In this episode, Akilah Riley-Richardson and I break down the key ways in which couples therapy can help you and your partner heal and grow through emotionally difficult periods. Your partner is neither your parent nor your therapist. Working with a professional to help you move through challenging times is one of the most helpful steps towards healing. Building a loving, cherished and interdependent relationship can be a prime outcome of couples therapy.  

At Wholeness and Wellness, we work with couples to help them build healthy relationships. Learn more at www.wholenessandwellnesscounselling.com or calling us at 347-1042. 

Let's have a candid discussion about self worth and how it's impacted by our relationships, childhood and gender. ‪#offtheauctionblock ‪#knowyourpower 

For some of us, the holiday period is a time of joy and excitement; but for many of us, the holiday period is a time of anxiety, grief or sadness. Anxiety at this time can be triggered by a range of stimuli - expectations of others, shopping anxiety, intrusive people, family gatherings that are stressful or perhaps you are reminded of people you lost at this time. Trishsanna Poyah-Rasul I are discussing ways to manage anxiety that can arise over the season.   Don't let anyone tell you how you "should" feel over the holidays. Be aware of your feelings and give yourself the gift of self-care! 

Don't be overwhelmed by the idea of meditation.  Start your meditation practice now. In this episode, I take you through a short meditation experience to tap into unexpressed and unexplored emotional pain.  Start your healing journey.  (Acknowledgement: This meditation is inspired by the work of Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist.) 

Drama Therapist Marissa Anya Messiah is discussing Ready for the World, an adolescent group therapy intervention that aims to build emotional intelligence among young people. Learn how creative arts can be used intentionally to build essential coping skills in a safe and experiential group setting. If you are interested in the next cycle of this group give us a call at 347-1042 to secure one of our 8 spots. 

Keshan Latchman, MSc. Clinical Psychologist and I are discussing mindfulness as a practice for developing emotional intelligence. Keshan describes mindfulness as an art and a skill that everyone can develop. Learn how a mindfulness practice can strengthen your relationship with your self and others in this video.  

Keshan will also be leading a Mindfulness Group at Wholeness and Wellness Counselling. The cost is $150 per session. Contact us at 347-1042 if you are interested. 

This episode I am speaking with Michelle McIntyre about the impact of child abuse on adults. In this discussion, she references The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study) which found that adults with childhood experiences of abuse and other types of trauma were at higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers. Many adults try to ignore or forget abusive experiences from their childhood; however, these experiences have far-reaching implications on adult health and well-being.  Learn more about how abuse can impact your ability to be a functional, healthy adult.

Karline Brathwaite and I are discussing self-harm and depression among adolescent girls. This is a phenomenon that mental health professionals are seeing at alarming rates in Trinidad and Tobago. Recovering from depression and self-harm can be can be a long process. It's important to be gentle and patient with ourselves if we are having these struggles. If you know someone managing self-harm and depression, giving unconditional, nonjudgmental support is the best way you can help.  

We are currently accepting applications for our next 8-week therapeutic group for girls ages 15-18 who are coping with self-harm and depression. 

Many parents/guardians shy away from the topic of sex and sexuality with their children, but you should be their first teacher. If you are not the expert someone else will be!! (Better you than another misinformed child or someone hanging out on the corner!!) Are you concerned about your teens’ emotional health? We are currently screening for 6 and 8-week group therapy sessions that focus on a range of issues. These include managing self-harm, coping with depression and building confidence and self-esteem. We are offering a number of groups for teens between the ages of 13 and 18. If you are interested give us a call at 347-1042 for more information. Learn more at www.wholenessandwellnesscounselling.com.