Posts with the category “anxiety”

Awakening to the Joy of Small Moments: Overcoming Negativity Bias through Mindfulness
by Angie Kingma on January 1st, 2024
Embracing the Simple Pleasures of Everyday LifeHello, fellow health and wellness enthusiasts! As we approach the new year, what better time to explore a transformative concept perfect for starting the year on a positive note? In this blog, we're delving into a transformative concept: the power of noticing and cherishing small, pleasant moments in our daily lives. This practice, deeply rooted in mi...  Read More
The Science Behind Fall's Effects on Mental Health
by Angie Kingma on October 1st, 2023
The golden hues of falling leaves, the cozy embrace of a chunky sweater, and the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte — the fall season is known for its charm and picturesque beauty. However, beyond the aesthetic and romanticized depiction of autumn, for some it can also bring with it a shift in our mental well-being. Understanding the impact of the fall season on our mental health can be important ...  Read More
The Backpack of Worries: Learning to Unpack and Lighten the Load
by Angie Kingma on September 1st, 2023
It's that time of the year again. The aisles of stores are lined with fresh notebooks, vibrant pens, and, of course, brand-new  Read More
The Power of Laughter: A Mindfulness Approach to Health and Happiness
by Angie Kingma on August 1st, 2023
Q: Why do mindfulness students love going to airports?A: Because they might get a free body scan!Laughter is a universal language that has the ability to uplift us, connect us with others, and infuse our day with positivity. From a mental health perspective, laughter serves as a balm, a restorative force that reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting our mood and outlook on life. As t...  Read More
Walk and Talk Therapy: A Step Forward in Mental Health Care
by Angie Kingma on June 28th, 2023
As a psychotherapist with 23 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working with many clients, each with their unique needs and circumstances. I've found that not all therapeutic modalities suit everyone. That's why I'm constantly exploring different approaches that cater to my clients' diverse preferences. One of these innovative strategies is "Walk and Talk Therapy," a method that's been...  Read More
Embracing the Present: A Dive into Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
by Angie Kingma on June 1st, 2023
As the pace of life quickens, and with an overwhelming influx of information and stimuli, maintaining a healthy state of mind can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, amidst all these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of an increasingly popular therapeutic approach - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This is now an evidence-based 8-week program that now has decad...  Read More
A Deep Dive into the Transformative Power of Brainspotting
by Angie Kingma on May 1st, 2023
Brainspotting therapy is an innovative form of therapy that is gaining popularity among mental health professionals and clients alike. Colleague friends who have been trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting shared that they had been preferring Brainspotting, which prompted an interest in getting trained.  After two years and three levels of Brainspotting training and consultation, I am now a Certif...  Read More
Mindfulness To Help Cope with the Winter Blues
by Angie Kingma on March 1st, 2023
As the winter months drag on, many of us tend to experience a dip in our mood and energy levels. In some cases, this can develop into a more serious condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, there are some ways to overcome the winter blues, and one of them is through mindfulness. In this blog post, we will explore how you can use mindfulness to boost your mood, and also touch ...  Read More
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Strategies for Staying Present and Productive on the Job
by Angie Kingma on February 1st, 2023
Unfortunately, mental health problems are a growing concern in Canada. In fact, at least 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health  Read More
Bell Let's Talk Day - Attitude is Everything: How Flexible Thinking Can Improve Your Mental Health
by Angie Kingma on January 25th, 2023
As we commemorate Bell Let’s Talk Day, it’s the perfect time to think about what mental health is all about. Mental health is obviously a complex thing. It’s not simply the absence of mental illness symptoms but it’s about feeling balanced physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. But each individual is so different and what’s right for one person might not be right for another. That ...  Read More
Balancing Change with “Radical Acceptance”: Getting Unstuck and Moving Forward in Life
by Angie Kingma on January 3rd, 2023
Although at this time of year, many people are talking about trying to make things different, there is actually significant value which exists in accepting reality just as it is.The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change” ~ Carl RogersAccept myself…as I am??? (yikes!) This is a challenging concept for so many and for others it can feel impossible. Self-criticism ...  Read More
How to Prepare Yourself Now for Holiday Season Stress and Anxiety
by Angie Kingma on December 5th, 2022
The holidays are a time of happiness, joy, and celebration. But for many people, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you're already starting to feel overwhelmed this holiday season, don't worry, you’re not alone. There are things that you can do to tap into your inner peace and boost your mood before, during and after the festivities.Where does most holiday stress come from? What can...  Read More
Self-Care and Addiction Recovery
by Angie Kingma on September 1st, 2022
If you struggle with addiction, there is a focus on reaching out for support, whether that's from a 12-Step Program, online support group, doctor, or therapist. While formal support is an invaluable resource for recovering addicts, good self-care is equally vital...  Read More
Anxious Adolescence: Teaching Teens to Manage Stress and Anxiety
by Angie Kingma on August 1st, 2022
the adolescent years can be especially charged with anxiety as teens learn to deal with uncertainty, change and forming their identities. Their lives are full of new challenges and opportunities and these transitions can be stressful, especially around body image, performance, and peer  Read More
7 Signs You Are Overthinking and How It Can Negatively Affect Your Mental Health  
by Angie Kingma on June 1st, 2022
If you are one of the many people who finds themselves overthinking things, then it would be helpful to take a pause and slow down, because there's a good chance that you're negatively impacting your   Read More
How to Manage Social Anxiety and Increase Confidence
by Angie Kingma on May 1st, 2022
Do you ever feel awkward in social situations? If so, you’re not alone! Social anxiety often stems from a subconscious fear of people’s negative judgments, fear of rejection and/or fear of abandonment. It manifests as significant discomfort in and through the body, tons of negative thoughts and the urge to avoid or reduce unease. But, interestingly, no one can reject you without your consent. Shak...  Read More
5 Things to Think About Before Starting Therapy
by Angie Kingma on March 1st, 2022
Acknowledging that you want to start therapy can be a difficult step for many. A lot of people start thinking about therapy when they have quite a few things...  Read More
11 Tips to Skillfully Manage Anxiety
by Angie Kingma on January 1st, 2022
Anxiety can be a very common experience for most of us and can be extremely unpleasant. It is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease...  Read More