I am writing this post while vacationing in Mexico. It seems fitting to write about happiness in such a beautiful place. There was a time when all I thought I needed to be happy was all the things I didn’t have. Now I no longer pursue happiness. I appreciate when I am happy, but I appreciate more the times when I am at peace with myself and with the world.
Author: Jenny dereis
I am CEO and therapist at Validity Counselling in Prince George, BC. I have a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. I have both intensive and advanced training in DBT from Dr. Charlie Swansen, author of several books on DBT . I have also received DBT training from the Behavior Tech Institute, and from Sherri Van Dijk, author of several books on DBT.
5 Reasons for Mood Swings
Many of us are familiar with the slight mood swings that hormones, stress, or illness can cause. We are all capable of over-reacting occasionally and under certain circumstances. But for some people, significant mood swings are a part of their daily lives and it affects their self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.
Is it Love or is it Anxiety?
Are you in an intense, passionate love affair with someone that’s bad for you but you can’t let go? Have you distanced yourself from a friend or family member because their roller-coaster relationship is exhausting and hard to watch? Why does a person insist they can’t live without someone who is clearly making them miserable?
How to Survive a Verbal Attack
I was in line one day at the airport when a woman arrived late and wasn’t permitted to board. She screamed obscenities at the West Jet representative, startling everyone within earshot. It’s rare to see this kind of verbal attack in public and between strangers; it usually happens at home and with people we love. Continue reading “How to Survive a Verbal Attack”
Trust Yourself and Heal from Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is the fear of being judged by other people; but it’s not other people’s judgment we fear, it’s our own. If we can handle criticism and rejection without becoming devastated, we don’t fear social situations. Continue reading “Trust Yourself and Heal from Social Anxiety”
3 Easy Steps to Self Acceptance
For over thirty years self-esteem has been a top priority for educators and therapists. Despite efforts to improve self-esteem, it remains elusive.
Researchers now say we’re pursuing the wrong thing. We need to pursue self-acceptance, not self-esteem, if we want to feel better about ourselves. Continue reading “3 Easy Steps to Self Acceptance”
Does Someone You Know Lack Empathy and Insight?
Empathy and insight are vital to all social relationships and critical to our survival as a species. So why is it so hard to get compassion and understanding from some people?
Continue reading “Does Someone You Know Lack Empathy and Insight?”
Pain is Inevitable but Suffering is Optional
When I was eight years old I called a girl a bad name. She told me I was gonna be sorry, and I believed her. For the next three years I lived in dread; even after she moved away. Continue reading “Pain is Inevitable but Suffering is Optional”
Does Your Directness Get You in Trouble?
Sometimes a person comes for counselling, not because they want to, but because someone else insists they improve their communication skills. Continue reading “Does Your Directness Get You in Trouble?”
Direct and Indirect Communication Styles
Differences in communication styles creates misunderstandings between people. It breaks up marriages, causes conflict at work, and ends friendships. Direct and indirect people are often at odds with each other. Continue reading “Direct and Indirect Communication Styles”