions well, to a healthy emotional experience. It often means letting go of an expected outcome; a desire to avoid painful emotions and thoughts, and to learn new ways to process these emotions, thoughts, urges, etc. So as a therapist, our job becomes being brave enough for long enough for our clients to learn how to also develop courage, resilience, and persistence. This may be through the provision of psychoeducation, tools, skills, time to process new and healthy responses to challenges, and even rehearsal in real-time in the context of therapeutic relationship support. 

Breaking Cycles and Patterns 

Many individuals grapple with recurring relational patterns and cycles that hinder their emotional, cognitive, and mental health. These relational patterns can stem from a wide variety of influences and circumstances. Psychotherapists focus on identifying these patterns and sensitively and collaboratively work alongside clients to break free from negative cycles. By exploring the root causes of behaviors, emotions, urges, and thoughts, therapists empower clients to replace detrimental patterns with healthier alternatives, promoting sustained mental well-being. 

Personal agency is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. Through attunement, the deep therapeutic relationship, and adding skill-building, psychotherapists help clients recognize their agency, or ability to enact change in their world and shape their mental health journeys. This newfound sense of capacity and skills fosters increased self-confidence, allowing individuals opportunities to initiate steps towards positive change and enhanced emotional resilience. However, many therapists would agree that this is rarely a linear process.  

Let us go back to the idea of the map. As clients approach an intersection, sometimes known as a ‘liminal space,’ there is often a pause; a sort of taking stock of what the landscape is, how it looks now, decisions to make, potential responses, and new opportunities. As these transitions are approached, there is the opportunity to make decisions differently, experience emotions in healthier ways, and, with tools provided by the psychotherapist, turn a different way. Psychotherapists provide an invaluable resource during these times, offering steadiness in the face of these complexities. By providing relational safety and strategies to process emotions, manage and communicate emotions, and address anxieties, and transitions, therapists empower clients to adapt and change, solidifying their ability to cope effectively with future challenges. 

The impact of psychotherapy extends far beyond the therapy room. As clients embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, the transformative effects ripple through various aspects of their lives. Empowered by these newfound insights and coping skills, clients can realize positive change in their inner world, relationships, careers, and overall well-being, creating healing, integration of self, and resilience. 

The “Repair-ative” relationship being the vehicle to healing, psychotherapists also have the privilege of being part of a repair process to support the healing of attachment and relational traumas. 

Becoming a psychotherapist is a role that offers the unique honor and privilege of facilitating profound change in people’s mental health journeys. By fostering the healing of relational wounds and traumas, growth, empowering individuals, and helping them navigate life’s challenges, psychotherapists play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and mentally healthy society. The ability to inspire positive transformations contributes to a world where mental well-being needs to be celebrated and prioritized. 

The post Navigator Verses Driver: The Art of becoming a Psychotherapist appeared first on BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’. It may seem like a lofty goal, but at BCACC we believe that change starts at home. Our points of influence as British Columbians may seem to only extend as far as the borders of our province, but the work we do to remove barriers to access and break the stigma around the need for mental health support extends far beyond our own communities.

From the World Federation of Mental Health:

“Previous reports by the UN Human Rights office highlight that people with mental health conditions and those with psychosocial disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poor physical health and reduced life expectancy. Stigma is also a significant determinant of quality care and access to the full range of services required.

Discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace prevent healthy relationships, social interactions and the inclusive environments needed for the well-being of all members of society.

Mental health must be squarely placed in a human rights framework to re-cast the aspiration for sound mental health as a fundamental human right. Ensuring access to mental health services must be an obligation and responsibility of state and global organizations which can no longer be ignored. Access to better living conditions, security, food, shelter and housing are all necessary for people’s mental health.”

We hope you’ll join BCACC in raising awareness of World Mental Health Day in your own community. Here’s how you can learn more and participate in World Mental Health Day, too:

• Visit a BCACC-organized illumination event:
  • If you’re in Victoria, visit the Parliament Buildings at the BC Legislature after dusk. The Ceremonial Entrance, Front (Centre) Fountain, and Back (Centennial) Fountain of the Parliament Buildings as well as the Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall will be illuminated in green on October 10^th from dusk to 1:00 a.m.
  • If you’re in Vancouver, visit BC Place, which will be illuminated in green on October 10^th from dusk to 1:00 a.m.
  • Be sure to share your illumination photos with us on social media by tagging BCACC and using the hashtag #WMD2023BCACC or send your photos to communications@bcacc.ca.

• Wear green on October 10^th and share on social media by tagging BCACC and using the hashtag #WMD2023BCACC.

• Participate in the WFMH Right to Express campaign. The campaign hopes to bring forward a unified voice, highlighting how the experiences of people have been shaped by a lack of recognition of mental health as a universal human right, along with their perspectives about the same.

• Write your MLA and MP and ask that mental health resources be more widely accessible and equitable.

• Learn more about mental health and wellness topics through the Canadian Mental Health Association

• Download and share graphics for social media here and here. Some useful captions include:
  • Let’s break the stigma and spread love this World Mental Health Day! � Your mental health matters. Reach out, talk, and support one another. Together, we can make a difference. #WMD2023BCACC
  • Take a moment to check in with yourself and those around you. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s work towards a world where everyone feels heard and valued. #WMD2023BCACC
  • You are not alone on this journey. World Mental Health Day reminds us that it’s okay to seek help and support when needed. Reach out to a friend or Registered Clinical Counsellor if you’re struggling. Your well-being is worth it! #WMD2023BCACC
  • Today, let’s light up the world with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Together, we can create a brighter future where mental health is a universal human right and priority for all. #WMD2023BCACC
  • Your mental health is a treasure worth protecting. On this World Mental Health Day, let’s raise awareness and build a world that prioritizes well-being. You are important, and your mental health matters. #WMD2023BCACC

Together, we can shine a light on mental health issues and create the change needed to ensure all people have equitable access to mental health support.

The post World Mental Health Day is October 10th. Join the BCACC campaign! appeared first on BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.