A Place to Heal | A Place to Grow
Our team of experienced, dedicated St. Albert therapists and counsellors are here to help you heal and grow through some of life's toughest challenges.
In this webinar, Grant discusses ways of savouring experiences as means of increasing our state of wellbeing. A brief discussion on things we think make us happy, but don’t, is followed by a discussion highlighting Grant’s journey to mindfulness practice. This webinar finishes with a Breathscape/Bodyscape Meditation, based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Read MoreWith so many changes for parents and children, it can feel like the world had turned upside down. In this webinar, psychologist Christine Crocker explores the needs of parents and children during this time, with connection as a key focus. She shares with participants some of the elements to a 'good enough' parenting day, to help add to your own unique recipe for daily success.
Read MoreThis new social norm to stay physically distant from others, away from our usual places of gathering, and to avoid touch in rituals of greeting and affection, is creating a sense of loss and anxiety for many. For others, their social connection has long felt awkward or absent and these new restrictions only intensify what was already there. Keeping connected, however, is important for our physical and mental immunity. No matter what your usual style, this webinar will help you stay healthy by understanding the emotion of loneliness and developing personal strategies to keep it at bay.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant provides a list of online applications that focus on the practice of mindfulness. The work of Tara Brach is introduced with an overview of the RAIN of Self- Compassion. This webinar concludes with a Self-Compassion Meditation adopted from one of Tara’s online meditations.
Read MoreIn this session, Dr. Rhonda Wizniak shares tips for reading with your children at home, including basic strategies to help develop your child's reading abilities and level. The webinar will also help you better understand the process of learning to read.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant provides some coping strategies for dealing with increased stress and anxiety, including the mindfulness practice of 5-4-3-2-1. This webinar ends with a Body-Scan Meditation.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant highlights some of the consequences of not being mindful and discusses some of the myths and misconceptions of mindfulness meditation. This webinar closes with a Loving-Kindness Meditation.
Read MoreBeing in a helping role can be overwhelming and exhausting during routine times. With the arrival of the CO-VID 19 pandemic, health care professionals and caregivers are facing more uncertainty, greater risk of exposure and added stress while caring for patients and our community’s most vulnerable citizens. In this webinar, Adam Sartore addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic can place health care workers and caregivers at greater risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. The webinar also offers strategies and resources for finding moments of personal wellness and navigating the emotional stress of helping during these uncertain times.
Read MoreCouples who function effectively treat each other with consideration and support each other. There is nothing like a pandemic to test the strength of healthy relationship. In these unprecedented times with increased uncertainty about the future, there will be moments (maybe days) when even the most healthy and high-functioning couple is going to spin out of control and perform below their capacity. In times of stress, like no other the ability to respond quickly with repair measures is crucial. In this webinar, participants learn that conflict and big emotions are not the enemies. Couples are introduced to the Gottman repair checklist and shown how the tool applied to real-life scenarios. When managed responsibly, honestly and with care, even the most intense stress, is something that can make a relationship stronger.
Read MoreDo you know your love language? What are the things that make the people in your life feel truly loved and supported? During this time when we are all being encouraged to socially distance, it is normal to feel some loneliness, and perhaps even a bit lost at times. In this webinar, Cynthia Smith offers creative ideas about how to have our emotional needs met, and experience meaningful connection with others, during this challenging time.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant outlines various types of grief that might be present for people in light of the COVID19 pandemic. The mindfulness practice of GLAD is introduce, as is the mindfulness practice of Self-Compassion, based on the work of Kristin Neff. This webinar concludes with a Self-Compassion Meditation.
Read MoreWhen times get challenging, personally or globally, anxiety often rises. In this video, learn how and why your anxious brain responds the way it does, and some practical tools for increasing your peace.
Read MoreWhen faced with big life changes and difficult topics, it can be challenging as parents to find the right balance of giving information and protecting your kids. The COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of uncertainty and brought with it significant change for families. In this talk, Lindsey McColl, of River's Edge Counselling Centre, shares ideas for supporting kids through these changes, while managing their emotional needs and your own.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Andrea explores the challenges associated with parenting and schooling children while maintaining social distance. Topics include structure and routine, managing family conflicts and providing emotional support at home.
Read MoreWe find ourselves in unprecedented times. The stress and anxiety we are currently dealing with is something most of us have never had to face in our lifetime. Amidst the uncertainty, even ten minutes of mindfulness meditation a day can help calm your nervous system, enabling you to find a sense of inner peace.
In the first webinar of his series, Grant provides viewers with a brief history of mindfulness, discussing what mindfulness is, including a description of the two types of mindfulness practices. Grant also reveals some of the research finding pertaining to mindfulness meditation. Included in this webinar is a short Breathing Meditation and a Gratitude Meditation.
This talk is for anyone searching to anchor themselves during this challenging time of social distancing, isolation, working from home, kids at home, and high anxiety. When we centre ourselves, it can have a profound impact on our outlook and on our relationships with others, including our partners, spouses, children, and our community. In her clear and gentle manner, Kjariene shares some perspectives and simple exercises for finding a sense of balance and centering yourself.
Read MoreThis letter was sent to all of our clients last night. It was a difficult letter to send, but I know it was the right thing to do. The silver lining for us is knowing that we will be able to continue to support most of our clients through this difficult time.
I personally want to thank our team, therapists and admin, as they have been working tirelessly to help us shift the way we work in such a short period of time. Your commitment to clients and community inspires me every day
❤️
And to our clients...we are here for you. Thank you for your patience as we move to this new way of offering services.
🙏
Isolation and distancing are needed to fight this pandemic...but already we can see it, that connection and cooperation is what is truly going to save the day. Encouraging everyone to keep reaching out to loved ones and those who are struggling, in whatever way you can. We've got this! 💚
Nicole
We are writing to let you know that as of March 18th, all of the counselling sessions provided at River’s Edge Counselling Centre will be offered remotely, by either video or telephone.
This difficult decision has not been made lightly. It has been made after considerable research and thought about the impact of continuing to offer services in-person in our office on the health of our clients and the community as a whole. We believe this will contribute positively to the goal of “flattening the curve,” protecting vulnerable people and ensuring that essential services are not overwhelmed in the coming days.
Thankfully, we will still be able to meet the needs of most of our clients during this difficult time. We understand that it will come as a disappointment to many clients to lose in-person contact with their therapist, perhaps even more so at a time when we are all more isolated. For others, it may come as a relief to know that they can stay connected with this support, even if they face self-isolation or quarantine.
The full extent of the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is yet unknown - but many of us are already feeling it. What we most want to communicate to you at this time, is that we are here for you.
While isolation and distancing are what is needed to fight this pandemic, connection and emotional honesty are antidotes for secondary effects of anxiety and depression. We all face this situation with vulnerability, including some of the reasons we reach out for counselling in the first place. But we also all face this situation with resilience. As counsellors, it is our job to create a safe space for vulnerability, for sharing difficult emotions and experiences. It is also our job to shine a light on people's resilience, and help them draw on it for strength and calm amidst life's struggles. The COVID-19 crisis puts us in touch with our vulnerability, but it is also an opportunity to experience our resilience.
Thank you for including us in your circle of care and trusting us to be helpful. Thank you also for your patience, as we take this big step together, and shift the way we offer care.
If you have an upcoming appointment, your therapist will schedule it as a video session at the same time.
You will receive an email with a link to open at the time of your appointment. We will accept e-transfers and credit cards as payment.
Please ensure you have a camera (computer, phone or tablet will work), and a quiet, confidential space to meet. You may wish to use a headset, but it is not required.
If you prefer to use a telephone, just email your therapist directly.
If you have any questions, it is best to contact your therapist directly for a prompt response. However, our admin team is also here for you (info@riversedgecounselling.com; text or call 780-460-0022). Due to the high volume of calls, email and text are best and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We fully trust clients to make the best choices for themselves. If video or phone sessions don't feel right for you at this time, that is no problem. Please just let your therapist know that you would like to hold off for now.
Given the uncertainty in everyone's lives right now, we have been very flexible with our cancellation policy and will continue to do so. However, please be mindful of how busy our therapists are trying to meet client needs. Providing 24hrs notice when cancelling or rescheduling, if possible, to allow us to make time for other clients, will be greatly appreciated.
When this situation passes, we look forward to welcoming you back into our space and offering the hospitality we enjoy giving to our clients. Until then, stay well.
For more information about video and phone counselling, including its effectiveness and the potential benefits/risks, please see our E-counselling webpage, as well as our handout Information about E-counselling and Telecounselling services.
Notice the impulse to touch your face and be intentional about the decision not to do so. It is not an easy habit to break, but possible with mindful practice.
Wash your hands. You can make this a mindful ritual, enjoying the warm water and suds; imagining it as a compassionate act towards yourself and others.
Notice any anxiety that arises in your everyday. Breathe, and focus on the present moment. Feel the safety of the NOW.
Cover your cough. Sneeze into your elbow. Or use a tissue, and toss it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipes. Use hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands. When we practice simple etiquette, we are offering protection to those who are most vulnerable.
Stay home if you are sick and be kind to yourself. Please do not visit the office if you are unwell, or you have been travelling outside the country in the past 14 days. As always, our 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply for those who are sick, or in quarantine.
A lot has happened in the past month, and even the last day. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. To date, there are 23 confirmed cases in Alberta, and the threat level remains "low."
The River's Edge team is committed to offering support to clients and our community, perhaps now more than ever, as we recognize the mental health impact of these events. We are doing everything we can to implement preventative measures to ensure our o ce space is safe and comfortable for clients. We are also improving our remote therapy services (via video or telephone), to ensure clients can have their needs met in most circumstances.
In addition to our usual maintenance routines, we are doing the following to ensure a clean, safe space at River's Edge:
frequent cleaning of surfaces, door handles, keypads, etc.
hand sanitizer in the offices and waiting rooms
washing hands between sessions
cleaning of toys used in play therapy
removal of magazines, pencil crayons and other non-essential items from waiting rooms
You can be part of the solution by....
Mindful Practice. Notice the impulse to touch your face and be intentional about the decision not to do so. It is not an easy habit to break, but possible with mindful practice. Wash your hands. You can make this a mindful ritual, enjoying the warm water and suds; imagining it as a compassionate act towards yourself and others. Notice any anxiety that arises in your everyday. Breathe, and focus on the present moment. Feel the safety of the NOW.
Etiquette. Cover your cough. Sneeze into your elbow. Or use a tissue, and toss it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipes. Use hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands. When we practice simple etiquette, we are offering protection to those who are most vulnerable.
Rest. Stay home if you are sick and be kind to yourself. Please do not visit the o ce if you are unwell, or you have been travelling outside the country in the past 14 days. As always, our 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply for those who are sick, or in quarantine.
You are welcome to use video or telephone counselling any time, for any reason. Just email your therapist to request. All of our therapists are trained and ready to use video technology or phone for any session.
We are here for you, even when you cannot be here!
Read more about the option of video and telephone counselling services.
Each year, Valentine’s Day offers us a day to reflect on and celebrate the joyful and meaningful of love in our lives. Whether it’s romantic love, love of friends, family, ourselves, or a loyal pet, most of us are lucky enough to have some kind of love for which to be grateful. With all this love in the air, it’s also a great time to examine what exactly love is in our bodies and brains. Love is one of the most profound physiological manifestations of emotions and interpersonal relationships that humans can experience. Love is also exceptionally joyful! This time of year is an excellent opportunity to celebrate that by investigating just how our bodies produce one of life’s greatest gifts.
Think about how love feels in your body when you experience it. Love is not just an emotion or abstraction - it’s a deeply visceral sensation. There are many different types of love and different corresponding physiological underpinnings to these feelings. The term “love” is kind of a catchall for a wide variety of distinct emotions and situations. The ancient Greeks had more than seven unique words to describe what we call “love.” They used distinct terms for love of family, love of God, love of the body, love of the self, love of the mind, love of a child, and playful love. Today, scientists who study love break it down into smaller parts as well, using terms like attraction, lust, desire, attachment, and bonding.
You probably already know that all of these intense and often all-consuming feelings are products of chemical messages in your body and brain. Without getting too bogged down in the nitty-gritty neurobiology of it all, human feelings of love are the result of complex cascades of potent chemical cocktails of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neuropeptides. That may sound a bit clinical and decidedly unromantic, but these tiny envoys of the body are at least a big part of what love truly is in terms of how we experience it.
The physiological sensations of love are dizzyingly powerful. Sometimes your heart races, your palms sweat, your mouth might go dry, and you might find yourself tripping over your words. Alternatively, love might wash over you like a warm hug and fill you with a profound sense of calm and complacency. Romantic love might send your hormones into overdrive, filling you with lust and raw sexual desire. Love of a child or pet might overwhelm you with warm and fuzzy feelings and elicit the need to protect and nurture. All of these sensations are some version of the physical and socio-emotional feelings of love. Each of the sensations is stimulated by a unique mix of biochemicals in the body and brain.
Some of the major neurotransmitter players involved in this intricate work might have familiar names: oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin. The hormonal components should be quite familiar as well, namely estrogen and testosterone. You may have heard of oxytocin; maybe you’ve even heard it called the “love hormone” before. This neuropeptide certainly plays a significant role in the human experience of love. Oxytocin is essential for social bonding, sexual reproduction, orgasm, birth, and lactation. It is a major component of how we bond with our young. Fascinatingly, the mere presence of an infant can instantaneously release oxytocin in adults. It is like we’re biologically programmed to love them! Despite the critical role it plays, oxytocin doesn’t do all the work of eliciting love alone. In fact, it works closely with a related peptide called vasopressin that doesn’t enjoy any of the recognition oxytocin gets. Often oversimplified as something like the molecular equivalent of love, oxytocin is just a piece of the bigger puzzle of how our bodies love.
We all experience love differently, and just as every love is unique, the physical manifestations of love vary widely from person to person and depending on the situation. Nevertheless, one constant holds true - love feels good! Humans love to love and to be loved. This phenomenon is partly because of dopamine, the body’s feelgood neurotransmitter. Dopamine carries out many crucial functions in our bodies, but a major one is invoking our sense of pleasure and reward. Helen Fisher and colleagues found in a 2005 study of people in love that their brain’s reward centers light up when they see pictures of their beloved. The area involved, the Ventral Tegmental Area or VTA, is not only associated with pleasure but also with general arousal, focused attention, and motivation to pursue and acquire rewards. Fisher, therefore, postulates that romantic love is not so much an emotion as it is a motivational system - one that drives us towards being with the one we love.
A true cynic would say that love is an evolutionary trick our brains play on us to get us to mate and take care of our offspring. Even the most clinical of scientists usually concede that there is at least a little more to it than that. Nevertheless, there is a strong biological and evolutionary component to love as well. Love is useful, it feels good, and it keeps our interpersonal bonds secure. While we can never truly know if lesser evolved animals “love,” there is strong evidence that several other mammalian species show intense parental investment and form lasting bonds with other individuals. There is even some evidence that animals grieve or feel profound loss when a partner or offspring die. Of course, human love, like other emotions, is more complex and nuanced than that of our ape ancestors. However, its roots are distinctly biological and reside somewhere back in the more primitive parts of our brains. Without love, even if all of our other biological needs are met, humans fail to flourish or report strong overall life satisfaction.
One of the best things about love is that scientists find that not only is it immensely enjoyable, it’s incredibly good for you! Unlike many activities that directly target your dopamine pleasure centers, love is one of the few with no downside (other than the occasional heartbreak, of course.) Studies show that love can have enormously positive effects on mental and physical health in both the short and long term. Love reduces stress and increases overall life satisfaction; it promotes feelings of well-being and joy and has been linked to longer, happier lives. It may even offer immunoprotective factors and reduce the likelihood of disease and hospitalization. Conversely, heartbreak and grief are also profoundly physical experiences, as well as emotional ones. Studies show that heartbreak can send almost every one of the body’s systems into overdrive and tax the heart and cardiovascular system through stress.
Valentine’s Day is not about chocolates, flowers, cards, or expensive gifts - it’s about celebrating one of the most joyful and profound parts of the human experience: Love. This Valentine’s Day, take a minute to appreciate the miracle of love in your life. Also, take time to marvel at how our bodies, as finely tuned biological machines, are capable of sensing, promoting, maintaining, and enjoying that love.
Carter, C. S., & Porges, S. W. (2013). The biochemistry of love: An oxytocin hypothesis. EMBO Reports, 14(1), 12–16. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2012.191
Carter, C. S., Ahnert, L., Grossmann, K. E., Lamb, M. E., Hrdy, S. B., Porges, S. W., & Sachser, N. (Eds.). (2005). Attachment and bonding: A new synthesis (Vol. 92). Mit Press.
ELEVATE_00e_Factsheets.pdf., from https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/ELEVATE_00e_Factsheets.pdf
Fisher, H., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2005). Romantic love: An fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 493(1), 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.20772
Goodrich, K. (2015, June 9). Your Brain and the Physiology of Love. Brainscape Blog. https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2015/06/physiology-of-love/
Love, Actually: The science behind lust, attraction, and companionship. (2017, February 14). Science in the News. http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/love-actually-science-behind-lust-attraction-companionship/
(PDF) The Neurobiology of Love. (n.d.). from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7752806_The_Neurobiology_of_Love
The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor Magon N, Kalra S - Indian J Endocr Metab. (n.d.). from http://www.ijem.in/article.asp?issn=2230-8210;year=2011;volume=15;issue=7;spage=156;epage=161;aulast=Magon
The Science Behind Falling in Love. (n.d.). Psychology Today. from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/loves-evolver/201302/the-science-behind-falling-in-love
Nicole Imgrund received an Honourary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from St. Stephen’s College in November. The honour was awarded for her work over the past 15 years in regulating the profession of Counselling Therapy in Alberta.
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