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’s missing to celebrating yourself, practicing self-care, and showing love in different ways. 

For those struggling with loneliness, Camille offers small, tangible steps to help you feel better. Learning to enjoy your own company and embracing love in all its forms—whether that’s friendships, family, or self-love—can make this day feel a little easier.

Find your own meaning in Valentine's Day with tips from this episode.

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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:

• Why goals can act like a compass, pointing you toward the changes you want to make. 
• How counsellors work with you to figure out what goals feel right for you.
• Real-life examples of short-term and long-term goals for different challenges.
• What to do along the way when things don’t go perfectly. 

If you're feeling stuck or unsure about where to begin, this episode offers guidance on creating goals that are realistic, empowering, and aligned with the life you want to live.

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 truly brings you joy, and focus on small, actionable goals that make a lasting difference.

• Learn practical tips for a mentally healthy new year

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 advice on preparing for parenthood, including setting realistic expectations, and establishing support systems.

We also hear from Chloe, a Calgary Counselling Centre client who came to counselling when the challenges of parenthood felt overwhelming. She shares how counselling equipped her with tools to navigate her emotions and practice self-compassion as she embraced the demands of motherhood.

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 role of empathy and accountability in their journey toward change. Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provides non-judgmental support through individual and group programs for both victims and those who have used abuse. Our goal is to support growth, rebuild self-esteem, and provide a path forward for those affected by the emotional toll of abuse.

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 practical advice on navigating relationships during tough times.

Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta invite you to take a moment to check in on your mental health by completing a brief, anonymous, and free online quiz at areyoufeelingok.com. The quiz takes only about three minutes to complete and is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Chinese, and Ukrainian. Check in with how you’re feeling and get help if you need it.

• "An Exposure-Wide and Mendelian Randomization Approach to Identifying Modifiable Factors for the Prevention of Depression"

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 reaching out to a friend, learn how tackling depression is all about building on small successes. 

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From October 7–13, Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta encourage you to check in with your mental health through a short, anonymous, and free online quiz at areyoufeelingok.com. Check in with how you’re feeling and get help if you need it. The quiz takes about three minutes and is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Chinese, and Ukrainian. 

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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 of a mental health crisis, and the importance of contacting professional or emergency services if necessary. We offer guidance on supporting a loved one through counselling and celebrating their progress.

Gain valuable techniques and practical advice on being a supportive, informed, and compassionate ally in your loved one’s mental health journey.

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When you’re feeling down, anxious, or not yourself, it can be difficult to take action and it may seem impossible to overcome these feelings.  

But taking one simple step can move someone that’s struggling in the direction of learning the skills needed to tackle these feelings. From October 7–13, check in with how you’re feeling with our free, confidential, quiz at areyoufeelingok.com. Take the first step toward feeling better. 

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

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, and encourage emotional expression.

How to Support Your Child: We share ways parents can offer ongoing support for their child’s mental health.

When to Seek Professional Help: We highlight when it’s time to reach out for professional support and what types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are often recommended for childhood depression. Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide a variety of therapies, including family-based approaches, to help children and their families navigate depression.

"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, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.