How to: Self-therapize

This week's episode follows last week's theme of healthy relationship maintenance as we identify a prevalent form of emotional abuse in relationships today, gaslighting. In this discussion, we define and name the behaviours of gaslighting and provide questions people can ask themselves to determine if they are being gaslighted. We also suggest how one can break unhealthy power dynamics in their relationships through direct action and, of course, through therapy, the cornerstone of healing in a safe space.

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining a sense of identity and autonomy within our various relationships in the different domains of life. In this episode, we discuss how to determine whether boundaries are healthy, why healthy boundaries are so important for our well-being, and a framework for setting personal boundaries in all sorts of relationships to meet our needs. Often, people may find themselves in relationships where they feel they do not feel safe enough to voice their needs. Here are various crisis lines in Canada if you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship.

In this special episode, Dr. Miller is joined by long-time friend and mental health counsellor Sharlene in recording a special conversation while on the Okanagan Lake earlier this summer. The two share their perspectives on how they understand grace as an act of gratitude, as a calling to be compassionate in life, the potential it offers for growth, and how we can connect with the idea of grace.

Feeling burnt out from work, a relationship, or other aspects of life? Join us in a discussion where we define and name this work-related stress syndrome, how it affects the brain, and finally, how we can fight against using scientifically backed frameworks or what to consider for a more individuated plan on how to make yourself a priority to battle burnout.

With fall just around the corner, people are headed back to school, some are moving away from home for the first time and are being called to adapt to new life transitions. Young adults today face the complicated challenge of finding their place in the world as they pursue an education that aligns with their career goals, or some go directly into the workforce. In this episode, we discuss some significant milestones associated with emerging adulthood, the challenges they bring. We also touch on some coping strategies that anyone can integrate at any stage in life to help overcome big life changes.

Tapping into our inner capacity to be hopeful and resilient has shown to be extremely useful when overcoming adversity and traumatic experiences. Join us as we discuss the power of hope and the work of Chan Hellman, a researcher and psychologist who has studied hope for over 12 years. Finally, we touch on what it means to be resilient and how to strive for post-traumatic growth.

In this episode, we discuss how to define and identify healthy relationship tendencies, how to set proper boundaries, and, more importantly, how to self-determine our needs within relationships. Learning to be in touch with oneself can open more opportunities to better connect with those around us in meaningful ways, whether in romantic, platonic, or familial relationships.

In this episode the discussion surrounds tuning into where you fall on the introversion/extraversion spectrum and how that relates to your capacity to be social. Instead of striving to be more extraverted in a fast paced world, a better approach may be to practice balancing introverted and extraverted qualities.

This week's episode involves a discussion surrounding "imposter syndrome," a phenomenon influenced by self-doubt where you may feel as though you are underqualified or incompetent in a role or position. By delving into the five types of imposter syndrome and how to identify the signs of each, we may begin the process of breaking down barriers and being kinder to ourselves and feeling more confident in our abilities. Above all, this discussion aims to promote inclusion and an open conversation where it is safe to be vulnerable and know that you are not alone.

Although this recording took place before signs of a looming 7th COVID wave for Canada, join us in reflecting on how to promote your mental wellbeing by finding a "new normal" way of living both as individuals and as a collective while navigating the mental strain of a global pandemic.